Page 35 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • February 2005 35
Getting it right for the children
The Family Mediation Service, established in Swindon since 1981, is
a child focused, not for profit organisation, that works with children
and families with the aim of protecting the welfare of children, .
caught up in the breakdown of their parents' relationships.
It helps parents manage their organisations or groups.
separation and place their chil- Re-Connect. Mediation is offered WHO GIVES YOU
dren's interests first. It also pro- to young people and their families
vides direct services to children. to prevent homelessness and to SPEEDY MOT TESTING
Without help the emotional dam- help them continue a relationship
age to children can last through- with their family. Referrals can be
out their lives. made by anyone and it is free. 7 DAYS A WEEK WITH
There are now five distinct Supervised Contact Centre. A new
projects: project where children at risk of NO APPOINTMENT
Family Mediation. This enables harm can have contact with their
parents who have decided to sepa- non-resident parent, often a Dad,
rate to take joint decisions which by being supervised by a worker. .. AND MORE?
give priority to their children's Currently the Court makes refer-
needs amid their own life crisis. rals, although solicitors willbe able
Money and property to make referrals in due course.
matters are dealt with
as well as issues con-
cerning children such as
contact and residence. r u
Children can be con-
sulted as part of the
process.
Family Mediation cli-
ents who are not eligi-
ble for public funding
(a free service), but earn
less than the average na-
tional wage, are subsi-
dised from charitable
sources. ' iU TEC
Using solicitors can V
SomeoftheFamilyMediation team, from left, Christine
be costly; mediation can
Rigby, Kate Skelton, Jane Bryan, Wendy Hall, chief
be a cheaper way for- executive, Julia Waygood, Michelle Sanders
ward.
5 - 18 Counselling - for children Together all these activities make LADIES WOULD YOU
and young people to help them a comprehensive service that sup-
adjust to and manage their new port family life in today's environ-
family circumstances, such as new ment and reduces the emotional KNOW WHAT TO DO
relationships in the extended fam- and economic costs of separation.
ily and step families. There is a Mental health is improved, and WITH A PUNCTURE?
focus on children who are socially parental agreements can result in
excluded or are moving into a low financial security for children MOTest will give you a FREE wheel
income situation because income which improves their quality of change demonstration on your car.
is having to cover two homes. The life. Children at risk can also con- We'll show you how to remove your
service is free. tinue to see a parent and not lose wheel trims, special locking nuts.
Community Mediation. This project part of their identity. alloy wheels, how your jack works
reduces or removes conflict between To find out more about any of and how to undo over-tightened
neighbours. Issues dealt with in- these projects call Family Media- wheel nuts and give you, free, a
clude noise, anti-social and chil- tion on 527285, or write to 34 Milton small kit of items to help you
dren's behaviour, and boundary Road, Swindon. successfully change a wheel and
disputes. It can help individuals, www.northwiltsfms.co.uk keep your hands clean.
Avoid being stuck in the future,
call Clive Lamdon to arrange a
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