Relational Practice is the radical act of re-introducing empowerment and kindness into the very heart of our public services.
The Relational Practice Movement is a response to the isolation and dehumanisation of people across our public services, both staff and users. Our mission is to replace the current financially- motivated and disempowering practices across the sector with revitalising and enabling ones that put humans and interpersonal relationships at the centre of each intervention.
The movement unites people across education, criminal justice, charities, health and social care to build a more humane and connected world. The call for Relational Practice in all areas of public service is a rallying cry for a deeper connection with ourselves and others.
What is Relational Practice?
When we spend time with others, that’s relational.
When we listen and share with them, that’s relational.
When we choose to put these things at the centre of the way we work, that’s Relational Practice!
An Urgent Need of Our Times
Worldwide, the pandemic has both revealed and exacerbated the deep isolation we are experiencing. Our public services are in crisis and the scale of the problem facing us is unprecedented. As humans, we are wired for connection but the modern world often deprives us of it. This inhibits us in two ways:
The case for agency
If staff hold all the power, this keeps users dependent on services and does not give them the opportunity to take control of their lives or have a say in their care. This dynamic also takes a toll on staff as they are expected to have all the answers.
The case for humanness
Staff often experience compassion fatigue, burnout, and disconnection from self and others. They struggle to maintain healthy boundaries in their continuous attempt to provide. They find little to no space for their own needs and humanness.
Building healthy relationships can provide effective and safe services, better meet everyone’s need for connection, avoid burn-out, and improve the health and wellbeing of all involved. We believe in sharing power rather than misusing it. By taking time to build genuine, honest relationships, we can empower people on all sides of our services while working together.
The Three “R’s” of Relational Practice
Reflect
With widespread disillusion across different sectors, we must acknowledge the gaps in public services based on industrial-style, impersonal interventions that dehumanise people.
Revitalise
Relational Practice encourages working together, ensures wellbeing, and sees each person as a whole, unique individual with different strengths and circumstances.
Rebuild
Improved relationships rebuild trust in individuals, services, and communities. By empowering people on all sides, Relational Practice creates lasting change that goes beyond immediate support and brings hope into people’s lives.
