Learning About Relationship Health
An introduction to the I Matter approach for parents and carers

If you’re here, someone may have suggested that learning a little more about relationship health and the I Matter approach could be helpful for you or your family.

This is a gentle place to start. You’re not being assessed, diagnosed, or judged — and there’s no pressure to commit to anything.

What do we mean by “relationship health”?

Relationship health is about understanding how stress, safety, connection, and support affect the way we relate to ourselves and to others — especially within families.

When children or adults are struggling, it often shows up in relationships: at home, at school, or with professionals. Understanding this can reduce blame and help everyone respond more helpfully.

What is the I Matter approach?

The I Matter approach helps parents and professionals:

• make sense of emotional and behavioural reactions
• understand how stress and overwhelm affect thinking and connection
• develop steadier, more supportive ways of responding
• feel less alone when things are hard

It is practical, reflective, and grounded in well-established theory — but it is taught in a way that is accessible and human.

A simple learning pathway

Why schools and local services are involved

When parents, schools, and professionals share a common understanding of relationship health, support becomes clearer and more joined-up.

Families don’t have to keep explaining themselves, and schools are better able to respond with empathy and consistency.

This is why many families are introduced to the I Matter approach through schools, GP practices, or social prescribing pathways.

What about Time Commitments?

The I Matter Learning Journey has been designed to make it flexible and so accessible.   

We recommend a combination of online learning with personalised consultations and study support.   

We are also piloting completely self-paced learning.

Some people attend group sessions and some people progress with a more flexible approach.

We will work with you and your locality, as applicable, to find a plan that fits.

What this is — and what it is not

What you can do next

You might choose to:

• learn a little more at your own pace
• join an introductory programme
• talk to your school link or social prescriber about access and support

There is no requirement to continue beyond any stage unless it feels helpful.  

Where funding is available it is usually focussed on the Stage 1 and Stage 2.  It is rarer to have support for Stage 3. 

Note for Professionals

There is an I Matter Learning Pathway for professionals too!

You can find the information and expression of interest links for professionals here.   

This project has been all about trying to respond to a big gap in training for families and professionals have a significant role to play in this process.  

Express interest

EXPRESS INTEREST IN PERSONAL-PARENT-CARER LEARNING

You will be asked to specify whether you are interested in accessing I Matter learning independently or via a participating hub or school.   You can also explore the Curious About RH Community

Questions?

If you’re unsure whether I Matter Training will be right for you right now, or whether it will fit with other things you’re already progressing, you’re welcome to get in touch.

👉 Contact us