Separated parents in the Wheatbelt will now have easy access to a free workshop designed to help them successfully co-parent thanks to a new initiative by Lifeline WA.

For the first time the organisation will offer its one-day Life After Separation program virtually to ensure people in regional, rural and remote communities across Western Australia can receive support to navigate the challenges of co-parenting.

Run by highly experienced counsellors the workshop is designed to upskill parents to communicate effectively with their ex-partners with a focus on reducing conflict, managing emotions, creating boundaries and healthy parenting.

Lifeline WA CEO, Lorna MacGregor, said delivering Life After Separation virtually will remove the barriers associated with travelling to Perth to receive the specialist support that has been proven to make a significant difference to separated families.

“Attending the workshop in Perth is just not feasible for many people living in the Wheatbelt so being able to participate online makes it inclusive and accessible,’ she said.

“It doesn’t matter how far away from the nearest city or town centre somebody lives, as long as they have an internet service they can benefit from the education and skills building on offer.”

Ms MacGregor said Lifeline WA has been running Life After Separation workshops monthly for the past five years and feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Relationships breakdowns are complex and difficult, and this workshop places emphasis on the needs of children both during and after separation,” she said.

“It makes the safety and wellbeing of children paramount, ensuring they are supported, loved and not used to hurt the other parent.”

The virtual Life After Separation workshop is suitable for parents, LGBTI+ parents, stepparents and grandparents and will be held from 10am to 3pm on the 19th of October.

Interested Wheatbelt residents can find out more or register for the workshop at https://wa.lifeline.org.au/services/counselling-services/life-after-separation-workshop or counselling@lifelinewa.org.au.

The Life After Separation program is funded by the Department of Communities.

Lifeline’s 24/7 telephone crisis support service is available on 13 11 14 text 0477 13 11 14, online chat lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat

Media contact:

Caitlyn Maher, The PR Collaborative, caitlyn@theprcollaborative.com.au 0426 221 310.