Written by Ruth James
Based on my experience of working with separated parents, I have produced a new “Child first toolkit for reducing conflict between separated parents” and I am rolling out updated practitioner training through the SSCP website. For details of dates and times, please go to: Updated training for practitioners
FREE courses for separated parents in Somerset
Ruth James is running two free online courses in January 2026 to help separated parents reduce conflict. Both courses run in the same week so parents can attend separately.
Please share this with your parents and encourage any separated parents struggling with conflict to sign up. It would be particularly helpful if you could share the Eventbrite links on your social media.
NEW: FREE 5 week online “Reducing the impact of separation on everyone” (R.I.S.E.) course for separated parents
Whether you are newly separated or have been separated and co-parenting for a while, having a straightforward co-parenting relationship with your ex-partner can be fraught with difficulties. This is where we can help.
This new, evidence informed, 6-week online course is designed to give you practical tips for dealing with the day-to-day challenges of co-parenting, putting the wellbeing of your children at the centre.
Two free courses are running in the same week, led by Ruth James, Somerset’s Reducing Parental Conflict Coordinator. This scheduling allows separated parents to attend different sessions, making it easier for both parties to access support. The courses are designed to help parents reduce conflict and improve co-parenting relationships, with a strong focus on the well-being of children. Importantly, as long as one parent lives in Somerset, they are eligible to attend at no cost
To get more information about the course and book a place, please click on one of the links below:
Course A: Wednesday 14th, 21st, 28th January; 4th, 11th February 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Course B: Thursday 15th, 22nd, 29th January; 5th, 12th February 9:30am – 11:00am
Parents have said the following about the course:
“Very helpful in trying to take things forward in a more positive way with my ex.”
“Recommend this to other parents really helpful and gives lots of strategies and reassurance.”
To find out more about the help available for parents please go to: https://www.cypsomersethealth.org/managing_relationship_conflict
Contact Ruth James on the following email: ruth.james@somerset.gov.uk
Training for practitioners on reducing conflict between separated parents
Ruth is rolling out some updated training for practitioners on her new “Child First toolkit for reducing conflict between separated parents” toolkit she developed out of the courses she is currently running.
The training introduces a new flowchart to help practitioners use the time they have with parents to focus on the well-being of children rather than being sucked into the conflict between two parents.
