Getting Help in Relationships S3

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Getting Help in Relationships

This lesson stays within English/life-language work: understanding and using simple language for support, advice, and trusted people when a relationship problem happens.

Our learning goal

I can say who I can go to for help or advice if I have a problem in a relationship.

Key words

relationship - a connection with another person

problem - something that is wrong or difficult

help - support with a problem

advice - ideas about what to do

trusted person - someone safe to talk to

safe - protected from harm

worried - feeling anxious or unhappy about something

Key words

upset - feeling unhappy or distressed

comfortable - feeling okay and at ease

support worker - a person whose job is to help you

carer - a person who looks after or supports you

teacher - a person at school or college who helps you learn

helpline - a phone or message service for advice and support

Who can help if you have a relationship problem?

Use this to gather prior ideas such as mum, teacher, friend, carer, doctor or helpline. Accept simple one-word answers.

What is a relationship?

• A relationship is a connection with another person

• This can be a friend, family member, partner, carer or teacher

• Some relationships feel safe and kind

• Sometimes relationships can have problems

Keep the meaning broad and practical. Students may think only of romantic relationships, so include friendships, family and other close connections.

Problems can happen

• You may feel upset, worried or confused

• Someone may not listen

• There may be arguing, mean words or pressure

• A problem does not have to be faced alone

Avoid overwhelming detail. Focus on recognising that relationship problems can affect feelings and that support is available.

When help is needed

• Get help if you feel unsafe

• Get help if someone is controlling or frightening you

• Get help if the problem will not stop

• Get help if you do not know what to do next

Emphasise that asking for help is a strong and sensible choice, not a failure.

Help or advice

Help means support with the problem. Advice means ideas about what to do. Sometimes one person can give both help and advice.

This distinction supports language development in English: learners hear and use both words accurately.

Trusted people

• A trusted person is someone safe to talk to

• They listen calmly

• They want to help, not make things worse

• They respect your feelings

If useful, contrast a trusted person with someone who laughs, ignores the problem or shares private information without care.

What is a trusted person like?

A

Safe to talk to

B

Likes to argue

C

Makes fun

D

Shares secrets

Checks understanding from slides 2 to 6: a trusted person listens calmly, helps and respects feelings.

Complete the sentences

A relationship is a connection with another person. Sometimes relationships have problems. If you feel unsafe, get help.

person

problems

unsafe

teacher

happy

advice

family

This anchors key words from the first teaching block.

People at home

• Parent or carer

• Older brother or sister

• Another family member you trust

• Someone at home may know you well

Acknowledge that not every learner will want to go to family. 'Someone at home' is one option, not the only option.

People at school or college

• Teacher

• Teaching assistant

• Tutor

• Pastoral staff or safeguarding lead

Use the setting that fits the learners. Briefly explain unfamiliar terms such as pastoral staff or safeguarding lead.

Other people who can help

• Social worker

• Support worker

• Key worker

• Doctor or nurse

• Helpline worker

Present these as extra safe options, especially when the problem feels serious or private.

Choose a safe person

• Pick someone who listens

• Pick someone who takes the problem seriously

• Pick someone who helps you stay safe

• Keep telling a trusted person until you get help

Important safeguarding point: if the first person does not help, tell another trusted person.

If one person does not help, what should you do?

A

Keep it secret

B

Wait a week

C

Tell another person

D

Stop asking

Based on slides 7 to 10. Reinforces the safeguarding message: keep telling a trusted person until you get help.

Who would you choose first for help?

1

Family

2

Teacher

3

Support worker

4

Doctor or nurse

Starting the conversation

You do not need perfect words. A simple start is enough: I need help, I am worried, or I need to talk about a problem.

Model these phrases aloud. Learners at this level benefit from direct, repeatable sentence frames.

Useful words to say

• I do not feel comfortable

• This is upsetting me

• I need advice

• I do not feel safe

Use clear tone and simple repetition. These phrases are functional English learners can reuse in real life.

What to explain

• Who the problem is with

• What happened

• How you feel

• What help you need, if you know

Keep the structure concrete. Learners may need support to organise events in order.

If talking is hard

• You can write it down

• You can send a message

• You can ask someone you trust to stay with you

• You can ask for more time

This is especially important for autistic learners who may find face-to-face speaking difficult under stress.

Complete the message

You can start with simple words. You can say, I need help. You can explain what happened and say how you feel. If talking is hard, you can write it down.

I need help

what happened

how you feel

write it down

go home

stay quiet

later on

a teacher

Echoes the sentence frames and structure from slides 11 to 14.

Getting help quickly

Unsafe situation → tell a trusted adult straight away

No one listens → tell another trusted person

Emergency → call emergency services

Clarify local emergency number if appropriate for the setting. Keep the message simple: safety first, then support.

What should you do in an unsafe situation?

A

Tell a trusted adult

B

Say nothing

C

Ask a classmate

D

Leave it for later

Checks the key safety action taught on slide 15.

What could you say first to ask for help?

Expected elements: a short phrase from the lesson such as 'I need help', 'I am worried', 'I need advice' or 'I do not feel safe'. Discuss that simple words are enough.

What is one thing you learned today?

Reflection only. Invite simple answers such as a person to ask, words to say, or what a trusted person is.

How did this lesson feel for you?

What helped you understand this best?

Reflection only. Students may answer with examples such as sentence starters, key words, or the list of trusted people.