What we do
The Service has been established in Peterborough since 1989 and offers mediation in all couple and family disputes particularly those related to separation, divorce and parental conflict. Any issues can be addressed including those concerning children, finance and property. The aim is to help participants in the mediation reach their own agreed decisions and plans for the future. Each should be able to recognise those decisions as fair and reasonable in the circumstances. The intention is to work towards minimising conflict and bitterness and to focus on the needs of any children involved.

Talktime is an additional service offering counselling to children between the ages 6 and 19 who are experiencing difficulties connected with separation, divorce or parental conflict.

Quality Standards
The mediators all have considerable previous experience of working in the area of separation and divorce. They have then gone on to complete further training in the particular skills demanded of a family mediator. They are members of the College of Mediators and work in accordance with its professional standards and requirements. The Service is recognised by the Legal Services Commission as the only provider of publicly funded family mediation in the area that meets its quality mark standards. It is a registered charity and an affiliated member of National Family Mediation.

Area covered
The Service has built a strong reputation with other professionals and agencies working in Peterborough and its surrounding area including Fenland, Rutland, Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire. Over the years a wide range of people have found mediation here a source of help – from those initially contemplating separation to those dealing with issues years after divorce, from high-income earners to low-income, from those already in high conflict to those who just want to avoid conflict and separate amicably. It operates from its city centre premises in Peterborough Monday- Friday. Weekly appointments are available in Wisbech, Stamford, Oakham and Huntingdon.

Governance
As a registered charity (no. 1087560) the Service is governed by a board of Trustees, currently there are 9 members. They are all interested in the promotion of family mediation, some in an individual capacity and some represent groups working in related areas. The charity is also registered as a company limited by guarantee (no. 416293)

Funding
This is a not for profit service but recognises that there are costs inevitably connected with the provision of high quality professional work. Any charges are restricted to those necessary.
In the mediation work most income is generated by the Legal Services Commission contract which pays for clients eligible for public funding. Those not eligible, pay fees on a sliding scale according to income. Peterborough City Council part supports the provision of mediation on child issues.
Talktime is funded by Peterborough City Council and is provided free of charge to those using the service.

Equal opportunities
The Service welcomes approaches from all people irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin and does not discriminate because of religion, gender, sexuality, disability, age or marital status.