About us - Family Journeys

Family Journeys is a safe space for children and families who are navigating separation, relationship breakdown, and family conflict.

Family Mediation Lothian was first established in 1981. Since then, we have grown to provide a range of services for families in mediation, family connections centres, children’s groups and support for parenting apart. In 2020, to reflect our evolving services, Family Mediation Lothian became Family Journeys.

We prioritise the child’s voice, creating emotionally safe spaces for diverse families to heal and thrive.
We focus on understanding the child’s views, and sharing them with active decision makers, including parents and appointed court Sheriffs.

Our services are run throughout the Lothians by an established team of staff and volunteers. Our unwavering professionalism and legal compliance ensure effective and compassionate support. We offer an inclusive and holistic approach in many different circumstances.

Our vision

Every child feels, and trusts, that their rights around family life are respected and upheld.

Our mission

Supporting children and families throughout their journey toward healthy, respectful and nurturing relationships.

Our Values

Child First

We are passionate about prioritising the needs and well-being of the child in every decision and action. Their voices guide us, and their futures inspire us.

Empathetic

We recognise that every journey is unique and approach it with deep empathy and authenticity, seeking to fully understand individual circumstances. Through this approach, we can provide more precisely tailored support that empowers children and their wider family during their most challenging times.

Trauma Informed

We facilitate connections that develop a shared understanding among family members that reflects the needs and boundaries of the individuals involved. Our approach is trauma-responsive, prioritising sensitivity to reduce the impact of negative experiences, prevent re-traumatisation and break generational trauma patterns.

A Safe Space

We provide a safe space for all, both physically and emotionally. It’s a space where trust can flourish, conflicts can be resolved, and families can thrive without judgment or fear.

Nurturing Solutions

We work with families to find the most nurturing solutions that provide positive changes in the lives of children and their families. Every action and every decision is rooted in the pursuit of hopeful outcomes for our children and families.

Professional

As a team and as individuals, we conduct ourselves with integrity, impartiality, and regulatory compliance. We are honest about our responsibilities and dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in all that we do.

“An incredible effort to modernise the work of child contact.”

Solicitor

#KeepThePromise

Family Journeys have made a commitment and a promise to children, young people, and adult care experienced individuals and families.

#KeepThePromise is a cross-party Scottish Government commitment to ensure that positive change is meaningfully achieved for care experienced and edge of care children and young people.

Learn more about how we #KeepThePromise

Proud to be a member of

Our team

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Our board

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Thanks to our funders and partners

Become a member

Our members make a difference to children and families across Edinburgh and Lothians. We need your help to keep our family centres and services available to as many people as possible.

Learn more about membership