A renewed programme targeting the relationship between parents has been launched on the Isle of Wight.
The Supporting Parent Relationships programme is the Island’s commitment to reducing conflict between parents — whether they are together or separated.
Negative impact on children’s mental health
Life is particularly challenging and stressful for families in the current financial climate and money issues often put additional pressures on the relationship and on their health.
Not all conflict is damaging, but when children witness adults who argue or ignore each other for long periods, it can have a negative impact on their mental health and life chances.
Important life skills for future interactions
As adults we are role models for our children, so if we remain calm and respectful while addressing any disagreements, it provides our children with important life skills for future interactions with others.
Parental conflict is very different to domestic abuse.
No-one should ever make you feel threatened or unsafe. If this is the case, please contact Paragon on 0800 234 6266 where they have a specialist team who can help.
Brimble-Brennan: We want to make sure there is help for anyone that needs it
Teresa Brimble-Brennan, Supporting Families project officer, said,
“We want to encourage families to identify harmful conflict and seek help and support at the earliest opportunity.
“There is a new Free One plus One digital resource available on our web pages which contains lots of useful information, videos and resources for parents and carers to access.
“They can access the resources themselves or seek support through the Family Hubs which have specialist staff who can also provide advice, guidance and courses for parents.
“Times are tough for families and we want to make sure there is help for anyone that needs it. We are Supporting parents through Supporting Families Programme.”
Supporting Families programme
The Supporting Families programme, previously known as Strengthening Families, focuses on the whole family and brings together the skills and expertise of all the council’s frontline partners.
The programme retains many of the aims of the previous scheme launched in 2012, including work to help people to leave abusive relationships, get the right joined-up support for those with mental health issues and help people to find work.
However, it has also been revamped and updated to reflect the current needs of families. Supporting Families is a national programme being delivered locally using government funding.
Quinn: Having to deal with problems can become overwhelming
Kelly Quinn, Supporting Families coordinator, explained,
“The Supporting Families programme supports, advises and offers guidance at a time when you are most in need. This can help you to make positive changes for your future.
“Having to deal with problems can become overwhelming. It can be difficult for families to know where to seek help and support that they need. Help will be different for each family and will depend on the support that is needed.
“The Supporting Families programme will be by your side to support the positive family changes you want to achieve.”
Dedicated keyworkers
Through the programme, families are assigned a dedicated keyworker, who works with every member of the family and brings local services together to resolve issues at an early stage, before they develop into more significant problems.
A range of services to help and support families is available, working with professionals and organisations such as Barnardo’s and Home-Start.
Support in a variety of areas
The programme can support families to address difficulties and concerns relating to:
- education;
- Early Years development;
- mental and physical health;
- substance abuse;
- family relationships;
- child abuse and exploitation;
- crime;
- domestic abuse;
- housing;
- financial stability.
Andre: They want to be listened to and have their problems and goals understood
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for children’s services, said,
“Most families tell us they want support and encouragement to build on their strengths. They want to be listened to and have their problems and goals understood by people who are well-trained and experienced, and services that meet their needs.
“The pandemic has shown what can be achieved if different agencies act as one and work together to support the most vulnerable. That is the objective of Supporting Families, the renewed programme to turn around lives and help families to achieve their potential and their children to thrive.”
For further information about Supporting Families, please see the Website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
