The organisers of January’s Family Mediation Week have declared the event a success with plans for next year’s corresponding event “already underway”.
Family Mediation Week saw family mediators run numerous events in January which reached an audience of over 1,600 people.
Organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), it was opened at a launch by Lord Bellamy KC, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice.
“The overall objective of Family Mediation Week 2023 was to raise the profile and public understanding of the many benefits that family mediation can bring to separating couples,” says John Taylor, Chair of the FMC:
“21 webinars were held in five days. Some aimed at providing information to members of the public, while others were focused on supporting mediators, lawyers, divorce coaches, financial experts, social workers, and other professionals involved in family justice. All were very much appreciated.
The collective audience of over 1,600 people for these events, and the very positive feedback received, show that Family Mediation Week 2023 was a great success. Planning for next year’s event has already begun.”
Webinars aimed at the professional audience included:
- CAFCASS developments: Separated Parents Information Programme and Parenting Plans
- The difference between mediation and arbitration
- Why isn’t mediation “flying off the shelf”?
- Young Family Mediators Association: focus on post-foundation training and sharing experiences about working towards accreditation
Family Mediation Week takes place in January, sometimes dubbed “divorce month”, as it is a period which usually sees rising numbers of couples making enquiries about separation and divorce. Yet, John Taylor stresses that the benefits of family mediation are felt all year round:
“Family mediation saves you money if you are looking to separate or divorce, as it is usually much cheaper than being represented in court.
It is a process that helps you make arrangements over parenting, property and money, in a way that lets you keep more control of your family’s future. Importantly, it also enables you to put your child’s interests first.
In family mediation, an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps you work these things out, enabling you to avoid courtroom confrontation. Professional mediators help you to create long-term solutions for your particular circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family.”
