Charity digital services sees 46% rise in demand for help with parental conflict

Parent Talk offers free online information, advice and support to parents and carers of children aged 0-19, or up to 25 where a young person has special educational needs. Its confidential one-to-one live chat and WhatsApp service connect people directly to an experienced parenting coach for judgement-free, practical help and emotional support. Its online articles also answer some of the most common parenting questions. Over 470,000 parents and carers accessed the service last year.

And the ‘Coparenting with a controlling ex-partner’ article was the most visited on the website in 2023/24, with over 46,000 views - a rise of 52% on the year before.(3)

Action for Children’s research analysed an anonymised sample of Parent Talk’s one-to-one live chats on parental conflict to try and understand these rises and discovered many parents were struggling after a separation because of ongoing conflict or abuse with their former partner.

Reporting high levels of stress, low wellbeing, and changes in their child’s mood and behaviour, they were often looking for support with co-parenting and contact arrangements, advice and reassurance, and help navigating other systems such as local family support services.

It’s estimated 3.8 million children are living in separated families in Great Britain.(4) Whilst not all these families will be struggling, the potential number of children impacted is high. Research shows unresolved conflict can have a significant and lasting impact on the mental health of children, on their future relationships, wellbeing and life chances.(5)

Action for Children's Chief Executive, Paul Carberry said:

"We know from our work supporting hundreds of thousands of children and families across the UK that good parenting and stable relationships matter. They can help protect children and give them the foundations they need to thrive. It’s vital we support parents who are struggling to manage conflict or those facing abuse from an ex-partner."

"Early help services - online like Parent Talk, and Family Hubs - are a great way to do that. They support families by addressing issues as soon as possible. This can reduce stress, stop problems from escalating and ultimately limit the impact on the children involved. Our report shows parental conflict is a growing issue that urgently needs the new government’s attention."

1. Ensuring all parents can access universal family support services – including a digital offer - that allow professionals to build relationships with local families and identify any issues as early as possible.
2. Investing in targeted support for families experiencing multiple challenges, including co-located, multi-disciplinary teams designed to offer wrap-around, coordinated, and targeted early help.
3. Integrating services so there's ‘one front door’ so all families know where to go to access help, should they need it.
4. Ensure communities have the right specialist provision for their local area, including specialist domestic abuse services for children and adults.

Action for Children Parent Talk coach, Ruth Duckworth, said:

"Navigating a breakup can be challenging at the best of times but can be even more tricky when there are children involved. If an ex-partner is controlling or abusive, or there’s conflict around things like childcare arrangements, it adds extra strain and can have a negative impact on the mental health of parents and children. If you’re struggling, it’s important to reach out and talk to someone - whether that be a friend or family member, GP or one of our Parent Talk coaches."

Chloe's story

Chloe*, who’s 36 and from the south west is a single parent to a child who has autism. She reached out to Parent Talk for help dealing with what she described as her ex-partner’s coercive controlling behaviours and abuse. Chloe said her child finds the dad’s behaviour upsetting, and often doesn’t want to visit him.

For more help and advice visit Parent Talk.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Anna Caines, Senior Media Officer: 07974 038 934 / [email protected] - Out of hours: 020 3124 0661 / [email protected]

NOTES TO EDITORS:

(4) Department for Work and Pensions 2024 Separated families statistics: April 2014 to March 2023

(5) Harold G, Acquah D, Sellers R and Chowdry H 2016 What works to enhance inter-parental relationships and improve outcomes for children. Early Intervention Foundation.