Family Journeys offers 1:1 parent support and coaching sessions to help you reflect on how to parent after separation.
In these sessions we support one parent with ways to communicate and a play for effective co-parenting. We can support you through the journey of managing children’s transition, changes in day-to-day life, using social networks, mental health and child development.
What is individual parent support and coaching?
Coaching sessions to learn how successfully parent after separation or during conflict.
The process can help with:
- Managing changes in day-to-day life and social networks
- Self-care and stress
- Parenting apart
- Coping with changes in children’s behaviour and children’s sense of loss
- Communicating with children
- Communicating with your ex
Who is this suitable for?
Adults adjusting to a change in a relationship dynamic, who want to minimise the impact on their children.
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.
Please note that no family will be excluded from service for financial reasons.
Fees
Individual Parent Support and Coaching: £30 per parent, per session
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
How 1:1 parent support and coaching has helped other families
We have recently supported 3 vulnerable families in East Lothian. All three Dads were using “contact centres” for many years. Therefore, they have come to Family Journeys with complex history that has needed careful communication and relationship management by staff.
Our dedicated Family Support Workers and Mediators have been able to build a safe and trusting relationship with these parents and establish a connection. This has allowed them to begin modelling play with their child(ren). All of these dad’s had lost confidence or have been unfamiliar with the child(ren) after a long break in contact, due to complex separation.
Our dedicated workers have supported these families in :
- Understanding all stages of child development and what they might expect to see from their child(ren) at a certain age. For example: Playing ‘alongside’ parent rather that ‘with’ parent, infant speech, neurodiverse behaviours, etc.
- Highlighting any safety issues for their child(ren) – allergies, mobility, additional needs, safety hazards, age appropriate toys, etc.
- Supporting parents to gain confidence in communication and take the lead from the child(ren) rather than trying to dictate the choice and or pace of an activity.
- Supporting parents to become familiar / build confidence with feeding, giving snacks, drinks, nappy changes and providing comfort.
- Encouraging wider communication skills with staff at FJ – this has been eased by offering time for parent coaching before or after family connections sessions, so parents feel they have a safe space to discuss any concerns and be reflective with their time spent
- Supporting parents to manage conflict and understand how family time may not be what they had imagined and that it may take time and effort to build the relationship they want with their child(ren).
“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.