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For Researchers 

As a researcher with an interest in any aspect of child mental health and wellbeing it is important that the models which inform your research questions and hypotheses are aligned with the complexity and realities of everyday living with children.  The I Matter Framework arose in response to the challenge of how to represent a complexity that is dynamic and fast changing.  The concept of relationship health is a new term and yet it draws on rich tradition of research and thinking.  The proposed concept of the triple dynamic loops opens up many potential avenues for enquiry.   

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The first definition of relationship health was put forward in the book  Relationship Health:  The Missing Link in Children's Wellbeing.  There is a strong evidence base that links security of relationships with a range of improved mental health outcomes and insecurity of relationships with compromised mental health outcomes.  However the term relationship health as an umbrella concept is new.   Because it is very accessible to a wide number of professionals and non-professionals it offers some opportunities to assist in the process of shifting practices.   Let us know if you are interested!

Nuggets and GEMS: On despondency


A key element of Relationship Health Practice informed by the I Matter Framework is taking time for reflection.  In our work in the Kendal area with families and colleagues and the wider system Jacqui Wilson and I (Dr Cathy Betoin) do a lot of musing and reflections and we thought it might be interesting to capture the flavour of some of these.  We would love to hear what you think! 

Read more…

I Matter Training can help Professionals in Direct Roles with Children & Young People such as Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Nurses, Carers

I Matter Training will help you to understand what is happening in challenging situations with children and young people you care for who are struggling - at home or at work.


The training will help you understand about the brain and about your own key role in improving relationships and wellbeing including the sorts of attitudes and behaviour changes that you can make to bring about positive changes to support your child’s progress – and your own. 

The Learning Journey is supported by a structured and systematic results focussed approach. You will gain increased clarity and skills for your role.


I Matter Training can also help Professionals in Indirect Roles with Children & Young People for example, GP’s, Psychiatrists, Paediatricians, Police Officers, Health Visitors, School Nurses, Psychologists, Therapists, Parent Coaches, Social Workers, Senior Leadership Teams

The I Matter Framework offers a new practical model for understanding what is happening in challenging everyday work and home situations. This integration of evidence shows your own key role and the attitudes and behaviour change you can make to support positive relationship change in those you support.

Participation will also help you understand how to support other processionals and frontline staff.  It will enable you to assist parents-carers in accessing training that makes a difference.

You will be able to help with building capacity for effective study support for other professionals through i) the recommendation process and ii) through developing your own skills in supporting others through an I Matter Journey.    

Example: Kendal I Matter Relationship Health Service

The first Specialist Relationship Health Service in the NHS has been set up as a pilot collaboration with Kendal Primary Care Network.  The service takes referrals from the GP's in the Kendal area and offers iniital consultation, assessment and recommendations, online training and discussion groups.   We are currently progressing with continuous evaluation to respond to the variety of needs and interest

In the Kendal area we are developing informed partnerships with schools so as to create an informed network around families who go seeking help.