We are launching Family Mediation Week for 2026 on Monday 26th January. If you work in the family law field there will be a lot of chat during this week and countless Linkedin posts with everyone talking about mediation. This is great but I’d like to get the message out to those who really need it from someone who is ‘walking the walk’ not just ‘talking the talk.’ I’d like to reach those contemplating or in the midst of a painful divorce or separation, teachers, football coaches or anyone working with young people who see children turning up distressed or worried about family changes, that friend who often asks for a friendly ear, feeling stuck and worried about what life may look like the other side of a separation. So I’m sharing my round up of some fantastic events happening, available for everyone (those in the middle of a divorce, contemplating separation, teachers, professionals) in the hope that it reaches just one person this week who may really need it.
Monday 26th January –
* 11 am to 12 pm – Children’s Voices in Family Separation. As a trained child inclusive mediator, I see the huge benefits for children and young people to have a safe space to talk about how things are for them. This webinar explores the protocol endorsed by the President of the Family Division, to ensure children’s voices can be heard.
* 1 pm – 2 pm – Family Separation with Deidre Saunders – this is a Q&A with This Morning’s Agony Aunt about family separation and mediation.
* 4 pm – 5 pm – Tools for Teachers:- Supporting children in separating families. We know that family separation can disrupt children’s learning and happiness and often school is where this becomes apparent.
Tuesday 27th January –
* 1 pm – 2 pm – Practical tips to manage turbulent emotions during a divorce or separation process. Often people feel mediation is out of the question because emotions are hard but we are equipped to help manage these emotions in mediation.
Wednesday 28th January –
* 1 pm – 2 pm – A beginners guide to how mediation can help you in separation or divorce: part 1 – Children. This focuses on issues relating to arrangements for children and how the mediation process can assist to manage conflict and put children first.
Thursday 29th January
* 1 pm – 2 pm – 3 must read books for parents navigating separation. There will also be a Q&A with all the speakers (authors Marcie Shaoul, Sarah Smith and Dr Angharad Rudkin)
Friday 30th January
* 1 pm – 2 pm – A beginners guide to how mediation can help you in separation or divorce: part 2 – Finance. The focus here is on debunking the myths that surround mediation and how the process can enable you to resolve any financial issues.
Click this link https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/family-mediation-week-2026-timetable/ to find the full timetable and to register for any events. If you can’t watch them live, they will be recorded and you can access them in your own time.
Divorce and separation is painful and often you can feel out of control. You are in control of how you respond and how you choose to divorce with a range of emotionally intelligent processes. Feel free to get in touch with me if you would like to find out more about mediation or the many alternatives to court on 07944 108298.
