For Parents
www.parentlineplus.org.uk – website providing information, on-line community and a range of publications for all parents
www.seperatedfamiles.org.uk – The Centre for Separated Families. The centre has an excellent email advice service dealing with issues from benefits advice to the court process (email: advice@seperatedfamilies.org.uk) Tel: 0845 478 6360.
www.fatherhoodinstitute.org The fatherhood institute describes itself as the UK’s Fatherhood Think Tank. The website has a lot of useful information and links for Fathers – and a section for separated Fathers
www.familymediationhelpline.co.uk This helpline provides information about mediation, how to find a mediator and what to expect. Family mediation may be very helpful in helping you and your ex to move away from conflict and to build a positive parenting relationship for the future. Tel: 0845 602 627
www.resolution.org.uk – An Association representing over 5000 family lawyers committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Home of the new ‘Parenting after Parting’ initiative. See the Parenting After Parting pages on the website for information and advice for separated parenting and supporting your children through separation and beyond.
www.counselling-directory.org.uk This website is a support network of UK counsellors and psychotherapists, with information on their training and experience, areas of counselling covered, fees and contact details. This service is free, confidential and easy to use.
www.psychotherapy.org.uk The UK Council for Psycho-therapy (UKCP) holds the national register of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. This website has information on all types of therapies and on how to choose a therapist or counsellor. Tel: 0207 014 9955 or email info@ukcp.org.uk
The website of the Royal College of Psychiatry. This website provides information and guidance on all sorts of talking therapies – with fact sheets and explanations. They also provide contact information for the governing registers for a range of practitioners
General Advice
Citizens’ Advice (formerly Citizens Advice Bureaux) Citizens’ Advice has offices across the country and can help with a broad range of issues – from debt advice to housing – and lots of things in between. The website also has a link to information specific to separation and divorce. Local offices are often very busy – but don’t give up – and use the website for general help.
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk Free, confidential advice on any debt issues. Tel: 0808 808 4000
www.advicenow.org.uk The website of Advice Now – an organisation offering advice on a huge range of subjects – from benefits to divorce to dealing with bailiffs – they also have a range of downloadable guides
www.direct.gov.uk Government website – go to Parents for further information and help on a range of parenting issues
Useful contacts
For children and young people
www.childline.org.uk or call Childline’s free 24 hour helpline on 0800 111. Lines are busy so please keep trying and you will get through. Childline provides lots of information including advice on living as part of a stepfamily. Also hosts www.achance2talk.com – an interactive help and advice site for young adults with links to other support.
www.cafcass.gov.uk. Cafcass looks after the interests of children in family courts. If your parents are going to court because they can’t agree on who will look after you, visit the ‘information for teenagers’ section
www.divorceaid.co.uk/child/children.htm Read the children’s section on this site, which is all about divorce and separation. It discusses your emotions and has details of helplines, online advice, useful sites and books
www.nyas.net (National Youth Advocacy Service) Advice and information for young people, including free legal advice, on 0800 61 61 01 or email help@nyas.net
NSPCC – Call the NSPCC’s free 24 hour helpline on 0800 800 500. You can emailhelp@nspcc.org.uk for advice and they will reply within 24 hours.
www.worriedneed2talk.org.uk the NSPCC’s site for young people that includes lots of info about all sorts of problems, including family break-ups.
www.youngminds.org.uk Visit the children and young people’s pages on this website for help and advice
www.bblfamilylaw.com Our sister site; bbl family mediation is part of bbl family law
CD-rom
Many schools have a copy of a CD-rom called coping with family change. Try looking in the school library for it, or ask a teacher. You can download a clip from the CD-rom at www.coping-with-life.org.uk
