County Council promote Parenting Together scheme

Family stability is key to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people, and maintaining that stability is at the heart of Essex County Council’s (ECC) work to reduce parental conflict and the impact it has on children in Essex.

ECC, along with nine other Local Authorities, has worked in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Early Intervention Foundation since 2015 to develop what is now known as the Reducing Parental Conflict programme – aimed at supporting parents and carers to manage conflict in a healthy way.

We all have arguments, but some parents and co-parents may argue more frequently and intensely, and often leave them unresolved. 

The current pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged periods of time spent at home, may also have increased existing tension in parental relationships which can impact on children and last through to adulthood.

However, Essex County Council (ECC) has been leading the way to support parents, carers and co-parents to resolve conflict more constructively through the ‘Parenting Together’ programme.

Delivered by Tavistock Relationships, the programme aims to provide individuals with the tools to resolve conflict and remains available to parents and carers in Essex during lockdown, with the option to self-refer for support.

80 couples have been referred to the programme to date – either through self-referral, or via a professional, such as their GP.

Cllr Louise McKinlay, ECC’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:

“Daily life can be stressful enough, but with the added strain of the pandemic, we recognise many parents across the county will be experiencing increased pressures right now.

“In Essex, we’re proud to continue to lead on work – particularly during these uncertain times – to reduce the impact of lockdown on parental relationships and to ensure that families experiencing conflict can continue to benefit from support.

“Often making a small change, or responding in a different way during an argument, can be the key to managing conflict more constructively. It also means children learn that having arguments can be healthy, if they are resolved positively.

“This work is around acknowledging that everyone argues and breaking down any stigma or barriers for parents, carers and co-parents to access help if they feel like they need it.”

Tavistock Relationships has continued to work with parents during lockdown, either through video-conferencing or telephone calls. Resources have also been adapted to meet the needs of individuals who may not have children, but who want to improve their relationship.

Anyone who thinks they might benefit from help with their relationship, or who wants to self-refer to the Parenting Together programme, can find out more on the Livewell website – https://www.livewellcampaign.co.uk/livewell-articles/healthy-relationships/