Family Hubs – How Can They Help Parents Going Through Separation?
Going through a separation or struggling with co-parenting? You’re not alone — and now, there’s more support out there to help families manage conflict in a healthier way. Read on to learn about family hubs and how they could help you.
One of the latest tools being rolled out across England is something called the “Reducing Parental Conflict” programme, now being delivered through new Family Hubs in many local areas. Here’s what it’s all about and how it might help you or someone you know.
What Is the Reducing Parental Conflict (RPC) Programme?
The RPC Programme is a government-funded initiative designed to help parents — whether together, separated, or somewhere in between — deal with conflict that’s frequent, intense, or just not getting resolved.
Now to be clear, this is not about domestic abuse. If abuse is present, completely different support services are needed. But for parents who are arguing often, struggling to communicate, or finding it tough to co-parent after separating — this programme is designed with you in mind.
What Are Family Hubs?
Think of Family Hubs as modern-day Children’s Centres, but broader. They’re one-stop shops where parents and carers can get advice, support, and access to services — all under one roof.
As part of a £300 million investment, these hubs are being set up in 75 areas across England, offering help with:
- Parenting and relationship support
- Advice around separation and co-parenting
- Early years help and child development
- Practical services like baby classes, feeding clinics, and more
They’re also offering Reducing Parental Conflict services — either directly or by linking families to local support.
What Kind of Help Can Parents Expect?
Support varies by area, but here’s the kind of help that’s often available:
- Short courses and workshops on communication, managing arguments, and co-parenting skills
- Online tools and apps to work through issues at your own pace
- One-to-one advice for parents struggling with conflict
- Training for professionals (like teachers or health visitors) to help spot when families need support and refer them early
The idea is to nip things in the bud — before small arguments become major legal battles or start affecting the children’s wellbeing.
Why It Matters
Research shows that unresolved parental conflict — even without abuse — can seriously impact children. It can affect their emotional health, school performance, and even their own future relationships.
By offering help earlythrough Family Hubs, the hope is to reduce stress for everyone involved — and avoid court proceedings unless absolutely necessary.
Does It Work?
So far, yes — especially when parents engage early. Studies from the first phase of the programme showed that families who took part often:
- Felt better equipped to manage conflict
- Reported more stable parenting arrangements
- Noticed improvements in their children’s behaviour and wellbeing
Many local councils are now embedding this support into their everyday family services so it’s easier to access, long after the initial funding runs out.
A Few Things to Know
- It’s voluntary – no one forces you to take part
- It’s confidential – it’s about support, not judgment
- It’s available even if you’re no longer living together – in fact, separated parents are one of the main groups it’s designed for
What Should You Do Next?
If you or someone you know is going through a tough separation — especially where communication is breaking down — it might be worth checking out your local Family Hub. They can direct you to the right support or offer practical tools to reduce conflict and make co-parenting more manageable.
And if you’re already going through legal proceedings, speak to your solicitor about how these services could fit into your overall plan — especially if you’re keen to avoid long, stressful court battles.
Need help with your separation or parenting arrangements?
We’re here to support you every step of the way — legal advice, guidance, and connections to services that make family life a little easier. Contact us to chat to one of our family law experts about your individual needs.