Families urged to seek help amid festive stress

A mediation charity is reminding families of the importance of communication after reporting an increase in enquiries for their service.

Family Mediation Jersey (FMJ), which helps couples seeking separation support, said the festive period brought added pressures to "families that are already struggling".

The charity said it had taken an increased number of enquiries in November and December "mainly from people who are living together".

Elaine Feltham, manager at FMJ, said the charity was seeing cases where couples were "living together, apart" due to financial pressures.

Ms Feltham said: "People can't afford to separate or run two households, a lot of people are also struggling to sell their home because of the current cost of living and the slow housing market."

"Christmas can add pressure to families that are already struggling," she added.

"What we're hearing is that many parents want to reduce conflict at home and make clear, workable arrangements, especially where children are involved."

The charity said it was able to provide families living in the same household with two free joint mediation sessions thanks to "funds from dormant bank accounts" via The Jersey Community Foundation.

Individuals with an annual income below £20,000 were eligible for joint mediation free of charge, it added.

The charity said some ways to help reduce pressure over the Christmas period included:

• Pausing major decisions until after Christmas, where possible

• Keeping conversations focused on children and their wellbeing

• Agreeing on simple boundaries around finances, routines and shared space

• Allowing time and space to step away when emotions feel heightened

• Making small, practical agreements about how Christmas days will be handled

• If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line

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