Working with families to provide the right support when it's needed

Support for separating or separated parents

Separating can be difficult for everyone involved particularly when it comes to parenting together. You may come across challenges in your relationship with your ex-partner that make is difficult to focus on your children. Parenting together involves lots of decisions and will change over time depending on your child’s age and stage of development.    

Advice Now is a first-stop advice service to offer you initial guidance mediation and more detailed information on the legalities of separating and divorce.

Unhelpful behaviours between separated parents
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Child roles between separated parents
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Free online courses that can support you

Getting it Right for Children

Separating can be difficult for everyone involved. If you feel you would like more support there are free programmes available through oneplusone that you can complete independently online. The programme 'Getting it Right for Children' helps parents develop effective ways to co-operate after separation. It can help you to develop positive communication skills, so that you can sort out disagreements and find solutions together.

You will learn:

  • how to stay calm and listen as well as talk
  • why it’s helpful to see things from a different point of view
  • what to do to stop a discussion from turning into an argument
  • skills for finding solutions and making compromises

To access 'Getting it Right for Children' click the link here Parent guide for England (oneplusone.org.uk) or visit the poster for further details.

Stronger Relationship online programme

BCP Council are also able to offer the Stronger Relationships programme. This six week course is also online but in the format of group sessions facilitated by course experts for a more supportive experience.

Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities understands the challenges of balancing responsibilities as parents and carers and offers flexibility to learn at your own pace. You can access course materials including thought provoking videos, games and quizzes at a time that suits you best.

You will also engage in weekly group discussions with course experts and fellow parents, allowing you to share experiences, seek guidance, and explore fresh perspectives; group discussions are offered in one hour morning, afternoon and evening slots to suit family and work commitments.

Register for your FREE place here.

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Harmony through family change

Free six week wellbeing and mindfulness sessions provided by Universal Mindfulness for families experiencing separation or divorce.

These sessions offer a safe and supportive space for children to explore emotions, build resilience and self esteem. Learn healthy habits to help their wellbeing through arts, crafts,cooking, yoga, meditation and dinner.

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Support for children and young people

If your parents are separating and you would like some support and advice visit Yuni a new chatbot who can offer you helpful tips and guidance. 

Your Direction Workshops for Teenagers and Young People - Get support with your parent's separation with our free five session workshop. A safe space for 12-17 year olds and 18-30 year olds to meet others in similar situations. No judgement, just support...”

Relationships and family therapy (RAFT)

For parents and co-parents where the relationship is under a lot of pressure and this is having a huge impact on family life for you and your children, there are funded Family coaching sessions available through RAFT. If you think your family could benefit please give the friendly RAFT team a call to talk this through.

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Additional support

At times it can be difficult to think about our relationships with others. If you feel you would like to access support for your relationship with your partner or ex-partner to reduce conflict, but feel you would like additional support to be able to do this we may be able to help you.

To find out more about additional support that may be available to you, please contact your local family hub and a member of the Early Help Team will contact you to chat.