Parents Apart

Co-parenting through separation

Separation is hard on everyone. Parents Apart is a practical, compassionate workshop that helps you keep children at the centre, reduce conflict, and build a workable co-parenting relationship-whatever your situation.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/ZxsVGQU9bzfKgdYy9 or email info@surreycm.org.uk for more info.

Who it’s for

  • Parents who are separated, separating, or thinking about it
  • Those finding communication difficult or stuck in conflict
  • Parents of neurotypical and neurodivergent children
  • The workshop is designed for co-parents to attend without their co-parenting partner present (i.e. not in the same session).

What you’ll learn

  • Understand children’s emotional responses at different ages and across neurotypes
  • Talk to children well: clear, age-appropriate language and timing
  • Calmer communication with your co-parent (what to say, when and how)
  • Plan together: contact plans, routines across two homes, and keeping promises
  • Protect children from loyalty conflicts (“children in the middle”)
  • Practical strategies for stability, sensory needs, and transitions

What to expect on the day

  • A non-judgemental, confidential space facilitated by experienced counsellors/mediators
  • Short, accessible activities and optional sharing
  • Inclusive guidance for neurodivergent children and families
  • Take-home tools, including: Parenting Questionnaire, Communication scripts, Contact Plan template,
    and a “Children in the Middle” checklist

You’ll leave with

  • A personal parenting action plan
  • A draft contact plan you can refine
  • Age-appropriate scripts for talking to your children
  • Clear next steps and signposting to further support

Our Core Services

Relationship Counselling

A range of counselling services to help individuals, couples and families.

Individual Counselling

We offer individual counselling for anyone that wants support.

Young Persons Counselling

Counselling services for young people.

Family
Counselling

If you’re having problems in your family life, there are many ways we can help.

Sex
Therapy

We can help with a range of sexual problems such as loss of desire, erectile dysfunction, and addiction to sex or pornography.
As an individual or as a couple.

Mediation
Services

Reaching an agreement on practicalities regarding money and children whilst going through a separation can be extremely difficult.
Our Mediator is here to help.