Separated London families to get more support

Ten areas around the UK, including Camden in London and Oldham, Salford and Manchester in the north-west, have been selected for a new pilot scheme aiming to offer more joined-up support for separated families.

Launching the new initiative, schools minister Vernon Coaker said the £4.75 million project will strengthen local services including counselling, mediation and practical and legal support.

Mr Coaker said: "We know the devastating impact that divorce and separation can have on families and in particular on the wellbeing of children who can often get caught in the middle of family breakdowns.

"In the Children’s Plan and the Children’s Plan: One Year On we committed to doing more to support parents and children experiencing family breakdown and to provide preventative support to help families maintain strong, stable relationships."

The announcement follows a survey by family charity Kids in the Middle, which found 90 per cent of parents surveyed felt more could be done to help adults and children through separation.

Written by Charlotte Michaels





Published On 22/09/2009