Support for parents who are arguing (Relationships Matter programme)

South Tyneside's Relationships Matter programme is a 3 stepped approach to make sure families can get the right support at the right time.

• Step 1: Self-help, talking to friends / family or looking at self-help websites
• Step 2: Use our support guides to help parents communicate better with their partner or co-parent
• Step 3: Attend a face-to-face course (Parenting When Separated or Arguing well as a couple)

If you are a professional working with a family dealing with conflict, there is support available for you to help you with your role.

Support for professionals 

Relationships Matter workshop

Workshops are held on a monthly basis where we will support you to:

• consider ways within your role to support families who are experiencing arguments
• consider the difference between conflict and domestic abuse
• use the Amity Toolkit

To access a workshop email relationshipsmatter@southtyneside.gov.uk

The Amity toolkit

The Amity toolkit supports you to have open conversation with families who are experiencing arguments or conflict within their relationships.

It includes strategies, ideas and tools that are key to supporting families to achieve good outcomes.

Courses for families

There are face-to-face courses available to support families.

Parenting When Separated (PWS)

A group session suitable for parents who are preparing for, going through or have gone through a separation or divorce.

Arguing Well as a Couple (AWaC)

A 6-session guided programme that supports parents who are together to improve their relationship.

Sessions are for all kinds of couples such as same sex couples, families with adopted children, families where there is a blend of cultures or religions.

How to refer

Families can access the courses by getting a referral from a professional.

To refer a family into a face-to-face programme please complete a Request for Service (RFS) form.

RFS forms are available from and returned to relationshipsmatter@southtyneside.gov.uk

Domestic Abuse

The Relationships Matter Programme is not suitable for families where:

• a parent is frightened of their child's other parent
• there is an imbalance of power
• there is domestic abuse within the relationship

If you are working with a parent or family that is experiencing any of the above, please contact domesticabusereferrals@southtyneside.gov.uk.