The toolkit, developed by the Creative Therapy Service at children’s charity Coram, in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions, provides practical resources such as session guides and activities.
These draw from family therapy, music therapy, and art therapy technique and can be used as part of a planned programme or in isolation, in groups or with individual families.
Families likely to benefit the most are those with additional pressures that exacerbate conflict, such as supporting a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
It is based on Coram’s Family Harmony Intervention, described by the charity as an “innovative and strengths-based programme” with a “strong emphasis on healthy communication” including “attentive listening and calming techniques”.
According to an evaluation, parents and carers said that they and family members “benefited from a better understanding of each other, strengthened communication and shifts in parenting style”.
Children enjoyed the art and music activities and spending quality time with their parents or carers.
Families also noted the value of not feeling alone in the face of challenges, as well as feeling more connected to their local community.
Dr Anna Harris, clinical psychologist and head of Coram’s creative therapies team, said: " We have developed this creative resource to help families reduce the challenges of conflict within their relationships.
“This initiative empowers families to strengthen their relationships and build emotional resilience in ways that are both therapeutic and engaging.
“We anticipate this will provide many creative opportunities to support families to have fun and connect together.”
Download the free Family Harmony Toolkit here.
