One of the North West's biggest relationships charities is expanding its industry-leading family mediation services into Crewe, and wider across Cheshire.

TLC: Talk, Listen, Change has seen a more than 25 per cent increase in referrals to their family mediation services since 2022.

This has led to the move to expand its offering across the region, including the likes of Crewe, Chester, Ellesmere Port and Runcorn.

TLC: Talk, Listen, Change has seen a more than 25 per cent increase in referrals to their family mediation services since 2022 (TLC: Talk, Listen, Change).

Family mediation is a process to help separating couples make arrangements for children and/or shared finances.

This avoids the risk of lengthy and expensive court proceedings, allowing families to discuss important matters in a secure environment and with an impartial professional.

Support is offered to discuss things like living arrangements, contact with a child/children, holidays, financial disclosure, divorce proceedings, and the division of assets.

Child inclusive mediation is also on offer, providing an opportunity for children to have a voice in the decisions being made where appropriate and following permission from both parents.

Family mediation is available to everyone, without financial barriers.

The services are offered privately or funded through legal aid and the government voucher scheme, with all clients receiving the exact same service.

Last year, TLC: Talk, Listen Change saw 13 times as many children attend as did in 2019 (TLC: Talk, Listen Change).

Head of family mediation at TLC: Talk, Listen, Change, Victoria Parkinson, told Nub News: "Our aim is to ensure high quality mediation is available to all.

"In order to achieve this, we have a fantastic and highly trained team.

"We remain committed to our legal aid contact and we are delighted to still offer the Government Voucher Scheme funding.

"Everyone here is very excited for the growth of the department and to support more families.

"We do what we do because we believe it is not only a positive step forward during difficult times, but also a healthy approach to creating a happier situation.

"This time of year is busy within family law, we saw a 203 per cent increase in January 2023 from December 2022.

Head of family mediation at TLC: Talk, Listen, Change, Victoria Parkinson (TLC: Talk, Listen, Change).

"As people reflect on the time they spent with their children last year or consider their financial position they may wish to begin 2024 by exploring the option of mediation.

"It is important that people know we are here to resolve disputes in a way that reduces legal costs and is family focused."

Last year, TLC: Talk, Listen Change saw 13 times as many children attend as did in 2019. 

78.7 per cent of the clients who used these services in 2023, attended free of charge, through either legal aid or the government voucher scheme.

READ MORE: Teenager taken to hospital following collision with car close to Crewe Alex FC.

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