The Solihull Approach model

The Solihull Approach has a long history of transforming lives by strengthening relationships and emotional wellbeing. Developed by Dr Hazel Douglas MBE and a team of NHS practitioners in Solihull’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the model was born from a need to bridge psychological theory with everyday practice, creating a practical, compassionate framework for supporting families and professionals.

A model rooted in the NHS

The Solihull Approach was created within the NHS, and its foundations remain firmly grounded in public health values. It integrates key psychological and psychoanalytic theories — containment, reciprocity and behaviour — into a simple yet powerful model that supports emotional development and relational health. Its core principles are:

• Understanding behaviour as communication
• Understanding relationships as the foundation for development
• Promoting emotional containment
• Fostering reflective practice
• Building resilience through connection

This model has been independently reviewed, widely researched, and consistently praised by practitioners across health, education, and social care sectors. It’s used in over 10 countries, with licensed centres in Australia, India, Iceland, Malaysia, and China.

Fit for the future

In 2025, we marked a new chapter. The Solihull Approach team is now Togetherness.

While our name has changed, our mission remains the same: to raise emotional health for every child, parent, and professional. The Solihull Approach model continues to underpin everything we do—because its relevance has never been greater.

In a world of rapid change, digital pressures, and growing uncertainty, families and professionals face new challenges. From navigating identity, social media and advancing technology to supporting children in forming healthy relationships, the need for emotional resilience is universal.

Togetherness: A new identity, a shared mission

Togetherness is more than a name, it’s our commitment to connection, compassion, and community. It brings together all that the Solihull Approach stands for, offering:

• Professional training across health, education, and social care
• Accessible learning pathways for parents, carers, families, young and older people
• Support for practice and community projects that build emotional strength

Togetherness gives us a clear, inclusive identity to expand our reach and deepen our impact. It allows us to refresh our learning materials, respond to global needs, and continue delivering evidence-based support that transforms lives.

Emotional resilience for the everyday

At the core of Togetherness is the belief that relationships matter. Whether it’s a parent and child, a teacher and student, or a practitioner and family, strong, emotionally attuned relationships are the foundation of wellbeing.