Leeds City Council has joined forces with 14 other local authorities across Yorkshire and the Humber region to launch a new website that aims to help families who are having relationship difficulties.

The website, launched today (May 11), provides information, tips and advice for when disagreements and arguments between family members become difficult.

The new site, www.relationshipmatters.org.uk, will help people recognise when regular conflict may be having a negative impact on families, in particularly children. It aims to reduce this impact by helping families navigate common situations such as;

• Regular arguments and shouting
• Worries about separation/divorce
• Managing sulking, silent treatment and slamming doors
• Worries and anxiety getting in the way of managing everyday life
• Difficulty apologising and moving on after an argument
• Conflict via hurtful texts, emails, or social media

The new website provides tips and information to help families stay calm and work out what needs to happen, as well as signposting them to get further help where appropriate.

Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for children and families, said:

“Disagreements between family members are completely normal, but evidence shows that regular conflict has a big impact on children. This is particularly significant as we all spend longer periods of time with our families due to self-isolation, lockdown and social distancing measures. It’s fantastic that so many local authorities have worked together to make this important resource available to everyone and I hope the families who engage with it find it helpful.”

The Relationship Matters website focuses on relationships where things are ‘mostly respectful, equal, and cooperative but people are experiencing difficulties’. Sometimes it can be challenging to separate parental conflict and domestic abuse. If there are any concerns about controlling/coercive behaviour, violence or fear, families should seek advice from their local domestic violence services. In Leeds, you can contact Leeds Domestic Violence Service on 0113 2460401

Message from Jan Egan, CLP Women’s Officer, Leeds East CLP.