By Hayley Robinson

A service which helps families when relationships break down has received a grant so it can deal with an increase in demand.

Kent Family Mediation Service (KFMS), based in London Road, Sittingbourne, will use its £9,526 Big Lottery grant to buy more computer equipment so it can deal with requests more effectively.

The registered charity, which was established in 1983 and offers legally-aided mediation, helps family members involved at any stage of separation or divorce to make decisions on matters such as living arrangements for children, property and financial settlements and balancing budgets.

The team consists of eight trained and experienced mediators, two trainee mediators, five administrative staff and seven trustees.

Karen Clarke, service manager, said: "We're really pleased to get the money as it will really make a real difference.

"We've just expanded our staffing levels with two trainee mediators so the money will buy two new computers for them. It will also pay for a new server and nine laptops.

"The mediators will use the laptops to sort out couples' finances which they can then print off and email to office staff to keep with the clients' records.

"They will also be used for workshops which we run across the county to help parents understand from a child's point view the effect their separation or divorce is having on them.

"We only have one so it is a logistical nightmare getting it from one location to another.

"We can't put our finger on the increase exactly. Perhaps the current economic crisis is causing more break-ups because people have been made unemployed and that has placed a strain on relationships. They come to us because they qualify for legal aid."

The charity is one of 53 projects across the South East to benefit from a total of £381,679 made available by the Awards for All grants from the Big Lottery Fund.

The programme offers grants of between £300 and £10,000 to social and environmental projects.

Voluntary and community groups, schools, health organisations and parish and town councils can all apply.