When family relationships become strained, it can feel difficult to have the conversations that matter most. Arguments can become patterns, communication breaks down, and both young people and parents can feel stuck with nowhere to turn.
Our Family Mediation and Support service provides a safe, confidential space for young people aged 16-25 and their parents or carers to talk things through and find positive ways forward. The free service is delivered by trained professional mediators and focuses on improving communication, rebuilding relationships and resolving conflict.
Support begins with an initial assessment, giving young people and families the opportunity to explore their situation and identify the best way to progress. Mediation is solution-focused and can be provided for up to 12 weeks. Parenting support is available on a one-to-one basis and is confidential and non-judgemental.
One parent recently shared the impact the service had on their family:
Mediation with Mary has given us the space to communicate in a safe space as a family. We’ve learnt key tools which have enabled us to communicate effectively again.
This in turn has given both my daughter and myself a way in which we are now able to have effective conversations when the going gets tough. We’ve learnt not only how to work together again but how to talk, discuss and resolve issues effectively with fairness, understanding of each other and kindness, which in turn has opened the tapestry to better communication and has strengthened our relationship for the better.
The parent went on to describe the service as “brilliant” and said it had helped their family in ways they “could never have imagined”.
Family mediation is not about taking sides. It’s about helping everyone feel heard, understand each other’s perspective and work towards practical solutions together. The service is inclusive and can involve all relevant family members where appropriate.
If you’re interested in Family Mediation and Support, get in touch with our team directly by phone or email. Sessions are usually delivered from YMCA DownsLink Group’s offices in Hove, with the flexibility to meet at community venues or provide support by phone, depending on what works best for your family.
Whether relationships are under strain, communication has broken down or tensions are growing at home, getting support early can make a real difference. Family mediation provides a safe space to talk, helping families understand one another, improve communication and find positive ways forward together.
Contact us
- [email protected]
- 07423 000331
Find out more about how our Family Mediation can help you and other families talk things through: Family Mediation and Support Service
