Family and Relationship Services...

Here at The Relationships Centre we know that family life isn't always easy and sometimes we all need a bit of help, advice and support.

We offer a range of family and relationship services and take referrals from agencies or families themselves.

Family or Couple Mediation

Mediation is where an independent third party (mediator/s) acts as facilitator between two or more individuals who are having relationship difficulties. The role of the mediator is to create a safe, neutral environment where family members can discuss relevant issues, will be listened to and that they will be assisted in trying to find a mutual, positive and constructive way forward to resolve their relationship issues. Our qualified mediators will usually work separately with individuals first before conducting joint sessions.

Family Group Conferencing (FGC)

A FGC is a decision making and planning process whereby the wider, extended family makes plans and decisions for children and young people who have been identified by the family or by service providers, as being in need of a plan that will safeguard and promote their welfare. Children and Young people are also encouraged to attend and play a key role in the meeting.

Our FGC co-ordinator has completed national accredited FGC training and adheres to the model recommended by the Family Rights Group. The co-ordinator is also an accredited mediator and so the service is flexible and responsive to the needs of individual families by offering mediation, a Family Group Conference or both.

Situations where FGC can be used successfully include,

  • identifying kinship carers or exploring alternative safe placements for vulnerable children, to avoid care proceedings.
  • making 'contact' a more positive and rewarding experience for children in care,
  • contact arrangements following family breakdown.
  • step families in dispute or where the behaviour of older children is impacting on younger children.
  • identify family &/or friends who can provide alternative support networks especially where there is a young carer.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Our CBT therapist helps individuals to understand that how we think about things, often determines how we feel and behave, rather than the associated things, such as other people, situations and events. CBT offers practical strategies and techniques to change the way we think, to feel and act more positively, even if the situation itself does not change. Evidence suggests that CBT is effective for the treatment of a variety of problems, including mood, anxiety, personality, eating, substance abuse, and psychotic disorders.

Please contact the centre on 01925 246910 to discuss further any of the above services.