A free service to help separating parents in Nantwich and Crewe has helped more than 100 families in just 12 months.
The Family Matters scheme, based at local firm Hall Smith Whittingham on Nantwich Road, celebrates a one-year anniversary.
The service, run by national family law body Resolution, works with separated or separating parents to help them access information and support so they can focus on the needs of their children.
Family Matters guides are lawyers and mediators who help to stage joint meetings between parents.
Lucy Roberts, a guide for Crewe and Nantwich, said: “Splitting up or getting divorced can be a very difficult and stressful time for families, and it’s easy to feel confused about what to do next.
“We use our legal knowledge and mediation skills to help parents work through problems they are facing and to find solutions.
“We’ve had some really positive feedback about how the service has helped parents over the last 12 months.
“98% of those who have used the service said they’d found the information and support beneficial, and 76% said they felt better able to take action after seeing a Family Matters Guide.”
Guides refer divorcing couples to additional help, such as debt advice and women’s aid organisations, and identify if they’re eligible for legal aid.
The project is funded by the Department of Work and Pensions as part of its ‘Help and Support for Separating Families’ programme.
The service is free to parents where one receives state benefits, or earns less than the Living Wage (currently £7.65 an hour).
Lucy added: “We are halfway through a two-year project and we’re looking forward to helping many more parents in the second year.
“We’re hopeful that Family Matters will continue beyond this pilot phase.”
(pic by Jennifer Pahlka, creative commons licence)
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