Family Matters is delighted to announce that Lesley Dudleston received confirmation last week that she had successfully submitted a portfolio to be accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMCA). The comments by the assessor were glowing and were a testament to Lesley’s commitment and hard work.  One assessor commented: “This is one of the finest portfolios I have read. It has been a joy to … [Read more...]

We are coming up to the holiday season, with half-term almost upon us and then the (hopefully sunny) summer holidays. The very organised have booked their leave well in advance, chosen the hotel or resort, and booked and paid for their summer holidays already –  for them half the fun is looking forward to the holidays.  The more spontaneous will leave it to the last minute – weeks, days or even … [Read more...]

Family Matters mediators have helped a couple who needed mediation in a hurry as the father in the case works in the military and has been posted out of the country at short notice. The couple rang in recently, on a Tuesday at 10am, saying they could have separate sessions over the next two days - which they did.  They then had their first two hour session of mediation four days later, which … [Read more...]

The press is full of reports about former Spice Girl, Mel B and her filing for divorce from husband Stephen Belafonte. Mel has reportedly taken out a restraining order against her husband, saying he has been physically and mentally abusive over their ten-year marriage. Stephen, however, denies the allegations and says he will fight for his children.  He is father to their daughter, Madison, of … [Read more...]

Marianne Mooney, former Family Matters administrator, is hitchhiking across Europe for charity. Sheffield Rag, Sheffield Students Union's fund raising charity, runs a series of events throughout the year. The highlight of the year is the hitchhiking event Bummitt, in which students  are sponsored to hitchhike across Europe over the period of a week, relying on the kindness of strangers to … [Read more...]