Family Mediation Week: Support offered by Bury firm

Manchester Family Mediation Solutions, based on Bolton Street, has been helping raise awareness of organised mediation for couples who may be separating.

The mediation process involves an independent, professionally-trained mediator who helps people work out arrangements for children and finances following separation.

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It is hoped the awareness week, which runs until tomorrow, Friday, will make people more informed about family mediation and the benefits it could bring to separating families as a way of helping take control, make decisions and build a positive future.

Manchester Family Mediation Solutions managing director Lisa Lester said: “This is a great initiative organised by the Family Mediation Council to promote family mediation as a way forward for separating couples.

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“We have a pool of very experienced mediators available. The issues we deal with focus on child contact and/or financial matters.”

Family mediators help families to agree on financial arrangements after separation, and to find a way to parent their children co-operatively after separation.

Despite the scheme, Lisa worries that many families are losing out by not knowing about the service.

She said: “Lots of people use family mediators but sadly lots of others aren’t aware of the process.

“We are also able to offer free or subsidised sessions to eligible clients through legal aid and the government voucher scheme.”

Manchester Family Mediation Solutions has been operating from Bury town centre since 2014 and has a pool of experienced mediators available to work with families.

The Family Mediation Council is running a series of online events for the public which can be accessed at https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/family-mediation-week-events-for-the-public/