Pictured: Cliff Slade

With January traditionally the worst month for relationship breakdowns a new mediation service has been launched in Worcestershire.

Team Mediation's objective is to urge feuding marital partners to resolve potential custody and financial disputes through dialogue rather than opt for the more divisive, expensive and emotionally charged legal route.

The service has been set up by Cliff Slade, who trained with the College of Mediators in London, following the introduction of new rules which state that before legal aid is granted a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting should be held.

Mr Slade, from Tenbury Wells, said: "January can be a difficult time for families, especially when the bills come in after Christmas.

"Relationships are strained as families spend more time together than they do during the rest of the year. Also, people tend to be more reflective.

"I am very aware and sensitive to the great pain and emotional impact the breakdown in any relationship can cause not only to the individuals concerned but also their children and close family.

"My counselling experience coupled with my mediation skills enables me to achieve a balanced, negotiated outcome. Mediation is definitely not counselling. Reflection, healing and empathy are emotions and feelings that are certainly present but the mediation process is focused on dealing with finalising practical issues such as access and financial arrangements."

Mr Slade has vast experience of negotiation and conflict resolution from many years in industry management.

He has been a magistrate for a decade and, as a retained firefighter for 11 years, dealt with volatile and unpredictable situations.

A member of the Family Mediators Association and the College of Mediators, Mr Slade is also a qualified foster parent with experience of complex family relationships.