Southampton Family Trust (SFT) is launching a new online relationship support programme designed to help couples where one or both partners have ADHD and/or autism, thanks to funding from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
The new programme, Understanding Each Other Better, has been developed in response to growing demand for specialist support for neurodivergent couples. Aimed at serving personnel and their families, the course will provide practical tools to help couples better understand how differences in attention, communication and emotional regulation can affect family life and relationships.
Research and frontline experience show that neurodivergent couples can face unique challenges, particularly when navigating parenting responsibilities, stressful life events and the demands of military life. Southampton Family Trust has seen first-hand how ADHD and autism can contribute to misunderstandings, conflict and relationship strain, while also recognising the strengths and resilience these families bring.
Delivered online via Zoom, the programme has been carefully designed to feel accessible, supportive and private. Participants attend anonymously, with only the facilitator aware of who is taking part. There is no requirement to contribute to group discussions, allowing couples to learn and complete activities together in their own space and at their own pace.
Through structured sessions, couples will explore neurodiversity-affirming approaches to relationships, gaining a better understanding of each other’s experiences while learning strategies to reduce conflict, improve communication and work together more effectively.
Mandy Harding, Commissioned Grants Manager at RNRMC, said:
“We are pleased to support Southampton Family Trust in delivering this innovative programme. Military families can face a range of pressures, and neurodivergent couples often encounter additional challenges that are not always recognised by traditional relationship support services. Understanding Each Other Better will provide practical, accessible support that helps couples strengthen their relationships, ultimately benefiting the whole family.”
Strong parental relationships are known to have a positive impact on children’s wellbeing, emotional development and family stability. By helping couples better understand and support one another, the programme aims to reduce parental conflict and create more predictable, nurturing home environments for children.
Helen Savage from Southampton Family Trust said:
“We know from our work with families that neurodivergence can bring both strengths and challenges to relationships. Too often, couples tell us they struggle to find support that understands their experiences. Understanding Each Other Better has been created to fill that gap, helping couples move away from blame and frustration towards greater understanding, connection and teamwork.”
Alongside the launch of Understanding Each Other Better, Southampton Family Trust continues to provide a range of specialist parenting and relationship support services for Royal Navy and Royal Marines families. This includes its free, evidence-based Child Parent Relationship Training (CPRT) programme, funded by RNRMC.
Bookings are currently open for a new 10-week in-person CPRT course taking place at King’s Academy Gosport Community Hub from 6 October to 15 December 2026.
Designed for parents of children aged 3 to 12, the programme helps strengthen parent-child relationships, improve communication, build confidence and provide practical tools for managing challenging behaviour.
Through its work with Royal Navy and Royal Marines families across the UK and abroad, Southampton Family Trust delivers a range of free parenting and relationship support programmes designed to strengthen family relationships, improve communication and build resilience.
To find out more about Understanding Each Other Better, the Gosport CPRT course, or the wider support available from Southampton Family Trust, visit:
