Group helping separated families sees demand grow

A charity supporting families through separation says demand for its services continues to rise, with its founder saying it is now "stretched very, very thin" five years after launching in Jersey.

James' Ark, launched by James Cunningham following his own separation, started as a helpline for fathers and has grown into a charity supporting mothers, fathers and children through difficult situations.

Cunningham said lots of parents who contacted the charity were struggling after losing contact with their children after a relationship breakdown.

He said the emotional impact could be significant, with some people facing the loss of their home, relationships and support systems all at once.

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"Some go on to lose their jobs and some go on to lose their lives," Cunningham said.

The charity offers guidance, emotional support and practical help for families navigating separation.

Data from the 2021 census in Jersey showed the proportion of divorced over-16s rose to 11%, from 10% in 2011 and 8% in 2001.

Additionally the proportion of single over-16s rose from 30% in 2001 to 35% 2021.

Cunningham said some of the most rewarding moments came when parents were reunited with children they had not seen for years.

"You see the dad and the child together, laughing, smiling," he said. "It's amazing."

James' Ark also now works in Jersey Prison to support inmates through parenting programmes, one-to-one sessions and reconnecting projects.

Cunningham said many prisoners he worked with have experienced family breakdown or absent parents during their own childhoods.

The charity also helps some prisoners maintain contact with their children, including arranging visits when needed.

For the future, Cunningham said he hoped to grow the organisation further and recruit more staff as demand continued to increase.

"We are stretched very, very thin," he said. "I'd like to have a bigger team. That's the priority."

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