Reducing the impact of separation on everyone Course A

PLEASE NOTE: This course is only for families where at least 1 parent lives in Somerset, UK.

Whether you are newly separated or have been separated and co-parenting for a while, having a straightforward co-parenting relationship with your ex-partner can be fraught with difficulties. This is where we can help.

This evidence informed, 5-week online course is designed to give you practical tips on dealing with coparenting challenges, putting the well-being of your children at the centre.

DATES: Wednesdays: 14, 21, 28 January + 4, 11 February 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

This is the feedback from a Family Solicitor of a parent who came along to a previous RISE course:

“After speaking with the parent, I noted the dramatic and apparent change in them, and their ability to deal with situations.

They admitted that they felt empowered and more confident, and they indicated that they were far more “in control” of their own responses and ability to deflect the negatives they receives from the other parent.”

Course Overview:

• Purpose: Help separated parents reduce the impact of the separation on themselves and their children.
• Format: Online, 5-week course – each session is 2 hours
• Who can attend: Any separated parent where at least 1 parent lives in Somerset, UK
• Cost: Free

Course Content - more informations about each week is below:

1. Week 1: Managing family emotions in high-conflict situations.
2. Week 2: Reducing conflict as you adapt to being a single parent.
3. Week 3: Developing a calm, collaborative co-parenting relationship.
4. Week 4: Helping your child cope with the separation.
5. Week 5: Managing ongoing challenges and minimizing the impact of separation.

Facilitator:

• Ruth James: Experienced in working with separated parents.

Benefits:

• Helping you build a stronger relationship with your children is the focus for the course.
• Learn how you can reduce the the emotional and practical impact of separation/divorce on you and your children in your day-to-day family life
• Practical tips and ongoing support from other parents.

What parents have said about previous courses Ruth has run:

“Safe space to talk, no judgements.” “Worth going to. Feels suppportive.” “I went away with practical ideas to improve my coparenting relationship”

Other information:

• 2 courses run the same week so each parent can go along to a different course. Here is the link to Course B which starts at 9:30 AM on 15 January 2026: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1968087128581?aff=oddtdtcreator.
• This course is not suitable if there has been/is domestic abuse in the relationship - if there is domestic abuse please go to Somerset Domestic Abuse for more support.

Once you have booked your place, Ruth will share more information about the course and will be in touch to arrange a quick chat to make sure the course is suitable for you.

Please get in touch if you have any questions or need more information.

Ruth James, ruth.james@somerset.gov.uk

Please make sure that you answer all the questions when you apply for the course as this will result in faster processing and will allow us to run more courses.

For more information about relationship support for parents please go to: https://www.cypsomersethealth.org/managing_relationship_conflict