National Family Mediation Service (NFM)
Telephone: 0300 4000 636
Website: www.nfm.org.uk
Family mediation can be the most effective method of resolving family disputes, especially where children are involved. Agreements that have been freely negotiated can help restore communication, understanding and trust. In most cases mediation must be attempted before applying for a Child Arrangements Order. You can get more information and find local services by going to the NFM website or calling the number above.
Citizens Advice
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Citizens Advice provides online information and advice and has Bureaux all over the country delivering free, independent, confidential and impartial face-to-face and telephone advice.
Coram Children’s Legal Centre – Child Law Advice Service
Advice line: 0300 330 5480 Monday to Friday 8am-6pm
Website: www.childlawadvice.org.uk
The website has detailed information and advice on family and children law matters in England, including contact issues. It also has a section on court processes in private family law cases, and practical advice on representing yourself in court. The helpline is for advice on more complex matters and clarifying questions.
Families Need Fathers
Helpline: 0300 0300 363 Monday to Friday 9am-10pm, Weekends 10am-3pm
Website: www.fnf.org.uk
Families Need Fathers is a charity chiefly concerned with supporting all parents and grandparents to have personal contact and meaningful relationships with children following parental separation.
Family Lives
Helpline: 0808 800 2222
Monday to Friday 9am-9pm, Weekends 10am-3pm
Website: familylives.org.uk
Family Lives offers advice and support on all aspects of family life.
Relate
Telephone: 0300 100 1234
Website: www.relate.org.uk
Relate offers a range of services to help with couple and family relationships. You can talk to a Relate counsellor for free online. You can also book a telephone counselling session (there is a charge for this service) or find details of your nearest Relate service.
Samaritans
Telephone: 116 123, open 24 hours a day
Website: www.samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support 24/7 to those experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can talk to them any time you like, in your own way – and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.
The Law Society
Telephone: 020 7320 5650 Monday to Friday 9am-5.00pm
Website: www.lawsociety.org.uk
Use the Find a Solicitor database or phone the number above to find a solicitor in your area who specialises in family law and/or mediation.
Resolution
Telephone: 01689 820272 Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm
Website: www.resolution.org.uk
Resolution’s members are family lawyers and other professionals who believe in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters. Use the website to find a Resolution specialist in your area.
Bristol Grandparents Support Group
Telephone: 07773 258270
Website: www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk
Bristol Grandparents Support Group informs people of the issues surrounding Grandparents and their rights to see their Grandchildren, when contact has been denied. The organisation in no way gives legal advice, but more of a helping hand, based on experience.
