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Parental Conflict – Free programmes

Most of us have disagreements about things in our relationships – whether this is related to putting the washing in the basket and not on the floor, spending too much time on the phone, or what to watch on TV, having a difference of opinion is normal.

Not all conflict is damaging, however if those disagreements are frequent, prolonged, not resolved and not dealt with and lead to continual arguing, it can all have a negative impact on children.

There is a growing body of evidence that shows that children who witness adults shouting, arguing, ignoring each other frequently or for long periods of time, can negatively impact on their self-esteem, mental and physical health, behaviour, academic achievements, and relationships with others. Conflict in relationships can occur in all types of families: between biological parents, step-parents, foster and adoptive parents, parents and grandparents and separated and divorced parents to name just a few.

Happy Families, Happy Futures Devon can help

Happy Families, Happy Futures are offering FREE programmes which are aimed at supporting parents, both together and separated, to reduce parental conflict, develop positive communication and problem-solving skills, to manage emotions and create more positive environments for their children.

Family Transitions Triple P

Advice and guidance to support co-parenting and to deflect the pressure of divorce or separation away from children.

Within My Reach

Help to understand and develop healthy relationships and the positive impact this can have on children

Please click on the Happy Families Happy Futures Referral Form to request support. Once received, someone will contact you for an initial conversation to make sure it is the right programme for you.

Please ensure you have consent for the referral. Information around consent can be found at the bottom of the Parental Relationships page, which is on the Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership (Devon SCP) website.

ChatHealth Logo

Devon County Council runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-19 years called ChatHealth. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a public health nurse (health visitor/school nurse) within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the line reopens. You can also call our Public Health Nursing hubs on the numbers listed below.

If you are concerned about the safety of a child in Devon, contact our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 155 1071 or email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk with as much information as possible.

This page was last reviewed on 09-12-2022

This page will be next reviewed on 09-12-2025