Helping families talk, listen and find a way forward
Family relationships can become difficult during times of change. Family Talks is a new mediation service from Relate NI, supporting family members to communicate more effectively, reduce conflict and make their own arrangements for the future.
Who is Family Talks for?
Family Talks can support:
- Parents and adult children
- Grandparents and wider family members
- Siblings
- Families affected by separation, divorce or family restructuring
- Families experiencing difficulties as a result of poor health or changing circumstances
How can mediation help?
Family mediation provides a safe and structured space to talk about concerns, explore options and work towards an acceptable way forward.
Our mediators are impartial. They do not take sides, make judgements or tell families what to do. They support family members to make their own decisions about the future.
How does it work?
Each family member involved is offered an individual, confidential meeting with a mediator.
Where mediation is assessed as suitable, and all family members wish to take part, joint mediation sessions can then be arranged.
Through this funded pilot, families can access:
- An individual assessment appointment for each participant
- Up to two joint Family Talks mediation sessions
- Joint sessions lasting up to two hours each
Important to know
Mediation is voluntary and all family members involved must be willing to engage in the process.
Joint sessions are only offered where mediation is assessed as appropriate and likely to benefit the family. In some circumstances, counselling or other therapeutic support may be recommended before mediation.
Find out more
Email office@relateni.org
Please quote Family Talks in the subject line.
Relate NI is a charity. Voluntary donations are welcomed and help us to offer support to as many families as possible.
Funded by Dormant Assets NI, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund.