Hartlepool charity launches new phone service for stressed separated parents during lockdown

Changing Futures North East, which supports families across Teesside and Hartlepool, has launched a Call Back phone service to help parents struggling with separation and child contact arrangements on top of pressures of school closures, physical isolation and money worries.

The charity, located on the Headland, says they have heard from a lot of separated families that child contact is difficult and causing a lot of conflict and in some cases contact being prevented.

Changing Futures says they wants to respond to the conflict by helping parents to make agreements that are in the best interests of them and their children.

Graham Alton, CEO of Changing Futures, said: “Families are under more pressure than ever, and sorting out arrangements about the kids can be really tough at the best of times.

“We want to help parents to make arrangements about seeing the kids that work for them. We can give tips on how they can do the best for the kids together even in these tough times.”

If people can’t make arrangements themselves, Changing Futures can provide legally aided and private mediation online by video calls.

And if people can’t get legal aid funding, it will also reduce its fees or provide some mediation for free if people are badly affected by recent events.

Graham added: “We’ll help out for people who are stuck financially – what matters to us is making sure parents and children get the help they need, when they need it most.”

Changing Futures has a long history of helping families with their relationships and offers a range of other free support including those who are separated, people who want to split up with minimum pain and to improve relationships.

The service can be contacted on (01429) 891444 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and one of the team will call you back the same day.

For details about family mediation email [email protected]

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