New family mediation service offers support to local families navigating separation

A new psychologically family mediation service, The Secret Majority, has been established by Great Easton resident Dr Nina Francis.

She hopes the service will "bring a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological challenges of separation into the mediation process".

"Separation is rarely just about dividing finances or agreeing which days the children will spend with each parent." said Dr Francis.

"There are often feelings of grief, fear, anger and uncertainty sitting underneath those conversations. Understanding those emotions can make an enormous difference to how people communicate and make decisions during divorce and thus, what goes on to be made legally binding by a court."

Alongside her mediation work, Dr Francis sits on the board of Resolution Leicestershire.

"Many people assume that separating or divorcing means turning to solicitors or going to court to resolve disagreements. But there are other options," she added.

"Family mediation offers couples a space to work through practical decisions together, with the support of an impartial, trained mediator. This might include deciding how children will spend time with each parent, what happens to the family home or how finances will be divided."

Family mediation can take place in person or online, and couples don't necessarily have to sit in the same room. Separate meetings, known as shuttle mediation, can also be arranged.

"One of the things I've learnt through my work is just how much can be going on in people's lives that those around them know absolutely nothing about," added Dr Francis.

"Behind every front door, there are stories, worries, hopes and challenges. I want local families to know that if they're facing separation, they don't have to navigate all those difficult decisions alone and nor is court assumed."

To find out more about family mediation and the support available locally, visit www.thesecretmajority.co.uk