Blog

Divorce and separation are life-changing events, not just for parents but for kids, who often have little say in the process. While legal frameworks in the U.K. recognise the importance of child welfare, there’s still a need for a stronger shift toward a truly youth-centred approach — one that actively considers the emotional and practical…

If you, like me, grew up in a household where dysfunction was the norm. Whether it was constant conflict, emotional neglect, or a lack of healthy communication, you understand how deeply it can shape your sense of self and influence your relationships. The new year is the perfect time to make a conscious effort to…

Christmas is always presented as the most magical time of the year in movies, marked by festive traditions, family gatherings, and happy couples. However, if this is your first Christmas amidst a separation, it can also be a time of immense stress, confusion and heartache. The pressure to create a ‘normal’  Christmas for your kids,…

If you’re a child of divorced parents, you may feel like nobody truly understands what you’re going through. Family breakdown can be a tough, often isolating experience. Even though it’s common, it’s rarely discussed openly.  What is Family Breakdown? Family breakdown happens when the relationship within a family becomes strained or fractured. For you, this…

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, the holiday season can be tough for anyone with divorced parents. For years, just hearing the word Christmas would bring up a lot of anxiety for me. What was once a time of family, and joy had turned into one synonymous of brokenness and dysfunction. I remember writing in…

Divorce can shake up every aspect of life, and the relationship you have with your mom and dad is no exception. It’s normal to feel distanced or unsure about how to navigate your connection with each parent after the split. While this time can be emotional, it’s also an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen your…

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a journey filled with change, growth, and numerous challenges. In the rush to define ourselves, navigate careers, and handle the pressures of modern life, one of the easiest things to overlook is our mental health. It’s an oversight many young adults make—not because we don’t care about our…

A divorce is one of the most challenging life transitions. What happens next when you go your separate ways? Here are seven tips to navigate it and manage your life after separation.  Separating after 60 brings its own set of unique challenges. You may have grown up children or have been planning a retirement with…

Divorce can offer a path to happiness, peace of mind and healing for couples with irreconcilable differences. However, it can weigh heavily on your kids. Regardless of age, children take parental separation with a heavy heart. The realisation that their parents — the grown-ups they look up to and care about most — are going…

Linda Wentum at City Gates Church, Ilford, has been running Restored Lives courses for the past 20 years,  helping adults navigate the difficult journey of divorce and separation. We caught up with Linda to find out more about her experience of running the Restored Lives courses and the team’s unwavering commitment to help participants heal…