faq
Does it matter how long its been since the breakdown of my relationship?
Not at all, some people are in the process of going through a divorce or separation when they contact us. Some have been divorced or separated for a number of years and some had honestly thought they had dealt with the divorce or separation only to find that they were stuck in a place of hopelessness and desperately wanted to move on with their lives.
How will I know what is and isn’t safe to share with Heart to Heart?
All information shared with Heart to Heart is completely confidential unless it relates to the harm, or potential harm, of the client or another person. The health and well-being of individuals who make contact with Heart to Heart is very important to us.
Can I bring someone with me to the Support course or do I have to attend myself?
You are more than welcome to bring someone along with you as an additional support system or someone to share the journey with you. In the past we’ve had a mother, friend and colleague come along for the duration of the 6-week course. They are responsible for paying for their meal each evening and can take part in discussion as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.
Is it okay for me to seek advice for someone else who is too upset at the moment to contact Heart to Heart directly?
By all means, the information is available for those who have experienced divorce or separation firsthand or for people who want as much information to help support a friend, colleague, neighbour or family member.
How will I know what to expect at the first session of the support course?
Each support session is designed to make everyone feel as comfortable and safe as possible. They are held in a private room within a public venue and no pressure is put on anyone to speak. You can just come and sit and listen. But in time you will gain from sharing, when you feel able.
The evening takes the form of discussions over a meal in an informal setting. These informal discussions do help you gain some sanity in all the confusion as a previous client quoted.
Is this a council run organisation?
No, Heart to Heart is a registered charity and totally dependent on funding from other sources to maintain its current level of support.
All support courses, meetings and one-to-one are carried out by a team of volunteers who have made a committment to Heart to Heart. Most of them have walked in your shoes in the past and have survived to tell the tale and offer to support others in a similar position as they once were themselves.
I need to know more about my legal position as I’ve heard so many scary stories. Do you provide this?
Heart to Heart can signpost you to relevant services which will be best placed to support your individual situation at the time you make contact with us. We do have a Family lawyer who advises us on matters of Family law and we would suggest you find out who the registered Family lawyers in your own locality and make contact with them before deciding which one to engage. Find a specialist lawyer who is committed to a conciliatory approach.
Contact details:
The Law Society 26, Drumsheugh Gardens Edinburgh EH3 7YR Tel:0131 226 7411 Email: lawscot@lawscot.co.uk The Family Law Association Anne McTaggart (secretary) 123.5, Crown Street Aberdeen AB11 6HP Tel: 01224 593200Is Heart to Heart a counselling service?
No. We do not offer counselling but all our volunteers are trained in active listening skills. We can signpost you to specific counselling services that may meet your need, but the bulk of the benefits from Heart to Heart are derived from participating in Group support sessions.
Can I bring my children with me to the support course or meetings?
No. The support service is only available to people over the age of 18 years. But we do offer a range of books which will help you to address or cope with specific issues you may be encountering with your children. We will research the possibility of offering something for children and young people beginning in April 2009 and funding for this research project is now available.