Help available for parents in Walsall who argue regularly

Friday, 23 February 2024 17:44

Walsall Council has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the help and support available for parents who are arguing regularly and intensely.

The council will be working with partners such as schools, community groups, health organisations, the police service, and making use of community buildings such as libraries and leisure centres to promote the help available from the council’s Early Help team.

Parental conflict can be described as when adults argue on a frequent and intense basis, and where arguments are poorly resolved.

When exposed to conflict, children and young people are at risk of poor social and emotional health and possible impacts upon their education.

Help and support for parents who think they may be struggling with arguing is available through the council’s Family Hubs, located in four different areas of the borough.

Trained professionals can provide one-to-one support to help families break the cycle of arguments, and work with families to overcome their issues together.

The council works directly with families, or through referrals, and has trained other practitioners across the council, or within partner organisations to recognise and respond to signs of parental conflict. The help is available to all families, those who are in relationship, and to those who may be struggling with separation and divorce.

Councillor Stacie Elson, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Walsall Council, said, “Firstly, it’s important to remind our residents that it is completely normal to have conflict or arguments during our everyday lives.

“But, in some cases, due to various reasons, parents may find themselves disagreeing or arguing often, in ways that are affecting not only them, but other family members around them too, such as their children.

“We really want to let families know that if this is something they think they could do with some help with, support is available at Walsall Council.

“There is absolutely zero judgement or shame in needing support, and our highly trained team have worked with so many families to completely change the way they work through conflict together, in a way that doesn’t have detrimental effects upon family members’ emotional and social health.

“Parenthood is hard, and relationships can easily become strained, so don’t be afraid to access the support if you need it.”

Support is free, confidential, and impartial.