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Family Relationships

Conflict between parents is a normal part of relationships. In fact, seeing how their parents disagree is very important for children. However, when children are exposed to frequent, intense and poorly resolved parental conflict it can have a damaging and long-term impact on them. The information on this page is for you if you are having relationship difficulties.

Relationships

Being in a happy, healthy relationship may sound easy but naturally people change as individuals, particularly when life is changing around you. Life has been particularly challenging during the last year and it is so important to have a healthy and supportive relationship which will enable you and your families to live a fulfilling life in order for children to reach their full potential.

It is important to be clear whether you want to resolve conflict within your relationship or if you are thinking about separating.

Parental conflict and domestic abuse are two separate things, but it can be difficult to work out if your relationship is abusive or just in a bad place.  As a general guide, if your relationship with your partner, ex-partner or a member of your family is abusive:

  • they will want to hold all the power and control
  • you might be afraid of them
  • the abuse will have happened more than once, or you will notice patterns

Courses and support that may benefit you:

For further information on the courses listed below please visit Dewis Cymru.

Helping me, Helping You is a six session virtual group for parents of children aged 0 -5 aimed at strengthening parental wellbeing using techniques such as goal setting, mindfulness and relaxation.

Take Time for You is a six session virtual group for parents of children aged 5 -8 aimed at strengthening parental wellbeing using techniques such as goal setting, mindfulness and relaxation.

Family Links is a ten session course that helps adults understand and manage feelings and behaviour and become more positive and nurturing in their relationships with children and each other.

Blame it On the Brain is a webinar to support understanding of young people’s development, and to strengthen skills and strategies to manage vulnerabilities around sexual health, substances and relationships.

OnePlusOne

The Welsh Government has funded access to courses to help strengthen relationships and families. They have been created by relationship experts from the charity OnePlusOne. Use the link below to find out more and register for your free access to these digital courses.

  • Arguing Better
  • You, Me and Baby Too
  • Getting it Right for Children

Ceredigion OnePlusOne resources webpage

Ceredigion use the Signs of Safety and Wellbeing approach in all our work.  This helps us to identify potential solutions rather than focus on problems.  It also assists family members to identify and implement the actions that will achieve their own goals.

  • We work with people as partners
  • We take steps to protect and safeguard from neglect and harm
  • We support people to develop and maintain healthy family and personal relationships
  • We work with families to support their overall wellbeing and ensure their needs are being met

Useful web links for Families and Professionals

Useful materials for Families and Professionals

Ministry of Justice Mediation Voucher Scheme

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has developed a mediation voucher scheme, whereby a contribution of up to £500 per case/family to the mediation costs of a child arrangements case will be offered, and encouraging people to seek to resolve their disputes outside of court where appropriate to do so.

The purpose of the scheme is to promote the benefits of mediation and divert matters where appropriate away from the family courts. The scheme will offer mediation participants a financial contribution of up to £500 per family towards the total costs of their mediation. This payment will be made directly to mediation providers by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) which is administering the scheme on behalf of the MoJ.

Before confirming to clients that a voucher is available, mediators must make a request for voucher allocation, and receive a case reference number from the FMC – this is to ensure that vouchers are only allocated where funds are available. Full information about the voucher scheme can be found on the Family Mediation Council website.

How can we help?

The following services can help you if you are having relationship difficulties. It is important to recognise whether you want to resolve conflict within your relationship or if you are thinking about separating.

We can offer:

  • Access to free couples counselling sessions
  • Access to a free clinic for initial legal advice
  • Information and advice on the impact that conflict between parents can have on children
  • Support from our staff who are trained to work with families on couple conflict parental relationships
  • Information and advice for other professionals
  • Courses and webinars for parents

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