We recognise that separated families may experience additional stress as they navigate shared parenting and deal with the unknown progress of Covid 19.
Family Mediation NI provides support to separated parents and families throughout Northern Ireland. The health and well-being of our staff and our Panel of mediators, as well as those communities in which we offer our service, is of the utmost importance.
It is with regret that we have made the decision to temporarily suspend direct ‘in person’ mediation services with immediate effect. Our staff will be working from home.
We will continue to provide information and access to the service on a reduced timetable via our Enquiry Line 02890243265 10 am – 12pm Monday – Thursday and via administration@familymediationni.org.uk and enquiry@familymediationni.org.uk
In normal times, our Professional Mediators offer a face to face service in venues across all five Health Trust areas in a variety of community settings. These are all closed down in an effort to reduce the spread of this virus. Mediators will be offering separated parents the opportunity to engage in child focussed mediation via online platforms. However, as the situation continues to change quickly, we will continue to follow the guidance and advice of the Public Health Agency. I would encourage parents to keep an eye on our website for the latest on access to the service in the coming weeks and also follow our social media channels which will continue to share information.
Our website provides more information on our service and how it works and how you may contact us.
Government have issued a statement on separated parents and children’s access to both parents, recognising that this is beneficial to mental well-being for all. Contact agreements are to be adhered to where possible with parents ensuring all hygiene precautions. FMNI will continue to explore how best we can assist separated parents to manage conflict and to find a practical child focussed agreement that reduces the stress on all family members. At the moment our priority is to safeguard families, Mediators and staff. We appreciate your understanding as we take precautions in part of the wider public effort to reduce the impact of the virus.
Further information
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/
www.familymediationni.org.uk
Take care, Stay Safe
Joan Davis
FMNI Director
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