21 Aug Finding Calm in the Chaos: Mediation Support for Separating Parents
Separation is never easy, but a new Relationships Australia NSW campaign is showing families there’s a more affordable, supportive way to move forward.
With cost-of-living pressures forcing many separating couples to remain under the same roof, the stress of navigating parenting and financial decisions is higher than ever. To help, Relationships Australia NSW has launched an integrated campaign raising awareness of its low-cost Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services.
The centrepiece is an emotive new video, filmed in suburban Sydney, which portrays the messy reality of separation – from constant miscommunication to rising tension – before cutting to the calm of a mediation room.
“Separation can feel overwhelming and emotionally charged – especially when parenting and financial decisions are left unresolved,” says CEO Elisabeth Shaw. “This campaign shows that families don’t have to go through it alone.”
Affordable Mediation, Real Support
Unlike lawyer-led mediation, which can cost up to $600 an hour, Relationships Australia NSW offers government-subsidised mediation sessions starting from around $30. Family Dispute Resolution provides separating couples with a neutral facilitator to help them reach agreements about children, parenting and finances. In most cases involving kids, attempting mediation is now required before going to court.
Last year alone, the organisation delivered more than 12,200 mediation sessions, supported by the Australian Government, alongside 12,700 counselling sessions and hundreds of group programs across the state.
A Campaign Parents Can Relate To
Rolling out across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Google, and Sydney buses, the campaign is designed to resonate with everyday families. “We wanted to show the unseen mental load of separation – the confusion and overwhelm – and contrast it with the calmer, more collaborative environment of mediation,” says Digital Marketing Lead, Marina Pliatsikas.
By reminding parents there’s a pathway to clarity and collaboration, the campaign highlights that separation doesn’t have to mean conflict – with the right support, it can be managed with care.
