Support from your peers, when you need it.
Dedicated wellbeing and emotional support services. Providing safe peer support from those who truly understand your experiences at various points along their journey towards different co-parenting arrangements.
Who is this suitable for?
Parents and carers looking for support, including those on the waiting list for our Family Connections service.
What to expect
Peer support from people who have lived-experience of the ups and downs of the journey towards co-parenting in your area.
How much does it cost?
Due to the financial supports of our funders and friends of Family Journeys, we are at times able to offer free or reduced fees for some of our services. Please contact us for further information.
Refer yourself or someone else
Complete the referral form if you or someone you know would like to access our services
We offer this service at 3 locations
Family Journeys
The Playrooms,
519 Gorgie Road,
Edinburgh,
EH11 3AJ
Family Journeys at The Fisherrow Centre
Fisherrow Centre,
South Street, Musselburgh,
East Lothian,
EH21 6AT
Family Journeys at Linbar House
48 North Bridge Street,
Bathgate
West Lothian,
EH48 4PP
Family Journeys at The Den
Jock Tamson’s Gairden, The Glebe
Duddingston Kirk, 5 Old Church Lane
Edinburgh,
EH15 3PX
Dad’s story
Following a significant gap in contact due to lockdown restrictions, Family Journeys supported a father in his rebuilding of a particularly challenging relationship with his young son.
Emphasis of perspective has been vital for building rapport with this Dad. He often felt that because he wasn’t the parent living at home, his views were not considered and have not mattered in the parenting of his youngest son.
The work that has been undertaken as part of this peer experience group has given him space to reflect, find his views and actively gain support to co parent with his child’s mother. This has resulted in comments that he felt he has been “listened to and his voice has been heard” and he now feels “more involved in decisions around contact”.
The dedicated work that has been undertaken with this family has also involved challenging this father’s thinking patterns around family time and relationship building with his children. Historic negative thinking patterns that haven’t been helpful in the rebuilding of this relationship have been challenged, addressed and re-educated, allowing the parents to be able to begin to see decisions that have been from an alternative perspective.
The communication skills, tolerance levels and perspective of this Dad has dramatically improved since this dedicated work began and this has resulted in an excellent relationship with his son, a healthier co-parenting understanding with his son’s mother, ongoing peer support and increased mental and emotional health.
“It was lovely to meet you. It has put a smile on my face and believe me I’ve not had a laugh or a smile like this in a long time. So, thank you.”
Parent
Fees
As a small organisation, our capacity to provide prompt and comprehensive support is only possible by charging for the important service we offer.
We aim to charge a fair and reasonable hourly professional rate which is inclusive of direct staff costs and overheads.
To explore whether you may be entitled to Legal Aid, please contact Citizens Advice for additional assistance.
Affordability and accessibility are important to us and therefore we welcome confidential payment discussions for those families who are not entitled to Legal Aid Funding.
Please note that no family will be excluded from service for financial reasons.
FAQs
Will I have to see my ex-partner?
- No. If you do not feel comfortable seeing another parent/carer Family Journeys will stagger Family Connections arrival and departure times to ensure everyone feels safe, and their needs are respected. Within our mediation services we can offer shuttle mediation, either in person or online. This involves parents/carers being in different rooms and the mediator moving between. If you are attending our Parenting Apart programme, you will not be put in the same group as another family member (unless expressly requested).
Am I allowed to take photographs?
- As an organisation promoting positive relationships, capturing special moments is a normal aspect of nurturing positive connections. Please note however, this may be subject to certain conditions if a court order explicitly prohibits photographs, if there are child protection concerns or identified risks or if the child does not consent to having their photograph taken, their wishes will be respected. Prioritising the safety and consent of all parties involved is paramount.
Will there always be a staff member in playroom with my child?
- During supervised Family Connection sessions, a staff member will ALWAYS be present with your child. During supported Family Connection sessions, a staff member will be available for when a child or parent/family member may need them, and they will offer regular check ins to see if all is going well in the playroom.
Can I wait at Family Journeys whilst my child sees my ex-partner?
- Yes of course. We have relaxing parent/carer rooms for you to wait whilst your child is enjoying time in the playrooms. This can help you and your child feel more at ease in the early sessions. However, you may also wish to spend some time away from the venue and this is encouraged once your child feels comfortable coming to Family Journeys. Staff will always call you if your child needs you to return.
My court order was issued last month, why can’t I start immediately?
- At Family Journeys, we understand this is a stressful period for all, especially the child. We don’t want to delay but sometimes it takes a while to find a vacant slot in our venues that suits both you and your child. We also want to give your child and family every chance of success when coming to Family Journeys, therefore it is important that we start after a period of preparation. This preparation period will travel at the pace of the child and support everyone to get the most out of their time playing together in the hope of independent co-parenting solutions.
How long will it take after the intake meeting for contact to start?
- This is difficult to answer because it depends on your child’s readiness to meet. Sometimes we support the child with an extended preparation or involve the child in our All About Me service if they are struggling. Normally we would hope your first play session would be no longer than a month after your initial meeting with staff, but sometimes it can take longer.
I worry I can’t afford this. What can I do?
- If you are in receipt of benefits or earn below a certain threshold, you may be entitled to Scottish Legal Aid. You will need a solicitor to access these funds. If you are not entitled to Scottish Legal Aid and feel you will struggle to meet the costs, please get in touch with us directly to discuss how we can work out a payment plan that is affordable.
If I go on holiday, will I get into trouble?
- No. We will communicate this information to your ex-partner and solicitors, if applicable, and arrange a catch-up session where possible. The key here is being honest and planning ahead.
I can’t find a legal aid solicitor, what do I do?
- Although Family Journeys cannot specifically suggest a particular solicitor, we can provide you with a list of Scottish Legal Aid solicitors who you can contact.
My solicitor told me that they are no longer doing Legal Aid work. What do I do?
- Let Family Journeys know ASAP. It is possible the child’s other parent may be able to cover costs short term through their own legal aid. Family Journeys can help communicate this with your permission. It may be important for you to find another solicitor to represent you. During this period, we will not stop your child’s Family Connections time.
I am worried my ex-partner will find out where I live if they ask the children. Can you control what is said during a session?
- During supervised Family Connections sessions, our staff will be present to ensure you, and your children, are safe. Any leading questions thought to expose a restricted address will be stopped.
How can I access my child’s or my notes?
- You can acquire all notes retained on our information management system regarding yourself and/or the child you have legal rights and responsibilities for through a subject access request.
What happens if a parent or guardian arrives under the influence of substances?
- Family Journeys are unable to do any drug testing, but we do visual checks and monitor the persons behaviour. If staff detect that a person is under the influence or cannot look after the child, family time will be stopped. Family Journeys are an inclusive organisation, if a family is impacted by substance use Family Journeys can support to find appropriate solutions with the individual and family.
Resources
There are many resources and organisations available to offer support.