£159,000 to support parents across Southport, Sefton and the wider Liverpool City Region

Councils across the Liverpool City Region are set to receive a pooled fund of £159,000 to support parents facing continued conflict in their relationships and prevent lasting impact on their children.

Designed to tackle the knock-on impact of parental conflict on children’s learning, relationships and future work life, the £4million Government funding pot will support 147 councils across England to develop targeted support for families.

From couples counselling to specialist learning tools, including videos and dedicated online advice, the initiatives will help parents learn how to recognise, de-escalate and solve conflict.

Frontline staff across Sefton and the rest of the City Region will get specialist training so they can spot the signs of parents who need help addressing frequent conflict. The funding will also be used to develop online tools and relationship programmes to help parents identify and resolve issues at home, delivered by Early Help Workers, Health Visitors, Social Workers and staff from voluntary sector agencies.

Wirral, Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, Halton, St. Helen’s and Cheshire East councils will receive the funding to work together as a cluster.

DWP Lords Minister Baroness Stedman-Scott said:

“Family dynamics are complicated, and the pandemic will have tested the strongest of couples. That’s why looking after the mental health of the whole family is vital to giving children the best start in life, and I want to ensure that help is available here across Liverpool City region and Sefton.“This money means better support for more families to help ensure prolonged conflict doesn’t negatively impact children or their future.”

Studies show that frequent, intense and poorly resolved conflict can negatively impact children’s mental health. From their early social and emotional development to school grades, with lasting impact on their job prospects.

The programme is designed to resolve parental conflict, not domestic abuse. Those in abusive relationships will instead be referred to specialist support.