Supporting Local Authorities to Help Reduce Parental Conflict

Across the UK the DWP supports Reducing Parental Conflict programmes through local authorities. Where the legal process is not in contemplation, community mediators can facilitate difficult conversations, provide a listening ear and give support to those experiencing conflict at the heart of family life.

Earlier this month, Chief Executive Victoria Harris gave a presentation to Reducing Parental Conflict Coordinators from across the UK to explain how mediation can support individuals who are suffering the impact of conflict. Signposting to the Family Mediation Council for appropriate cases, Victoria highlighted different ways that community mediators can support the work of RPC Coordinators and showcased the new CMC map for community mediation services.

Mediation and conflict coaching came under the spotlight as options for parents in conflict and conflict prevention training was also highlighted as a useful educational tool for front line workers who coordinate this support. The interplay between conflict and mental health was a key topic for this presentation and Victoria shared the CMC mental health videos so that more individuals can recognise the cause and effect relationship, how to seek help and how mediation can support individuals experiencing tough times due to conflict.

Victoria commented, ‘As well as supporting access to justice the community mediators are on the front-line signposting and safeguarding vulnerable individuals who are experiencing conflict. CMC’s mission continues to spread the word about mediation so that in this case, local authorities will fund and continue to fund community mediation services to help reduce the human and financial cost of conflict.’

We appreciate the invitation to speak on this important topic from Esther Jones and Antoinette Onyejiuwa of the DWP State Pensions, Families and Devolution Directorate.