Supporting Healthy Relationships to Reduce Conflict

Bridgeway is an awareness programme based on the principles of respect and empowerment within a mutually supportive, safe, supportive environment. It aims to facilitate reflection on the complexities of relationships, promote understanding of how beliefs drive behaviours, and build communication skills.  

Bridgeway encourages reflection on relationship conflict by supporting participants to: 

• Explore beliefs and behaviours that promote positive relationships. 

• Recognise the impact of minimisation and justification. 

• Identify effective personal conflict resolution strategies. 

• Consider techniques to manage stress and emotions. 

• Create personal progress and support plans for future change. 

• Connecting with others' shared experiences reduces isolation.  
• Use fictional characters to enable discussion and protect individual privacy.
   

No one can dictate how we experience relationships. Unhealthy relationships can induce feelings of loneliness, confusion, anger, hurt, guilt, and a deep desire to cope with or 'fix' things. Individuals may problem-solve, challenge behaviours, or seek help for presumed causes such as alcohol, finances, or housing issues. Reflecting on relationship dynamics can prompt "turning points" that shift thinking patterns, such as: 

• Acknowledging relationship issues. 

• Recognising negative emotions, beliefs, and behaviours. 

• Understanding the impact of conflict on parenting and children. 

• Identifying strategies to enable positive change within relationships.