As we move through Advent and Christmas, many families are under even more pressure. Family Mediation Jersey (FMJ) urges anyone who is having a hard time to reach out for support. The charity has reported a significant increase in inquiries during November and December, particularly from couples living together but apart due to financial pressures.
Elaine Feltham, the manager at FMJ, wants to resonate the very real challenges that families experience during the festive season. Christmas just heaps the pressure on families who are already on their knees. This year, FMJ has heard from thousands of couples who are going through relational stress because of the challenges they face financially. For some of them, separation is economically impossible or the cost of maintaining two separate households is prohibitive.
FMJ has noticed that the majority of requests they receive are from people who have not left the household. For families still residing together, the non-profit offers two joint mediation sessions at no cost. These sessions are made possible through the funding of abandoned bank accounts, thanks to The Jersey Community Foundation. People who make under £20,000 a year qualify for these free sessions.
This moment of pause will not only reduce aggravation, it’ll go a long ways toward making your holidays much more peaceful. Feltham called for discussions to be centered on what’s best for children and their wellbeing during this stressful period. Just like Congress, many parents are interested in creating less chaos in their households. They want them to be clear and workable, particularly when kids are at stake, she noted.
To make your time together more productive, FMJ suggests moving families set clear, basic ground rules around money, schedules, and living area. They recommend making time and space to walk away when things get heated. Reaching sensible consensus on how to address Christmas days in advance can go a long way in mitigating that pressure.
By offering support and guidance, FMJ aims to help families navigate the complexities of their situations and reduce pressure over the festive period. The charity is seeing a wave of new interest on that front. Its services are critical in addressing the needs of those in crisis or with complex circumstances.
