by Stephen Waite

An organisation dealing with record numbers of couples whose relationships have broken down is inviting people to learn more about its work.

Sittingbourne-based Kent Family Mediation Service (KFMS) is holding an open day next week to celebrate World Conflict Resolution Day.

Anyone interested will be able to find out how its mediators can help resolve disputes surrounding the heartache of separation, particularly concerning children or property and finances.

Originally known as Kent Reconciliation Service, the non-profit-making company, which has charity status, was set up in Park Road, Sittingbourne, in 1983 and moved to its current home, around the corner in London Road, in October 2010.

For many years its primary focus was children affected by separation but it has since expanded.

Head of mediation Joan Bishop has been with the organisation for 12 years. “They call us wounded healers,” she said. “We’ve come from divided families and do not want children to go through the same thing as us.”

Referrals to the service have doubled in the last three years and now exceed 1,500, with mediation being seen as an alternative to court proceedings, which can be expensive and lengthy.

And with rules regarding legal aid for divorce cases set to change from April 2013, when it will no longer be available to cover solicitors’ fees but will be for mediation, demand for the service could increase further.

KFMS staff see couples at neutral venues, such as its office in Sittingbourne, as well as Canterbury, Chatham, Gillingham, Gravesend, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.

Joan said much of their work is based on establishing communication between warring couples which is lost if they have been to court over their dispute.

“Courts break down communication. Eighty per cent of people that come here get an agreement in all matters that concern them within two hours and they do not come back.”

Joan said anyone can attend next week’s open day. “It could be interested family members, such as a mother-in-law or mother of a couple having problems or even older children.”

Kent Family Mediation Service at 1 London Road, Sittingbourne, will be open from 10am to 4pm on Thursday, October 18. For more information, call 01795 410457 or visit www.kentfms.co.uk