Resources

Family Mediation Council

The Family Mediation Council (FMC) is made up of national family mediation organisations in England and Wales. All of the organisations meet the requirements set out in the constitution and ensure their family mediators work to agreed standards.

The member organisations are: Click on the list to be taken to the website for each organisation they are full of useful information.

• ADR Group
• College of Mediators
• Family Mediators Association (FMA)
• The Law Society
• National Family Mediation (NFM)
• Resolution

Other websites which may be of help to you:
​We are not responsible for the content on other websites.

Help with separation

Resolution Resolution is a group of family lawyers and Mediators and with other professionals are committed to taking conflict out of family disputes. Members abide by a code of practice, which encourages solutions based on the needs of the whole family and, particularly, the best interests of children. Includes fact sheets and directories of local solicitors and mediators. W: resolution.org.uk

Divorce and children Hosted by divorce coach Christina McGhee, this site offers helpful information, practical advice and tips for separated parents on how to help children manage family change. W: divorceandchildren.com

Family Mediation Council Explains how family mediation works and includes a search facility for finding a local mediator. W: familymediationcouncil.org.uk

Cafcass Cafcass support children and young people who are going through care or adoption proceedings, or whose parents have separated and are unable to agree about future arrangements for their children. They have resources for children and adults, including the Parenting Plan which parents can use to note down what they’ve agreed about arrangements for their children. T: 0300 456 4000 W: cafcass.gov.uk

Relate  Relationship advice and information for parents who are separating or have separated. Relate have a wealth of resources on their website for separating families, including an interactive guide, ‘What next?’– the parents’ guide to separation. T: 0300 100 1234 W: relate.org.uk

Other support organisations

Family Lives Support for parents who are reaching crisis point. T: 0808 800 2222 W: familylives.org.uk

Advice UK Provides a directory of advice-giving organisations. W: adviceuk.org.uk

Samaritans 24-hour helpline for confidential emotional support for those experiencing despair or distress. T: 08457 909090 W: samaritans.org

Rights of Women Provides free, confidential legal advice on a range of issues including domestic violence, family law, divorce and relationship breakdown. Free leaflets available to download from the website. W: rightsofwomen.org.uk

MIND Mental health charity with a range of online support and information, including an information line and a legal advice service. T: 0300 123 3393 W: mind.org.uk

National Association of Child Contact Centres Keep children in touch with parents following separation within a national framework of child contact centres and services. W: naccc.org.uk

Money Advice Service Information, tools and advice on money issues. W: moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Only Mums and Only Dads Two separate websites for single parents. Both provide access to Resolution member solicitors, barristers and mediators free of charge. W: onlymums.org W: onlydads.org

Shelter Practical help for families who need more in-depth help to keep their home, or to settle into a new one after being homeless. T: 0808 800 4444 W: england.shelter.org.uk  W: sheltercymru.org.uk

Gingerbread Provides advice, practical support and campaigns for single parents. Offers factsheets and discussion forums. T: 0808 802 0925 W: gingerbread.org.uk

NSPCC Help and advice for adults who are worried about a child or need advice about child protection. T: 0808 800 5000 W: nspcc.org.uk

Childline Offers a free confidential helpline for children and young people, open 24 hours a day. T: 0800 1111 W: childline.org.uk