“You don’t have to weather the storm alone”, is the message to parents or carers to let them know that there is support available if they are experiencing frequent relationship conflict.
With evidence that a child’s mental health can be affected by parents who repeatedly argue in front of them, the City Council have developed a programme to help reduce parental conflict through support services including relationship advice and parental programmes.
Damaging conflict between parents can be expressed in many ways such as, unresolved arguing, silence or lack of respect. Indicators show 12% of children are living with at least one parent reporting relationship distress.
The ‘Reducing Parental Conflict’ programme will help to avoid the damage that parental conflict causes to children through training for practitioners working with families as well as an increase in provision for support, and the enhancement and signposting of local authority and partner services.
Cllr Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Service said:
“With everyday pressures, some level of disagreement between parents or carers can be expected. However, there is strong evidence that frequent and unresolved conflict in front of children can have a negative impact on their health and long-term life-chances.
“This programme is about training staff to have those open conversations and for us to come together with parents, carers and families to offer practical guidance and help find the right support that works for them.”
If you are worried about a relationship with a partner, co-parent or family member please to email healthyrelationships@liverpool.gov.uk. You will have the opportunity to explore options for support and be referred to appropriate services.
As part of the campaign the Council are highlighting impactful videos and images which contain the strapline “You don’t have to weather the storm alone” and show the effects of parental conflict from the child points of view.
Please watch here https://vimeo.com/911481244/ddc6ebbfb5?share=copy
Help and advice can also be accessed via;
- Your local Family Hub
- Relationkit website https://relationkit.co.uk/ Developed for Liverpool families and includes advice and videos.
- Solihull online Parenting programme- Understanding your relationships. https://inourplace.heiapply.com/online-learning/course/53 Password is Purplebin
