Page 18 - link magazine

18 The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Mediation takes the heat out of disputes
Godwin Court, Old Town, Swindon and keeps legal costs down
Tel: 522100 For 25 years, the Family Mediation Service has been offering couples in dispute help to make practical
‘A beautiful venue for children’s parties’ arrangements before separating and moving on.
Invitations: sole use of ‘the little party house’. The Milton Road based service, reduce bitterness which
Party food, games with prizes, fancy dress, art is provided by professionally will make things easier for
& craft activities + a balloon and yummy treat for trained volunteers in a neutral and the couple and their chil-
every child. Refreshments for Mums and Dads.
All for £10 per child confidential environment. The aim dren in the future.
is to help people to think about If children or young peo-
PLAY DAYS
Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 11.30am what’s best for the children of a ple need help in coming to
family and agree what should hap- terms with changes in the
Tuesday & Thursday, 2pm to 4pm pen about money and property. family set up, child coun-
£5 including 1 adult and 1 child
and all refreshments Going through mediation can selling is available.
keep the legal fees down in a di- At other times, commu-
Parties booked for February and vorce, but it will still be necessary nication between parents
to use a solicitor. The process can and older children may
Easter holidays receive 10% discount
help improve communication and break down to the point
that they find it no longer Wendy Hall with Family Mediation office admin-
istrator Jenny Bassett who was presented with an
possible to live at home. engraved glass bowl for her 25 years service by the
Re-Connect mediators can
Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire on 30 November
help families talk and re-
ally listen to each other. mediators work in pairs and first
Chief executive Wendy Hall said visit parties involved in their own
Ofsted & NCMA Family Mediation started in a homes. Then, if both sides agree, a
Registered Childminder shared room at the magistrates meeting is set up where the media-
Full Time - Part Time - court. “Swindon was the fourth in tors make sure that everyone has
School Holidays Britain to set up a mediation serv- their fair say, which hopefully will
ice. And for nine years we hosted lead to a peaceful solution and re-
Contact Dee to arrange the National Family Mediation duction in community tension.
a visit or interview organisation in our office. If you think mediation could
on 01793 702548 “We’ve estimated that since 1981 help call 527285.
or 07956424886 we’ve assisted 25,000 adults and www.northwiltsfms.co.uk
Or mail children in Swindon and the sur-
rounding area. From just family
[email protected]
support, we now coordinate 5 serv- Places in the North
www.care-for-kids.co.uk ices covering mediation and help- St John’s Pre-School, Westfield
www.musicbugs.co.uk
ing families function in difficult Way, Haydon Wick, located next
circumstances.” to Morrison’s, has places available
One of them includes Commu- for children from 30 months to
nity Mediation which helps resolve school age.
disputes between neighbours over For details about the pre-school
issues such as noise, car parking call Stephanie Slade on 07879
and garden boundaries. Trained 623507

Breasts are best in the West
Peer support for breastfeeding mothers, which has proved popular
and effective in North Swindon, has started at the West Swindon
Family Centre.

www.jojingles.com

QUALITY CHILDCARE
SUPERB FACILITIES
Breast Mates West Swindon, above, meets on Monday mornings 10am
Bright Start Day Nursery offers: to 11.30am at 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. The idea behind the
group is that mothers who are still feeding their own children are
A happy and stimulating environment for your child
trained to support others. New groups are trained every six months so
Quality childcare for children aged 3 months to five years - am, pm, that there are always mums with young babies on hand to talk to.
school day, all day Whilst health visitors help set up the groups, they are run by the
Specialist teacher for Early Years Education members. The informal drop-in sessions are a chance to talk to people
Highly motivated, experienced, caring staff who’ve been through the same kind of problems and it’s also a great
Full free funded Early Education placesavailable to children aged 3 and over opportunity to make new friends.
Excellent recent OFSTED inspection report For details, call Donna Anderson on 879414
For more information or to arrange a visit telephone New venue for Breast Mates North
Cathy on 01793 722063 From Monday 8 January the group will meet at Abbey Meads Primary
School from 12.30pm to 2pm. Breast feeding mums are invited to drop
Bright Start Day Nursery is part of the Sure Start Children’s Centre
in for advice, help and a friendly chat.

1 January 07 18 14/12/06, 12:16 pm