Tel: 01392 454 940 | Fax: 01392 491 658 help@devonfamilysolutions.co.uk | www.devonfamilysolutions.co.uk Dear %%Full Name%%, Welcome to the December edition of the Devon Family Solutions Newsletter. Over the holiday period our Exeter office will be closed from 12 noon on Wednesday 23rd December, re-opening at 9am on Tues 29th December. The office will also be closed from 5pm on New Year’s Eve, opening again at 9am on Monday 4th January. Topic of the Month - Supporting separating families News reports this week suggested that the government is considering making therapy available on the NHS for couples with relationship difficulties, especially where they may be affected by depression or other health problems. This seems like an official confirmation of something that family practitioners have always known; assisting clients through separation and divorce often means dealing with more than simply legal issues. As mediators we aim to work in a holistic way, working with other professionals where this offers clients the support they need to separate in as amicable a way as possible. In the initial intake meeting mediators consider whether a referral to any support agency would be helpful for the client, and where appropriate, will discuss this with them. During the mediation itself mediators are alert to the need to refer clients for expert professional advice, e.g. on complex financial issues. We are always happy to work with solicitors in mediation to offer the best outcomes for the clients. As an agency we offer short-term psychological support services to assist clients to develop strategies for dealing with specific problems, such as how to manage the handover of children at contact meetings. We also offer longer term counselling. Clients can be referred to these services through the mediation. We also welcome direct referrals from solicitors outside of mediation. We can offer the services of our Children’s Resources workers to see children in a confidential setting to discuss wishes and feelings arising from their parents’ separation. A major issue that causes strain for many families at this time of year is dealing with debt problems. Before signing up to expensive re-structuring plans with private companies, clients might like to know that there are a number of charities that can assist. The Citizens Advice Bureau offers face-to-face help as well as a useful on-line guide to managing debt. The Money Advice Trust’s National Debt helpline also offers free, confidential and impartial advice on budgeting and debt management. They can be contacted on 0808 808 4000, or via their website,  http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk. Finally, a new resource is available for clients in the Exeter area (postcodes EX1-EX5). Exeter CAP (Christians against Poverty) is a nationally recognised charity which works with clients irrespective of religious belief, and without proselytising. CAP works with clients and negotiates with creditors to help set a realistic budget which will allow clients to become debt free in 4 years. They can be contacted on 0800 328 0006. Further information on all these resources is also available from the DFSL office. Stop Press Our first training session will take place on 20th January 2010. Clinical psychologist Joe Millar will lead a seminar on “Reconceptualising Masculinity in Family Breakdown?" ('Working with men in the context of separation').  The seminar will be held at DFSL offices in Exeter from 4-6pm, cost £40 + VAT. Please contact Adrienne Cox coxbowden@onetel.com to book your place. Directions Situated directly opposite King William Street car park in Longbrook Street, just a few minutes walk from Exeter City Centre and close to transport links Click for map Contact Details Suite 3 First Floor, Hampton House, 23 Longbrook Street, Exeter, EX4 6AB Tel: 01392 454 940 | Fax: 01392 491 658 help@devonfamilysolutions.co.uk | www.devonfamilysolutions.co.uk If you have received this email in error, please accept our apologies. If you do not wish to receive further emails please click unsubscribe