Family Mediation Cymru

01/06/2026

We've been a little quiet on social media recently... and that's because we've been busy helping families.

While our posts may have slowed down, our team certainly hasn't!

Over the past few months we've been supporting families through separation, delivering training, attending partnership meetings, meeting with professionals, and continuing to develop our Child Inclusive Mediation service.

We're incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to refer to us and place their trust in our team. Your support enables us to help families have difficult conversations, make arrangements for their children, and find a way forward without unnecessary conflict.

We'll be sharing more updates, introducing members of our team, and highlighting some of the work we've been doing over the coming weeks.

In the meantime, thank you for your continued support 💚

12/05/2026

£500 support to help separating families in Wales make vital parenting agreements

Separating parents in Wales can access £500 towards the cost of agreeing arrangements for children and finances, following a government extension of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.

Hundreds of families locally could benefit from the funding, which is designed to help couples reach agreements without going to court.

The government has confirmed a one-year extension to its Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which offers funding for separating couples to help them make agreements using family mediation.

Welcoming the extension, Family Mediation Cymru, said the scheme will help more local families make arrangements more quickly and with less stress.

“Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally trained mediator helps separating couples work through decisions together,”

“The £500 voucher will encourage more parents in Wales to try mediation rather than face the cost, delay and emotional strain of going to court.

“Mediation puts families in control. It helps them find practical, long-term solutions that work for their own circumstances, rather than having decisions imposed by a court.”

“Couples who have decided to separate find that their life-changing decision brings many difficult questions, such as:

Who will live where?
Where will the children live, and how will we make sure we each spend time with them?
How will we sort money?
What about debts and pensions?
And even the family dog?

“Many people simply don’t know where to start. The voucher scheme means more families in Wales can access support to work through these issues constructively.”

Analysis of the first 7,200 users of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme showed 69% reached full or partial agreements away from court.

Anyone wanting to know more about the benefits of family mediation can email [email protected] or call 02920 229692.

The case types eligible for a mediation voucher are:
a dispute/application regarding a child
a dispute/application regarding family financial matters which is being addressed alongside a dispute/application relating to a child

Legal Aid also remains available for family mediation.

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21/04/2026

We were delighted to deliver our first Child Inclusive Mediation training – “The CIM Process using the Lundy Model of Participation” online today.

The day ran really smoothly, and we’re so pleased with the positive feedback received. A big thank you to all who attended—your willingness to engage and contribute made the session truly interactive and insightful for everyone involved.

It’s always great to create a space where we can learn from each other, and we’re sure we all took something away from the day—ourselves included!

We’re looking forward to our next session on 22nd June. If you’re interested in attending, please email:
📧 [email protected]

09/04/2026

Meet the Team - Our newest member - Verity Altaras

Verity completed her training as a Family Mediator in October 2025 and is working towards accreditation to provide legal aid. She has extensive experience working with vulnerable clients, including victims of domestic violence, both in the mediation context and through her career as a qualified solicitor, which spanned over 10-years. She previously worked as a Senior Associate solicitor in the Public Law and Human Rights department at Simpson Millar LLP, representing victims of trafficking, asylum seekers, children/young adults in the care system and asylum-seeking minors. She was recognised as a ‘Key Lawyer’ in the 'Legal 500', Civil Liberties and Human Rights category, and ‘Associate to Watch’ in 'Chambers and Partners'. In her early legal career, Verity trained and qualified as a solicitor in the Dispute Resolution department at Kingsley Napley LLP.

Verity also has experience in working in the charity and Human Rights sector, in the UK and abroad. She worked at Lawyers for Justice in Libya as their Strategic Litigation Programme Coordinator. Additionally, she completed an internship at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and worked in Colombia analysing the paramilitary demobilisation process.

Verity's education encompasses a comprehensive range of fields, including a first-class undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Leeds University, a Master’s in Human Rights from the London School of Economics, a Level 2 Counselling Certificate, and a Foundation in Family Mediation.

In her spare time, she enjoys rock climbing, running and cycling, and spending time with her young family.

07/04/2026

Meet the Team - Sarah Briley

Sarah has worked in family mediation for over 17 years with Family Mediation Cymru, supporting families to navigate separation and conflict in a constructive and child-focused way. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Social Welfare and Law, a Graduate Diploma in Law, and a Diploma in Leadership and Management.

She is an accredited family mediator, Professional Practice Consultant (PPC) and Child Inclusive Mediator (CIM), and currently serves as Deputy Director of the service. Alongside her mediation work, she supports the professional development of other mediators through supervision and training, including delivering training for Child Inclusive Mediation practitioners.

She is actively involved in wider sector development, contributing to Local Family Justice Board discussions and working groups focused on the development of Child Inclusive Mediation practice.

Outside of work, she is a proud mother of two and enjoys staying active. She volunteers as a rugby coach and practices taekwondo, both of which reflect her passion for teamwork, resilience and personal development.

06/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18YFGCsvLf/

👨‍👧 Calling all Girl Dads! 💕

Here at Consurio Lounge, we’ve got something a little different in mind…

Daddy & Daughter Hair Sessions! ✂️✨

Think:
🍺 Plaits & Pints
🍻 Beers & Buns

A relaxed, fun space where dads can learn simple hair skills — from basic ponytails to braids — all while enjoying a drink and a good laugh with other dads.

We’ll start small, practicing on professional training heads before building up the confidence to style our own little girls’ hair 💖

This is all about bonding, learning something new, and creating special moments.

We’re thinking of making this a regular event… but first, we want to hear from YOU 👇

👉 Would you be interested?
👉 Tag a dad who needs this!

Let’s build something great together 🙌

01/04/2026

Meet the team - Adam Walters

Adam began working at Family Mediation Cymru in 2015, initially as an admin assistant. Over time, Adam developed his role into other areas, including accounts and finance.

After a brief period away from the organisation, he made the decision to train as a family mediator. Adam returned in 2024 and completed his family mediation training with National Family Mediation.

Adam is currently completing his portfolio and working towards Family Mediation Council accreditation, further developing his skills as a mediator. Once completed, this will enable him to undertake Legal Aid work.

Adam is thoroughly enjoying his role, which involves working alongside mediator colleagues as well as leading his own cases.
Outside of work, his biggest interest is music. Adam enjoys listening to music as much as possible, attending live shows, and has experience in playing and writing music. Adam also continues to occasionally play in bands.

Adam also enjoys quizzing and has a strong interest in learning and expanding his knowledge.

26/03/2026

We’re always looking for ways to improve what we do — especially when it comes to ensuring children’s voices are truly heard 💬

Recently, our mediators Cheryl and Anna had the opportunity to meet with young members of the Local Family Justice Young People’s Board to gather feedback on our Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) process.

Their insights were incredibly valuable and honest, helping us to reflect on what works well and where we can do better.

We’re now using this feedback to shape and strengthen our approach — and to inform the training we’re delivering to other Child Inclusive Mediators in the future.

A huge thank you to the young people who shared their experiences and perspectives with us — your voices really do make a difference 💚

25/03/2026

Meet the Team

Cheryl Edwards

Cheryl has enjoyed her role as a mediator for over 20 years, 10 of these with Family Mediation Cymru, and prior to this with a young person’s homelessness charity. She has always worked with families and young people following her graduation with a degree in Psychology with Criminology. She is passionate about children’s needs and ensuring their voices are heard.

Cheryl is also trained to work directly with children and has written an article on this area. She will also be delivering training on how to make children’s sessions more meaningful.

Alongside her work with Family Mediation Cymru, Cheryl is the founder of Connect Resolve, which specialises in strengthening children’s and young people’s relationships with their parents.

In her spare time, she enjoys playing netball, walking her dog at the beach, and visiting new places.

25/03/2026

We just want to make you aware that our website is being updated. For any general enquiries, please do not hesitate to call us on 029 2022 9692 or email [email protected]