HEART programme offers specialist support for adolescents in Kent and Medway to develop healthier relationships at home and change harmful behaviour. 

A new programme is giving young people aged 14-17 across Kent and Medway the chance to change harmful behaviours and build healthier relationships with their families.

The HEART programme (Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens), is specifically designed for adolescents who have exhibited abusive or harmful behaviour towards parents, carers, siblings, or their partners, providing them with the tools and support to make positive changes.

The 12 session- programme takes a constructive, skill-building approach that empowers young people to understand and change their behaviour, and teaches young people essential life skills including:

• Understanding and managing their emotions
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Recognising the consequences of their actions
• Building empathy and healthy communication
• Developing positive coping strategies
• Detailed information on what domestic abuse is and what it entails/impact
• Negative and positive peer and societal influences

“Every young person’s situation is different, which is why HEART is highly personalised rather than a one size fits all approach.” says Carl Hall, Director of Community Development

“We create a safe environment where young people can talk about their thoughts, feelings and actions, and learn skills to avoid harmful behaviour in the future.”, he adds.

Most domestic abuse programmes are designed for adults over 18, leaving adolescents without age-appropriate support at a critical developmental stage. The HEART programme fills a gap in support available to young people enabling them to make changes early on their lives.

Each practitioner within the HEART team is specially trained in understanding the complexities of adolescent development and is DBS-checked. While parental consent is required (as participants are under 18), sessions are confidential within appropriate safeguarding boundaries, allowing young people to speak openly about their feelings.

Who can access HEART?

The programme is available across Kent and Medway for young people aged 14-17 (with younger ages considered individually who have exhibited harmful behaviour towards parents, carers or siblings, or their partners.

Referrals can be made by:

• Parents and carers
• Schools and educational settings
• Social services
• Young people’s services
• Multi-agency hubs
• Other professionals supporting young people

To find out more about the HEART programme or to discuss a referral visit the Intervention Alliance website.

The HEART programme is part of wider efforts across Kent and Medway to address all forms of domestic abuse and ensure early intervention support is available for young people who need it.