Further Information and Contact

Domestic abuse

I take the safeguarding of you and any children very seriously.  During the course of mediation, if anything arises which causes a safeguarding concern, I will speak to you and your former partner about that.  If it is something that you or your children need further support for, then I will explain to you how to get that support and I may also flag that up with the appropriate support service with your knowledge.  In rare circumstances, if you or a child is at risk of or are experiencing significant harm then I would refer to the appropriate public body without discussion with you. 

If you are experiencing any form of domestic abuse please get help and support. The NHS website has a really good list of support services https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/ or if you are in West Sussex https://www.safeinsussex.co.uk/ 

National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 200 0247 www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help/

If you’re worried someone might see you have visited these pages, the Women's Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.

Children

It is really important to understand the impact that separation can have on children and how to minimise harm to them.  These websites are very helpful: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/sites/default/files/migrated/Top-Tips-for-parents-who-are-separated.pdf

https://resolution.org.uk/looking-for-help/parents-children-the-law/parenting-through-separation/ and I would encourage all parents who are separating to look through this. 

There is also this helpful short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-VVnRJnA8c or https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/what-we-do/our-partnerships/health-and-wellbeing/seeitdifferently-reducing-parental-conflict/

Don’t forget that children’s schools and GPs can be a great source of support.

Mental health

It is really important to take care of your own mental health during separation which means speaking to friends and family, counsellors and therapists and your GP if you need to. 

www.relate.org.uk/