Relationships

Having people in your life who care about you and support you is important.

We will help you to build, maintain and, where appropriate, rebuild relationships with people who are important to you. This could include family members, brothers and sisters, former foster carers, friends, partners, peers and other trusted adults.

We can help you identify the people who matter to you and support you to stay connected with them. If there are important relationships that have been lost over time, we can talk with you about whether it is safe and appropriate to reconnect.

Your Personal Adviser will support you to understand what healthy relationships look like and help you develop the skills and confidence to build positive relationships throughout your life.

We are here to support you and will always listen.

Connecting you with people

We can support you by:

• providing information about local groups, activities, clubs and opportunities where you can meet new people
• helping you build friendships and positive connections in your community
• supporting you to stay in touch with people who are important to you, including former foster carers, Independent Visitors, social workers and other trusted adults
• helping you reconnect with family members and other important people safely and at a pace that is right for you
• helping you identify and strengthen your support network so that you have people you can turn to for advice, practical help and emotional support
• talking through any worries or difficulties you may have about relationships with your Personal Adviser

We know that relationships are important. We will work with you to help you build a network of support that can continue to grow and develop as you move into adulthood.

Watch a video about healthy relationships.

Healthy Relationships Programme

If you are aged 11 to 19, the Targeted Support Team can offer a Healthy Relationships Programme to help you build confidence and improve communication skills. It also supports you in developing positive relationships with others.

The programme provides a safe and supportive space to explore relationships and strengthen self-esteem. It helps you to build resilience and learn how to maintain healthy connections with friends, family and partners.

The programme is tailored to your individual needs. It can help you develop skills that support your wellbeing, independence and future relationships. Speak to your Personal Adviser if you would like to find out more or access this support.

Online relationships

Many people make friends and build relationships online through social media, gaming, messaging apps and other online communities.

Online relationships can be a positive way to stay connected, meet new people and find support. It is important to make sure your online relationships are healthy, respectful and safe.

We can support you to:

• understand how to stay safe online
• recognise the signs of healthy and unhealthy online relationships
• manage concerns about online friendships or relationships
• understand privacy settings and how to protect your personal information
• know what to do if someone online makes you feel uncomfortable, pressured or unsafe

If you are worried about something that has happened online, speak to your Personal Adviser, social worker or another trusted adult. We will listen and help you get the right support.

You should never feel pressured to share personal information, images or videos, or to do anything online that makes you feel uncomfortable. Remember that it is always okay to say no, block someone or ask for help.

If something does not feel right

You should never feel pressured into a relationship, friendship or situation that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Healthy relationships are based on trust, respect, choice and feeling safe.

If something does not feel right, speak to your Personal Adviser, social worker or another trusted adult. They can listen, support you and help you access specialist services if needed.

Watch this video about consent and your right to say no.

Domestic abuse support

If someone is controlling, threatening, hurting or frightening you, support is available.

IMPAKT Housing and Support's Domestic Abuse Service provides free and confidential support for people experiencing domestic abuse. They can help you stay safe, understand your options, and access practical and emotional support.

If you would like help, speak to your Personal Adviser, who can support you to contact the service.

DASS – Tel: 0300 3731073

National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - 365 Days a Year – Tel: 0808 2000247

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.