Training and resources for professionals

Reducing Parental Conflict

Parental conflict is a deeply important family issue, which impacts on families across our Borough. It is important that we do everything we can to help children in St Helens have the best possible start in life. 

That is why we have developed free essential training for professionals working with children, young people and families in St Helens. The training programme is available to all partner agencies and local practitioners who work with families  and is designed to improve the confidence, knowledge and skills of practitioners, using a whole family approach.

What is parental conflict?

Parental conflict is defined as a situation when disagreements between parents/carers are frequent intense and poorly resolved. Parental conflict can have a negative impact on the lives of children and their families. Conflict can range from a lack of warmth and emotional distance, through to swearing and shouting. 

What are the training course outcomes?

• Identify parental conflict and differentiate it from domestic abuse
• pinpoint issues which may lead to parental conflict or cause a decline in relationship quality
• have open conversations about parental relationships
• help parents/carers reduce the cause of conflict in their relationship
• decide which interventions are most suitable for family's needs
• get access to digital resources designed to help parents and carers who have conflict in their relationship

What have other practitioners said about the training?

"One of the strengths of the session was how the impact of parental conflict on the child/ children was explored and discussed. We know that in St Helens we don't always captures the lived experiences of the child and so including this in the session will help keep the child's experiences at the forefront of practitioners' thinking. My knowledge of services and resources to support reduction in parental conflict has improved significantly.  

The session delivery encompassed a variety of teaching styles so that different learning styles were met, and there were opportunities for group work and discussion, which helped to consolidate the learning. The session was informative, directly relatable to practice and enjoyable." Sarah Bowles, Safeguarding Unit, St Helens Council.

Book Now

All sessions are held at between 9:30am - 3:30pm at Sutton Children's Centre Ellamsbridge road, St Helens, WA9 3PY

To book onto a training date, visit the St Helens Safeguarding website here