The Family Mediation Helpline will be launched on 11 May 2006 at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in London. Speakers will include Harriet Harman QC MP, the Minister responsible for family courts and Senior District Judge Philip Waller who will provide a judicial perspective on family mediation. The Helpline has been tested live since January 2006 and has already received over 450 calls and made more than 100 referrals to mediation services. At the launch there will be an update on the progress of the Helpline to date, an overview of family mediation practice and a presentation on the role of telephone helplines in delivering information and advice to the public. The event will also mark the start of a major public information and media campaign designed to improve awareness of and access to family mediation. Promotional leaflets are available from:
David Baldwin or Liz Critchley Department of Constitutional Affairs Family Relationship Branch Family Justice Division 4th Floor, Selborne House 54 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QW
Tel: 020 7210 8323 (David Baldwin) or 020 7210 1315 (Liz Critchley) Fax: 020 7210 8681 E-mail: david.baldwin@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk E-mail: liz.critchley@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk
The Helpline and supporting website is at: www.FamilyMediationHelpline.co.uk.