Lions Campus

Lions Campus Leading residential and day programmes for teenagers and young adults. Bespoke programmes, expert support and hollistic approaches.

Supporting people aged 16-25 with mental health disorders, addictions, eating disorders and behavioural health.

10/07/2026

When treating eating disorders, a traditional family-based approach for anorexia nervosa involves shifting eating decisions and control from the young person to their parents during treatment. However, as discussed in this video with Dr Hayley Ponsford and Sophia Wybourne, treating neurodivergent individuals requires a different perspective.

For young people with autism, eating behaviors are often deeply impacted by control and sensory issues around food, rather than just weight, shape, or calories. Because of this, effective care means slowing down the treatment process, providing more warning and choices, and recognizing that they may need a bit more personal control over their eating decisions than a neurotypical peer. Adapting our methods to accommodate neurodiversity is crucial for fostering meaningful recovery.

Keep the grounding simple.
08/07/2026

Keep the grounding simple.

Burnout isn’t just a “buzz word” - it is a widely recognised clinical state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion...
07/07/2026

Burnout isn’t just a “buzz word” - it is a widely recognised clinical state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.

06/07/2026

Anorexia nervosa and autism may seem entirely unrelated, but they share a critical, often-overlooked connection: rigidity and restriction.

In this video with Dr Hayley Ponsford and Sophia Wybourne, we explore how the strict rules and behavioral rigidity seen in young people with anorexia closely mirror patterns observed in autism. Because of this overlap, traditional treatment methods often fall short. To truly support these young people and their families, the healthcare field is actively embracing neurodiversity—adapting services to create more inclusive, flexible, and effective paths to recovery.

It is okay to not be okay - pretending to be can be exhausting.
03/07/2026

It is okay to not be okay - pretending to be can be exhausting.

22/06/2026

“There’s no one way to approach it.”

In this conversation, with Dr David McGlaughlan, we explore how parents can navigate difficult conversations around teenage drinking and binge drinking culture in a calmer, more constructive way.

One of the key points discussed is the importance of checking in with yourself first before beginning the conversation.

Parents are encouraged to ask themselves:
• Am I feeling anxious?
• Frustrated?
• Afraid?
• Resentful?

Because the emotions we bring into a conversation often shape how a young person responds to it.

The discussion also highlights the importance of taking a curious, non-judgemental approach rather than leading with accusations, panic, or confrontation.

Instead of:
“Why are you doing this?”

The conversation may begin more openly with observations such as:
• “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending more money lately.”
• “We haven’t seen much of you at dinner recently.”
• “How was your weekend?”

The focus is on creating conversations where young people feel safe enough to speak honestly, rather than feeling immediately judged or criticised.

Because meaningful communication often starts with curiosity, calmness, and connection.

EmotionalWellbeing LionsCampus

22/06/2026

For many parents, conversations around teenage drinking can quickly become emotional, confrontational, or overwhelming, particularly when there are concerns around binge drinking or risky behaviour.

But one of the most important points raised in this discussion is that there is no “perfect” way to approach these conversations.

Before speaking with a young person, parents are encouraged to first check in with themselves:
• Am I feeling anxious?
• Frustrated?
• Angry?
• Afraid?

Because the emotions we bring into the conversation often influence how a teenager responds.

The discussion with Dr David McGlaughlan, also highlights the importance of approaching young people with curiosity rather than immediate judgement or accusation.

Sometimes, calmer and more open-ended observations can create safer conversations, such as:
• “I’ve noticed you seem different lately.”
• “We haven’t seen much of you recently.”
• “How have things been for you lately?”

When young people feel immediately criticised or confronted, they may become defensive or withdraw further.

But when they feel listened to without judgement, they are often more likely to open up honestly about what may be happening underneath the behaviour.

Meaningful communication rarely begins with blame.

More often, it begins with calmness, curiosity, and connection.

21/06/2026

“One of the things I would say to parents is: if you have a teenager or young person that’s drinking any amount of alcohol, I would be concerned.”

In this conversation, with Dr David McGlaughlan, we explore the growing evidence around early alcohol use in young people, and why understanding the underlying reasons behind drinking matters just as much as the behaviour itself.

Research consistently shows that the younger a person is when they first begin drinking alcohol, the greater the likelihood of developing dependency-related challenges later in life.

The discussion also highlights how alcohol use in teenagers often does not happen in isolation.

For many young people, drinking may be connected to:
• Anxiety or emotional overwhelm
• Loneliness or isolation
• Depression or low mood
• Difficulties coping emotionally
• Undiagnosed neurodiversity
• Attempts to manage stress or discomfort

Importantly, the conversation encourages parents to move beyond simply asking “Are they drinking?” and begin exploring:
“Why are they drinking?”

Because understanding what may sit underneath the behaviour is often where meaningful support begins.

FamilySupport LionsCampus

21/06/2026

Many parents feel uncertain about how seriously to take teenage drinking, particularly when alcohol use appears occasional or “normalised” socially.

But increasingly, research shows that the earlier a young person begins drinking alcohol, the greater the likelihood of developing dependency-related difficulties later in life.

In this conversation with Dr David McGlaughlan, an important point is raised:
rather than focusing only on whether a young person is drinking, parents should also be asking why.

For many teenagers, alcohol can become a way of coping with something deeper emotionally.

This may include:
• Anxiety or emotional overwhelm
• Loneliness or isolation
• Depression or low mood
• Difficulty coping with stress
• Low confidence or self-worth
• Undiagnosed neurodiversity

What may begin as occasional drinking can sometimes slowly escalate over time, particularly when alcohol becomes connected to emotional coping rather than social experimentation alone.

This is why understanding the underlying drivers behind behaviour is so important.

Meaningful support often begins when young people feel safe enough to speak honestly about what they may be struggling with underneath the surface.

17/06/2026

In this conversation, with , we explore how substance use among young people is changing — and why the picture is often more complex than many people realise.

While alcohol consumption amongst teenagers may be decreasing overall, there has been a noticeable rise in the use of other substances, including ketamine. The discussion also explores the role social media may be playing in shaping how young people view alcohol, behaviour, image, and social perception.

Key points discussed include:
• Shifts in teenage drinking culture
• Increased binge drinking amongst younger populations
• Rising use of substances such as ketamine
• “Transferred addiction” and changing behavioural patterns
• The influence of social media on young people’s choices and self-image

As the pressures facing young people continue to evolve, understanding these changes becomes increasingly important for parents, educators, and professionals supporting adolescents today.

FamilySupport LionsCampus

Address

18 Nottingham Place
London
W1U5NQ

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 6pm
Thursday 8:30am - 6pm
Friday 8:30am - 6pm

Telephone

+442076022012

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lions Campus posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Lions Campus:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category