Understanding. Coping. Connecting:
New Resource for Parents and Carers
Cyrenians Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution Launches ‘Learning Zone’ to Help Parents and Carers Reduce Family Conflict and Prevent Youth Homelessness
Cyrenians Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution (SCCR) has launched a new online resource aimed at supporting parents and carers to manage and reduce family conflict, one of the leading causes of youth homelessness in Scotland.
The new Learning Zone for Parents and Carers is now live on the SCCR website and provides practical, accessible advice designed to help families navigate tensions at home. The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics showing that the breakdown of family relationships results in approximately 5,000 young people in Scotland becoming homeless each year – either rough sleeping or sofa surfing.
‘We know that conflict is part of every family’s life,’ said Jim Gray, Service Manager at SCCR. ‘But when conflict escalates and relationships break down, it can have devastating consequences. Our new Learning Zone gives parents and carers the understanding and tools they need to manage conflict more positively – potentially preventing young people from leaving home without a safe place to go.’
The Learning Zone is divided into three key sections:
- Teenage Brain and Development
This section helps parents understand the changes happening in the adolescent brain, shedding light on why conflict can arise more frequently during this stage of life. - Wellbeing and Coping for Parents and Carers
Recognising that adults must be in a stable emotional place to model healthy behaviour, this section offers strategies for self-care, such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and ‘stress buckets’. - Family Conflict and Management
Acknowledging that conflict is inevitable, this section provides practical approaches for handling disagreements constructively, emphasising that not all conflict is bad, but poorly managed conflict can lead to lasting harm.
The Learning Zone for Parents and Carers follows Learning Zones developed on SCCR’s website for Young People and for Professionals who work with families in crisis. The SCCR’s various Learning Zones are part of SCCR’s ongoing mission to address the root causes of youth homelessness in Scotland. By supporting families before crisis hits, the organisation aims to reduce the number of young people who feel as if they must leave home.
To explore the Learning Zone, visit this link: SCCR
