Beyond the Table: Support Services in Manchester
Mediation is a powerful tool for resolving conflict, but the best results are often achieved when supported by other professional services. Whether you need independent legal advice to finalize a “Memorandum of Understanding,” help managing household debt, or emotional support for your family, Manchester offers a wealth of specialist resources.
Below is a curated directory of local services designed to complement your mediation journey.
AMITY MEDIATION SERVICES – MANCHESTER – TEL: 0330 133 4255
Address: 17 Bloom Street, Manchester, M1 3HZ
Legal Support & Advice
While mediators remain neutral, it is often helpful to have independent legal advice to formalize your agreements. These organizations can help you understand your rights or check your eligibility for Legal Aid.
Greater Manchester Law Centre
- pecialism: Pro bono legal advice and representation on family and social matters.
- Address: 159 Princess Road, Moss Side, Manchester, M14 4RE
- Tel: 0161 769 2244
Manchester Free Legal Help (University of Manchester)
- Specialism: Free initial legal guidance for those who do not qualify for Legal Aid.
- Address: University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL
- Tel: 0161 275 7976
Ayres Waters Solicitors
Specialism: Accredited family law specialists with a Legal Aid contract.
Address: 4th Floor, 86 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2ER
2. Debt & Financial Wellbeing
Financial clarity is the backbone of successful mediation. These services provide free, impartial advice to help you get a clear picture of your finances or manage debts.
Gateway Debt Advice (Community Money Advice)
- Specialism: Free face-to-face debt advice and benefit information.
- Address: Building 1, Suite 3B, Wilsons Park, Monsall Road, Manchester, M40 8WN
- Tel: 0161 202 3511
- Manchester Citizens Advice
- Specialism: Debt, benefits, and budgeting support across several city hubs.
- Address: Albert House, 17 Bloom Street, Manchester, M1 3HZ
- Tel: 0808 278 7800
3. Counselling & Emotional Support
The stress of separation can be overwhelming. These organizations offer affordable therapy to help individuals and families process emotional changes.
Talk Listen Change (TLC: South Manchester)
- Specialism: Relationship counselling, family support, and parenting programmes.
- Address: 346 Chester Road, Manchester, M16 9EZ
- Tel: 0161 872 1100
Counselling & Family Centre (CFC)
- Specialism: Specialized family and couple counselling for Greater Manchester.
- Address: Mayors Road, Altrincham, WA15 9RP (Services city-wide)
- Tel: 0161 941 7754
4. Parenting & Family Hubs
For families with children, co-parenting is the ultimate goal. Manchester’s “Family Hubs” offer courses to help parents work together effectively.
Crossacres Family Hub (South Manchester)
- Specialism: Peer-led parenting courses and “Being a Parent” programmes.
- Address: Poundswick Lane, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M22 9PQ
- Tel: 0161 528 0730
Gorton Sacred Heart Family Hub
- Specialism: Universal parenting support for the East Manchester community.
- Address: Sacred Heart Primary School, Gorton Lane, Manchester, M18 7UH
- Tel: 0161 528 0730
Child contact Centres in Manchester
Child Contact Centres in Manchester provide a safe, neutral space for children to spend time with parents or family members they do longer live with. Most centres in the region are accredited by the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC), ensuring high standards of safety and child-focused support.
These centres, often accredited by the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC), offer various levels of assistance ranging from “supported” contact (where staff are present in the building) to “supervised” contact (where sessions are strictly monitored).
Withington Child Contact Centre is a long-established provider based at Withington Methodist Church (address: 439 Wilmslow Road, M20 4AN; Tel: 0161 445 0804), offering supported family time in a bright, activity-filled environment.
For families requiring more specialized support, Happy Heaven operates an accredited centre in Manchester (Contact Tel: 0161 527 7329) providing supervised services.
Additionally, the Wythenshawe Children’s Centres (including the hub at Firbank Road, M23 2YS; Tel: 0161 529 0080) and Tameside-based centres like St Peter’s Children’s Centre (address: Trafalgar Square, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0LL; Tel: 0161 343 6288) offer extensive resources for families in transition.
If you are concerned about a child’s immediate welfare or need a social care referral for supervised contact, you can contact the Manchester City Council Contact Centre directly (Tel: 0161 234 5001).
Domestic Abuse Support in Manchester
Mediation is only appropriate where all parties feel safe. If you are experiencing abuse, these services provide confidential advocacy and safety planning.
Manchester Women’s Aid
Tel: 0161 660 7999 (24-hour National Line Tel: 0808 2000 247)
Specialism: Confidential helpline, refuge, and community outreach.
Bharosa Domestic Abuse Service provides specialized, multi-lingual support for women from South Asian backgrounds (Tel: 0121 303 0368).
Independent Choices Greater Manchester
Men’s Advice Line
Specialism: Advice and support for male victims of domestic abuse.