Families Encouraged to Reach Out for Support During Holiday Pressures

A Jersey mediation charity has urged families to prioritise clear communication after reporting a seasonal rise in demand for its services.

Family Mediation Jersey (FMJ), which supports couples experiencing relationship breakdown, said the festive period often intensifies existing pressures within households. The charity recorded an increase in enquiries during November and December, with most coming from couples who continue to live together despite separating.

FMJ manager Elaine Feltham said financial pressures were forcing many couples into what she described as “living together, apart”.

She said rising living costs and a sluggish housing market meant some families were unable to afford separate households or sell their homes.

“Christmas can place additional strain on families that are already under pressure,” Ms Feltham said.

She added that many parents contacting the service were seeking to reduce conflict at home and establish practical, workable arrangements, particularly where children were involved.

FMJ said it was able to offer two free joint mediation sessions to families living in the same household, funded through dormant bank account money distributed by the Jersey Community Foundation.

Individuals earning less than £20,000 a year are also eligible for free joint mediation, the charity said.

The organisation advised families to take steps to ease tensions over the Christmas period, including delaying major decisions where possible, keeping discussions focused on children’s wellbeing, and agreeing simple boundaries around finances, routines and shared living space.

It also encouraged parents to allow time to step away when emotions run high and to make small, practical agreements about how Christmas days would be managed.