The Family Mediation Council is delighted to be launching Family Mediation Week today, Monday 18th January, with messages of support from Minister Alex Chalk MP and Senior Family Liaison Judge Theis.
Family Mediation Week is taking place at a time when families who are separating are facing extra challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Family Mediation Week aims to share information about the mediation process, to let separated families know accredited mediators can help families consider what is best for their future, and to reassure people that family mediation is available online.
Thousands of families are applying to the court to resolve issues following family breakdown despite there being other – and better – options available. This is putting more strain on already over-stretched court services, meaning that those families who are issuing court proceedings are often having to wait for several months before their case can be heard.
Ahead of Family Mediation Week, Beverley Sayers, FMC Director and Co-Chair of the Family Mediators’ Association, said ‘Family Mediation week is all about getting a message out to those who are struggling to say we are here. There’s increasing recognition that family breakdown is not just a legal issue; parents move from being a couple to being separate individuals who have to continue parenting with each other for the years which follow. This transition is not easy, especially in the aftermath of relationship breakdown. Family mediators are here to help, to support parents in understanding the long-term needs of their child, and guide them towards a cooperative parenting relationship which works well for the whole family.’
Throughout the week will be sharing information and resources about the family mediation process. For more information
- Visit familymediationweek.org.uk
- Follow Family Mediation Week on Twitter @FamilyMedWeek #familymediationweek
