Counselling support for families: When people feel hurt, let down or disappointed it isn’t always easy to talk without the situation escalating into another argument. Feelings can reach a point where parents can’t even bear to be in the same room.

In these circumstances a counsellor can help parents talk about how they are going to manage parenting the children, without an argument developing.

The project offers a package of 10 sessions of counselling free of charge to each family in a variety of combinations to suit their circumstance.

Parents can access these separately or together. Ideally, we would like to engage both parents.

Children can also take up this service and have the opportunity to talk to someone neutral who will listen and appreciate how they are feeling. If necessary the counsellor can talk on the child’s behalf about their concerns.

The Family has the opportunity to attend together and discuss how they will continue to maintain relationships and time together. This can include wider family members such as grandparents or a new partner.

You can access the sessions in whatever way you choose but this is about separating families and not just the parents.

You choose - you may not want to have 10 sessions. You may decide to save one or two sessions and come back in a few months to see how things are going.

The Separating Parents Project offers a range of support, both practical and emotional to help families through the difficulty of separation. This includes an Information Pack with helpful leaflets and contacts covering :

• Finances
• Housing
• Legal
• Benefits
• Help for children and young people
• Help for parents
• What to say to the children

Parents have a responsibility towards their children whether they are living together or have decided to separate. Children’s wellbeing, welfare and security should be the primary focus of their parents however difficult the situation. Parents should protect children from :

• being used to get back at the other partner
• having to take sides
• listening to arguments or bad mouthing
• acting as go betweens
• becoming emotional props
• being let down by broken promises and arrangements.

Personal and accessible ‘Face to Face’ support is available through Project Workers who can meet you at appointed Children’s Centres. They will offer practical help, listen, support and help you access the services that are right for you and your family.