A 'Rochdale Relationships Matter' Manifesto for the Rochdale Borough 2018-2020 - #rochdalerelationshipsmatter
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A ‘Rochdale
Relationships Matter’ Manifesto
for the Rochdale Borough
2018–2020
#rochdalerelationshipsmatter
1
Welcome
We are the pioneers
of co-operation 4
Why do relationships matter? 6
When and where
matter relationships 8
So what do we need to do? 22
The Rochdale Pioneers - National Co-operative Archive
In 1844, here in Rochdale, a group of Everybody has the right to benefit
from good quality relationships at
businessmen and traders got together home, in education, at work and in
the community. People thrive when
to birth a global movement of their relationships are strong and
co-operation, pioneering new ways positive.
of behaving and relating that put This manifesto is a call to action
which seeks to set a fresh approach
Rochdale firmly on the map. to supporting good quality
relationships for everyone. It sets
Now, Rochdale is ready for new movement – a relationships out a bold, pioneering ambition
revolution – pioneered by a broader, more diverse group of for everyone who lives, works,
women, men and children, working co-operatively to support studies and volunteers in Rochdale,
their wider communities in developing a strengthened focus Heywood, Middleton and the
on relationships – seeking ultimately to improve quality of life Pennines – collectively known as the
for everyone. Rochdale borough.
2 3
We are the pioneers • Develop an offer of evidence-
based programmes and
• Aspiring to better quality
relationships for everyone
of co-operation
interventions for those who (students, employees, service
need it that is accessible, users, residents, couples,
timely and effective led by a families, adults, children and
This manifesto sets out how diverse group of people who are
committed to supporting quality
young people) that will enhance
their quality of life and improve
together we will… relationships. These people will their life chances.
include citizens and workers
• Build on the strong foundations • Raise awareness of everyone’s who will have the benefit of
we have in Rochdale as the need for quality relationships ongoing training and support.
birthplace of co-operation. and build a greater
• Call upon the community;
understanding of the impact,
• Deliver services with, and for, business and systems leaders to
positively or not, that our
the people of Rochdale, so that prioritise relationships in their
relationships have on so many
thinking about relationships is at areas of work and influence
other aspects of our lives.
the forefront of everything and consider the impact their
we all do. • Promote the values and strategic and delivery plans
foundations of quality have on people’s relationships.
relationships for all which
also outlines how this can be
achieved.
The manifesto will be supported by a clear action
plan that includes:
• Engaging a wide range of partners, communities
and businesses in signing up to the manifesto, the
strategy, the pledge and the action plan.
• Clearly setting out the rationale for a relationships
strategy including the national evidence base.
• Developing clear actions to be reviewed annually
outlining the ways in which we can support positive
quality relationships.
• Detailing the range of evidence based tools
and interventions endorsed nationally and
available locally.
4 5
Why do
relationships
matter?
Our relationships are one of the most People who are positively connected This is why it’s crucial that support
to family, friends, colleagues and their for people who need help with their
important aspects of our lives, yet community are happier, physically relationships, whatever their age,
we often forget just how crucial our healthier and live longer, with fewer becomes embedded in how we deliver
mental and physical health problems services locally so that relationship
connections with other people are for than people who are less well support becomes a normal part of day
our happiness. connected. to day working practice.
We therefore will need a whole system
Relationships make us content and fulfilled; yet poor relationships can also It’s not just the number of friends you
approach that recognises quality
make us feel sad, afraid or lonely. Couple, family and social relationships have, and it’s not whether or not you’re
relationships as a core shared objective
hold the key to good parenting, educational attainment, mental and physical in a committed relationship, but it’s
across all services and businesses.
wellbeing and quality of life in our later years. the quality of your close relationships
Support for relationships doesn’t need
with family, friends, neighbours and
Essentially it’s the people around us that will get us through to be just about specialist ‘relationship
colleagues that really matters. Living
life’s ups and downs. support’. There is a place and need
in any kind of conflict, being socially
for this but there is also plenty room
In 1938, Harvard University began following 724 participants as part of the isolated or being in a toxic relationship
for anyone working with children or
longest running study on human development in history. This study was is damaging and we know, through
adults to play their part and offer an
developed to determine what makes us happy. The study explored every extensive research and evidence, that
appropriate intervention where
part of who we are, from physical and psychological traits to social life and IQ, outcomes are not good when children
they can.
to learn how we can flourish. Findings from the study were published in 2012 and adults are exposed to this.
in the book ‘Triumphs of Experience’, with key results showing that happiness
and health aren’t the result of wealth, fame or hard work, but come instead
from the quality of our relationships.
6 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 7
During pregnancy
When and where lifesty le and
Pregnancy is a time of huge change in terms of lifestyle
relationships matter responsib ility for both
responsibility bot h the mother and father
parents prepare for a new set
fat her and also a time
set of relationships
relatio nsh ips with
wit h their
t ime when the
t he
t heir new arrival.
Relationships and their quality impact The whole dynamic of the couple’s The quality of the parent’s relational
previous relationship/s are about to experience up to the birth of their new
on every aspect of our lives but there change as the pregnancy brings a child will have a significant impact
are some key areas where the nature wide range of new considerations
including the kind of parents they will
upon the relationship they share as
new parents and the one they build
and quality of our relationships have be, if the baby will be healthy, will there with their child. This in turn will be
be enough money coming in and significantly impacted by their own
particular significance and where how they will cope with the demands relational history including how they
research tells us that relationship especially if there are already other were parented, their support networks,
children in the home. how they build relationships and how
quality and support, when needed, We also know that during pregnancy
they resolve conflicts.
has a greater impact. those affected by an abusive relationship
may find that things get worse.
It is therefore important that frontline
workers and employers have the
skills and tools to prepare expectant
parents for the changes and
stresses (emotionally, financially, and
relationally) that having a new baby
brings. Where a couple’s relationship
may be susceptible to relational stress
it may well become evident at this very
early stage and so we need to make
sure that those working with expectant
parents are able to recognise the signs
and offer help at this very early stage;
delivering interventions themselves
and referring to a wider offer
of support.
8 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 9
Younger children
Ch ildren learn about relationships
Children re lat ionshi ps by observing
observ ing those
t hose around them,
t hem,
part icularly key others and this will
particularly wil l include learning
learn ing how to resolve
reso lve
di fferences. Children
differences. Ch ild ren who area re exposed to frequent and unresolved
unreso lved family
fami ly
confl ict, experience significantly
conflict, significant ly worse outcomes than tha n their peers.
We have already acknowledged that These peer relationships are important
having a child is a highly significant in relation to identity, personal growth,
life changing experience which brings communication skills and social
about changes to a relationship that adjustment. It’s not surprising therefore
some couples are not prepared for. that positive peer relationships are
Orrell’s, of Drake Street Rochdale gave the pram to the first associated with higher levels of
More couples split up in the first year
baby born on 22/6/1897, Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee psychological wellbeing and self-
of a child’s life than any other time.
esteem. We need everyone who
We need frontline practitioners at this
works with younger children to help
Early attachment and bonding particular transition point to actively
them develop the skills to form healthy
support new parents to prepare for this
first attachment
The first attachment we make
ma ke with others is with our parents or other
ot her relationships and tackle the problems
potential conflict and to have a number
most important relationship
caregivers and is often viewed as the most re lationship in our
ou r lives. associated with conflict and bullying.
of strategies to cope when they arise.
Human babies are born very dependent on their parents. This will include professionals such as Relational patterns established in early
health visitors, midwifery, children’s years and childhood very often set
They undergo huge brain Our early years learning environment centre workers, nursery workers and the pattern for adolescence and as
development, growth and neuron and content have a critical impact school staff. teenagers begin to relate to a wider
pruning in the first two years of life. upon our ongoing ability to learn range of people often in more complex
The importance of positive peer
The brain development of infants (as as well as our learning styles. In the ways poor relational behaviours begins
relationships during childhood is
well as their social, emotional and context of relationships we will also to bear fruit during adolescence and
well established within research.
cognitive development) depends on a learn a great deal at this stage, both the transition into early adulthood.
Friendships provide children with the
loving bond or attachment relationship positively and negatively, about the Positive patterns or poor behaviours
opportunity to develop socially through
with a primary caregiver, usually a value of relationships and how to make become compounded.
companionship and shared interests.
parent. There is increasing evidence them work (or not) including how to
from the fields of developmental effectively resolve conflict. In the early
psychology, neurobiology and animal years we also develop crucial relational
epigenetic studies that neglect, skills, language and communication,
parental inconsistency and a lack of and how to cope with difference and
love can lead to long-term mental stress all of which form key areas of a
health problems as well as to reduced child’s school readiness.
overall potential and happiness.
Ashfield Road Children 1925
10 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 11
The teenage years
'Lonely Society’
The Mental Health Foundation ‘Lonely Society' report states that
young people
young peop le are more likely
likely to
t o say
say they
they feel lonely ‘often’
'often' and feel
fee l
a bout this
depressed about th is situation than the over 55’s.
55's.
This may be attributed to the Over 60% of young people attending Parents and schools need to support Tackling dysfunctional or non-
fact that peer relationships are CAMHS services reported bullying young people in developing the supportive relationships in the
significantly more important than as an important reason for their necessary skills and awareness to build teenage years is crucially important
other relationships, including family, attendance. The Mental Health positive healthy relationships and to to establishing a firm foundation,
at this stage of life. Adolescence Foundation 2015 ‘Ditch the Label’ said detect potentially harmful relationships setting effective relational patterns
is characterised by significant that of those bullied, 30% had suicidal and friendships. Schools and further and developing an individual’s
psychological, social and physical thoughts; 29% had self-harmed, 27% education institutions should promote relational confidence for adulthood. If
transitions during which identity and skipped school; 14% had used drugs/ pro-social behaviour and anti- adolescence is where poor relational
a sense of self-worth are formed, alcohol; 14% had developed eating discriminatory attitudes and take firm patterns begin to bear fruit, adulthood
where we begin to shape our future disorders and 12% had run away from action to prevent and tackle bullying, is where they are fully realised and
social world. Higher rates of mental home. and abuse in all its forms. often repeated to the next generation.
health problems including anxiety
Children and young people spend
and depression are associated
significant amounts of their time
with loneliness, isolation and social
in education and we therefore
rejection during adolescence.
need to recognise the impact
During this relatively turbulent time good or poor relationships with
relational conflict and instability can their teachers can have on their
be at their highest. In 2015, 43% of whole school experience and their
young people aged 10 to 15 in the sense of well-being. Good quality
UK reported having been bullied and teacher-pupil relationships are
they reported the impact as being central factors in the child’s successful
a lower sense of wellbeing and life development, not only in terms of
satisfaction. Bullying has always been academic achievement, but also in
a particular issue in the adolescent the development of positive social
years but in recent years new forms skills, social adjustment and future
of bullying have emerged using attainment.
online and digital media;
cyber-bullying and sexting. Halifax Road Council School, Rochdale, 1907
12 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 13
Adulthood However whilst relationships can have The DWP in their 2017 report
positive benefits for all aspects of (‘Improving Lives – Helping workless
t he nature
For many adults, the nat ure of their
t heir relationships
relat ionships change radically, the couple’s health it is important to families’) naming parental conflict as a
t hey progress into adulthood.
as they adulthood . recognise that being in a poor quality key concern to a wide range of public
relationship can be more destructive services alongside worklessness and
The informal networks of adolescence diminish and the social world becomes
dominated by couple relationships, new families, and workplace friendships. than not being in a relationship at all. family debt.
Where individuals don’t have employment and also where they don’t form or Intimate partner violence and As a result of their findings the DWP
join a new family then often they gradually and increasingly become socially domestic abuse is a significant issue and partners have launched an
isolated. Life transitions such as family breakdown, changing or losing jobs,
impacting on high numbers of adults innovative programme aimed at
bereavement and divorce can also have significant and lasting impact on an
and children on a daily basis. In 2013/14 reducing parental conflict by delivering
individual’s social network or relative isolation. The different ways men and
it is estimated that there were over a local offer of evidence–based
women form and use friendships also become clearer throughout adulthood
1.4 million female victims of DVA in interventions designed to help couples
often leaving men with less friends and less support than women. Social isolation
England and Wales with a further and parents access the right support
is the most reliable predictor for issues around self-neglect, self-abuse and
59,000 incidents reported in Scotland when they need it before things get
suicidal tendencies and this is particularly so for men aged 40+ which is when
and 13,000 in Northern Ireland. worse – and that this offer should
the poverty of their friendships and social networks begins to have an impact.
include parents who have separated as
In 2014, reported family breakdown
well as those remaining together.
and DVA cost an estimated £46 billion
Couple relationships a year to the public purse according The DWP and all agencies linked to
to the Relationship Alliance. There will their new programme are promoting
re lat ionsh ips have changed
The nature and impact of couple relationships
also be a higher number of family training to a wide range of frontline
radica lly in the last 50
radically 50 or more years.
conflict incidents not reported. The staff and volunteers that will enable
Fewer couples are getting married Being in a stable positive relationship Relationships Alliance concluded them to recognise relationship distress,
and the divorce rate is higher (42% in is closely linked to good physical that relationships are a public health offer support where appropriate and
2015), more couples are co-habiting and mental health and low morbidity concern of vital importance. connect to more specialised support
and there has been a significant and mortality. A good consistent when needed. In Rochdale we fully
increase in same sex couples. Serial relationship is linked to greater life support and welcome this work.
monogamy characterises the current satisfaction, less stress, lower blood
pattern. Despite the increased flexibility pressure and generally better health.
in couple types, conflict remains a Similarly, living as a couple results
major issue, with increasing numbers in less cognitive impairment in later
of adults living alone (particularly life. In many ways being in a stable
men) and a significant increase in lone and positive relationship creates a
parents (particularly women). protective factor for the individuals
concerned.
National Co-operative Archive
14 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 15
Relationships at work Parents may not be married, with We want frontline professionals, who
3.3 million couples with children under already work with families, such as
Accord ing to a 2014 report
According report by Relate,
Rela t e, most workers
wor kers spend
spe nd more
m ore time
t ime 18 cohabiting. In an ever changing, social workers and health visitors, to
w ith their
with t heir colleagues
colleag ues than with
wit h family
fam ily and
a nd friends.
frie nds. Good workplace modern society we need to ensure have the skills and tools to be able to
rela t io nships are therefore
relationships t herefo re key
key to a person’s
person's wellbeing
wellbeing and job that regardless of who you call ‘family’ support the adults and their children
satisfactio n which
satisfaction wh ich also
a lso impacts on productivity.
p rod uctivi ty. you have the best relationships you through these tough times Therefore,
can. A quarter of all families now live in families don’t feel they need to resort
Employers need to consider the overall wellbeing of the people within their
mother only households. 7% of children to the family courts in the first instance
teams and organisations and how people get along with and support each
live with grandparents and more because of a lack of alternative help.
other. It is crucial that employers and managers set the tone for the quality of
children than ever are living as part of
relationships in the workplace. Research tells us that when people leave a place We know that family life can be
a ‘blended family’. In Rochdale, there
of work, they more often leave poor work relationships particularly with their challenging, and whatever family
manager rather than the job itself. are currently 458 children who are
structure we live in, it’s the degree of
cared for by the local authority and will
Employers and managers play a key role in developing the workforce to support harmony that is more predictive of
be living with someone other than their
each other through times of difficulty such as family stresses and breakdown, our mental well-being, than the family
birth parents.
domestic abuse, bereavement and loss. Employers and managers will have structure itself. We therefore need
access to a range of training opportunities and toolkits that will help to better to make sure that families have the
We know from research that family
support and develop their employees. best possible support to help them
breakdown is very costly, both in
through the difficult times. In order to
Another work related area impacting on and affected by relationships are those human and fiscal terms. We noted
do this, we need to train the workforce
between organisations and their customer base. This is particularly so for public earlier, that in 2014 the Relationships
in the use of a range of toolkits and
service bodies and their ‘harder to reach’ service users. Alliance estimated that family
programmes that we know can help.
breakdown cost £46 billion to public
We will make sure that the workforce
services in one year and that a
have the skills to enquire about the
Family life large degree of this was avoidable if
quality of relationships between
interventions had been offered earlier.
Fa m ily life
Family li fe means
m eans different
different parents - whether they are together or
Evidence tells us that children aren’t
d iffe rent people.
things to different not - and between the children in
so much affected by the fact that
Stat istica lly, what
Statistically, w hat people the family.
their parents split up, but by how they
refer to as their familyfam ily is behaved towards each other and their Again, within our wider offer we would
mu ch more varied
much var ied now than
t han children before, during and after the want to include more widely available
it was in 1960 when 85%
it split. Far too many children don’t see mediation interventions, convening
of families
fami lies were made up their non-resident parent because family problem solving processes
child ren living
of children liv ing with
wit h two of conflict and this is a situation that and interventions for families where
married parents. This has needs to change. children are violent, abusive or
fa llen to 65% in 2015.
fallen controlling towards their parents or
other caregivers.
16 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 17
The later years
fami ly and work relationships
Having already established how important couple, family Seven out of ten young people report being the victim of cyber-bullying; a high
that as people enter later life, family
are in adult life, it becomes clear that family breakdown, proportion of grooming for sexual exploitation takes place on line and sexting,
separat ion and retirement
divorce, separation retirement create a much bigger potential
potentia l for isolation. revenge texts and trolling are on the increase. High proportions particularly of young
people’s social media’s ‘friends’ are not people they meet regularly or at all and not
An Age UK report in 2014, stated that 3.6 million over 65’s live alone and the
likely to be ‘friends’ who will provide support in a crisis.
number of older people in our population is increasing. This stage of life brings
about changes in the roles and responsibilities that individuals have. While many Research also indicates that however positive online relationships can be
people are able to continue to play an active role well in later life, loneliness and they cannot replace offline face-to-face interactions.
social isolation in this age group is higher than in any other period across life.
Age UK report that 1.2 million people over 50 reported that they felt lonely and
socially excluded from society. Conversely we have also noted that increasingly
grandparents are playing more of a role in caring for their grandchildren,
including becoming the main carer. Family courts are also reporting an increase
in grandparents using the court system to gain access to their grandchildren
following relationship breakdown.
Services for older people, as well as communities, generally need to be more
focussed and creative in designing opportunities, not only to increase social
networks for older people, but also to include them in mixed age communities
where others can benefit from the wealth of their life experience.
Online relationships
reported that
In 2014 it was reported that 38 million adults accessed the internet daily (76%).
For young people and a large proportion of the adult population, social media has
become a major medium for initiating, maintaining and building relationships.
Early research indicates that this is having positive impact for the majority
in terms of improved social networks and a sense of connectedness. For the
over 65’s, however, 39% reported (in 2015) not having internet access and even
higher proportions report not using the variety of social media platforms for
communicating and keeping in touch.
There are also dangers inherent in the anonymity of the internet: we can relate
‘virtually’ to people who aren’t actually who they claim to be and can be an actual
threat to people’s safety and wellbeing.
Mr and Mrs Edmund Fitton, Rochdale
18 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 19In our communities
about the changing
We know more about changing dynamics
d yna mics of relationships
relat ionships
comm unit ies, we’ve
amongst communities, we've worked
worked with citizens to define
cooperat ion in our neighbourhoods.
cooperation
A sense of belonging and cohesion is 2014 saw 3 million internal migrations
important to our health and well-being. between local authority areas, an
Knowing you belong in a community increase of 5% from 2013.
is linked to a stronger sense of social We know from research that social
identity and feeling connected which and geographical mobility means that
increases psychological and social families are now more widely spread
wellbeing. previous generations and can have less
Being cooperative, the presence regular contact than people now have
of trust, love and hope within with friends and neighbours.
communities is vital to the overall We’ve a clear and developing vision of
wellbeing of our borough, which what strong relationships would be like
we seek to measure. In 2014 the in our communities, co-designed with a
Community Life Survey found that 85% dedicated group of citizens. By working
of over 16 year olds in England felt their cooperatively, and co-designing
community was cohesive, an increase actions, we will build hope and trust,
from 80% in 2003. tackle the challenges that exist and
We feel that building on this strength strengthen the good practice.
can only draw out the benefits of a
cooperative society.
We know that where there are
neighbourhood disputes and
anti-social behaviour cooperation and
social action is negatively affected,
along with individual wellbeing and
higher costs for public services.
Community dispute resolution
interventions need developing and
promoting to lessen impact and cost.
The presentation of the Freedom of the Borough to Gracie Fields, 19th May 1937
20 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 21A pledge and an action plan
So what do we In order to deliver the strategy, we will need a wide range of
need to do? agencies and groups to detail specifically what they will do, who will
be responsible for making it happen and within which time frame.
The lead group will develop and monitor the action plan which will
How will we make a difference? be updated annually.
Partner agencies will also sign up to a pledge, stating their intent to
The evidence is clear and indisputable: deliver the strategy via the action plan and to contribute to the lead
groups steering, reporting and monitoring activities.
good quality relationships not only give
our lives meaning; they are also critical Develop a clear strategy
to a vast array of outcomes, positive This document also incorporates a strategy - flowing from the call to
action is the clear outline of what we need to do and why.
and negative, for everyone concerned.
Our strategic objectives are listed at the beginning of this document.
The quality of our relationships is of interest to every single
resident in the borough, as well as to strategic system leaders and
policymakers. We therefore need to embed a new comprehensive
approach to relationships across our communities and the agencies
that serve them; a wholesale culture change that works from senior
leaders to the grass roots – as well as bottom up.
Launch a manifesto that everyone
can sign up to and feel part of
Establishing new approaches and embedding wholesale culture change
is a massive process that needs to be pursued over a significant period of
time, engaging a wide range of partners at all levels. It is for this reason
that we have decided to use the title of Manifesto – ‘a public declaration
of intent’ that encompasses values and beliefs, as well as aims and actions.
A manifesto also represents a call to action in a new area of focus where
pioneering, entrepreneurial and experimental work is needed.
A Rochdale ‘Relationships Matter’ Manifesto.
22 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 23A lead group Promote a joined up Develop and Named relationship
We have establish a lead group coordinated approach promote the use of a champions
representing a wide range of
Bringing together a lead group ‘relationships’ test As part of the agency pledge, p ledge,
partners and interested parties ind iv iduals to
we will encourage individuals to
around a strategy and agreed action
from all sectors of the borough, t he Home Office launched
In 2014, the relat ionsh ip champions
become relationship
plan is intended to significantly
including the local authority, health, 'fami ly test’
a ‘family test' for policy makers to and advocates, eitherei th er on behalf
improve joint planning and working
schools and colleges, the police, the measure the degree to t o which their
the ir th e ir organisation or in their
of their th e ir
together; sharing responsibility and
voluntary sector and the community policy developments supported own right.
promoting mutual accountability.
itself. fam ilies, in the proposals they
families, t hey were
This partnership approach will also These champions will act as key
developing. This proposal is to t o do
Agreed terms of reference will facilitate more effective working with points of contact within their
t he same for relationships.
the relations hips.
require the group to meet at least regional and national bodies such as organisation for colleagues, will
GMCA and DWP. The aim is to introduce a template
six times each year and the group act as system leaders to promote
by which policy makers would
will initially report to the family A shared and coordinated plan and change and development, and/
consider a relationships perspective
service model operational group. a structured partnership group or will lead on specific relationship
when developing or amending
will also facilitate funding bids or related projects.
The lead group will also monitor policies or guidelines, in order to
joint commissioning should the
progress via two key methods: anticipate the potential impact their A relationship champion can be
opportunity arise and will also
by developing a comprehensive policies would have on relationships anyone working or volunteering in
encourage all partner organisations
performance framework that – either positively or negatively. a supportive role. To be recognised
to consider how in the future they
incorporates measures from a The ultimate aim is to encourage as a champion - a worker, volunteer
might re-think resource allocation, job
range of different partners as well system leaders and policy makers to or student will be trained in a
descriptions, new policies/guidelines,
as shared actions; and, by using a ‘think relationships’ in their decision programme or a toolkit that
etc.
maturity model as a tool for making just as we have sought to supports the improvement of
self-assessing progress and One of the ways we will support and embed ‘think family’. relationships in their work, in the
informing next steps as we aspire coordinate communication between community or in their educational
to become a mature partnership all concerned will be by promoting setting. All relationship champions
delivering an effective plan. use of #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter. will receive a pin badge so that
people know they support the
Rochdale Relationships Matter
movement.
24 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 25Promoting quality A comprehensive A clear and effective
a im of the
A central aim t he strategy is to raise awareness
awa reness on the impacts
impact s of training package communication
relationshi ps - both positively and negatively –- and promote good quality
relationships qualit y All frontline practitioners delivering strategy
relati onships for all - across a wide range of circumstances. Ultimately we
relationships
public services should receive
aspi re to Rochdale becoming a ‘relationships
aspire 'relat ionsh ips matter’
matter' place to
t o live,
li ve, work We will commit to a diverse range
training about family relationships
and study. of communication materials and
support so that they are able to
engagement strategies with the
One key area of promoting positive As far as possible the offer needs recognise that good relationships
workforce and residents of the
relationships for all would be to to be preventative and delivered as are an asset; identify relationship
Rochdale borough so that everyone
start in schools and support ‘healthy early as possible; when or before distress; offer initial support and
can see that we are serious about
relationships’ in the curriculum. issues first arise; but also include sign-post to relevant other support;
our commitment to improving the
A similar offer to adults would be interventions for situations with screen and risk assess for domestic
way we all work so that it’s clear
equally positive but harder to higher level needs or closer to crisis. abuse/child parent violence and
to everybody that…
achieve. abuse. This should take into account
Whilst the core of the offer will draw couple, family, social and workplace ‘Rochdale Relationships
Secondly, we would promote the upon the range of evidence–based relationships. Matter’
manifesto as a reference document programmes, particularly those
We will ask all partners to adopt
seeking to influence a wide range of supported by the DWP and EIF, we Using the people, buildings and
the ‘Rochdale relationships
other strategies and agenda’s will also support and pilot innovative resources we already have we will use
matter’ logo and whenever they
so that system leaders and service approaches informed by good an asset based approach to ensure all
promote their contribution towards
heads would automatically think of practice principles, that will enable staff and volunteers, in any service, are
improving relationships use the
the impact upon relationships of any us to ‘do things differently’ and test trained in the appropriate responses
#RochdaleRelationshipsMatter
decisions or plans they consider. new ways of working. to relationship distress disclosures and
tag in and around social media.
have key knowledge of interventions
Thirdly, we seek to develop a
and services that can help. We will
comprehensive local offer that aims
ensure that everybody has access
to address common relationship
to the right training and toolkits
issues and to offer accessible and
wherever they work or volunteer in
appropriate interventions and
the Rochdale borough.
support when it’s needed.
26 #RochdaleRelationshipsMatter 27Acknowledgements
comp iling this
In compiling th is document,
docu ment, we would
wou ld like to
acknowledge the work of a number of lead
organisat ions and
organisations and the very
very helpful content
conte nt of some
so m e
key documents.
of their key docu ments.
Thank you to The Relationships Alliance including
The Tavistock Centre for Couples Relationships, Relate
and Oneplusone. Grateful thanks to Honor Rhodes OBE
for her inspirational guidance over the years. Thanks also
to the Department for Work and Pensions and the Early
Intervention Foundation, in particular Professor Gordon
Harold and his team for their work in developing a local
offer; and also to the Mental Health Foundation for their
work in producing the document ‘Relationships in the
21st century (May 2016). Other documents we have found
valuable are ‘The Relationships Manifesto: Strengthening
Relationships’, The Relationships Alliance (October
2014) and ‘All together now: stronger relationships for a
stronger society’, Relate (February 2016)
This manifesto has been written by
Emily Nickson-Williams and Dave Baker of
Children Services, Rochdale Borough Council.
With thanks to Jenny Driver,
Rochdale Local Studies lo\fch~ Lcci Sb.rdHi
in providing Rochdale images.
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