Forum for separating parents

A forum for parents of young children going through a separation will be held at the Beachside Family Centre in Umina on June 29.

Centre facilitator Ms Debbie Notara said a relationship breakdown could be a stressful time for both parents and young children.

"The number of sole parents has doubled for the Umina area since the last census with one in five parenting on their own," Ms Notara said.

"We are holding the Separated Parents Forum to give parents information and support to ensure that their children cope with the change.

"The forum is not only for parents who are recently separated but also if it is several months down the track and parents are still having difficulties.

"We also want to find out about the needs of separating parents with a view to planning further events run at Beachside."

The forum will also feature guest speaker Ms Lisa Anstiss from Interrelate Family Centre.

The forum will begin from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Beachside Family Centre located on the grounds of Umina Public School in Sydney Ave, Umina.

The Separated Parents Forum is free and child care is available for a gold coin donation. Participants will receive afternoon tea and a Separation Resource Pack.

Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 4343 1929.

Press release, 9 Jun 2009 Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre