Relational Practice gives priority to interpersonal relationships, in both external and internal aspects. It is the foundation upon which any effective intervention is based, and it forms the conditions for a healthy relational environment. It requires:
Relationships based on honesty, reliability, consistency, curiosity, flexibility, and authenticity;
An enabling and facilitating attitude;
An understanding of the inner and outer lives of individuals in their social field.
Depending upon the setting, there will be variations in the balance between the various elements.
Mechanical and economically motivated public services are devoid of a crucial element of well-being: meaningful relationships.
People are being reduced to problems that need to be fixed.
Even though they may experience difficulties, people are not problems.
Agency
Staff hold all the power.
Service users do not get the space to take control of their lives.
Service users do not have a say in their care.
Humanness
Staff experience compassion fatigue, burnout, and disconnection from self and others.
Continuous attempt to provide leaves little to no space for staff’s own needs and humanness.

Reflect
on the gaps in public services that dehumanise people.
Revitalise
public services with rich relationships between staff and service users.
Rebuild
trust in individuals, services, and communities by empowering staff and service users.
By meeting the basic human need of belongingness.
By restoring communities and relationships, and building hope for the future.
By helping people feel that they are a part of something greater.
By respecting and empowering everyone involved.
Relational Practice allows us to build an empowering, enabling, and sustainable future.
Staff will feel empowered to work holistically with people.
Service users will be enabled to take control of their lives.
Sustainability will be a key focus, looking after our health and our planet.