Someone to Talk to When Your Parents Separate in England

England · Checked 17 September 2026

You can start with one sentence

You could say, “Things at home are changing and I want to talk.” You do not need to explain everything at once.

A safe teacher, school support worker, relative or healthcare professional can help you find words and think about what support you need.

If you would rather speak to someone you do not know

Childline supports children and young people. You can talk about your parents separating, moving between homes, missing someone or feeling frightened.

Its website explains the current ways to contact a counsellor. You can ask what stays private and when they might need to share information to keep someone safe.

Things you are allowed to say

• “I do not want to carry messages between my parents.”
• “I need to know where I am sleeping this week.”
• “I miss someone.”
• “Something is happening that scares me.”

If home does not feel safe

A safe adult can help you contact your local council’s children’s services. Their job includes helping children who may be harmed or neglected. Immediate danger needs emergency help.

You are not responsible for investigating what happened, choosing which parent is right or fixing the adults’ relationship.

This guide explains general rules and services. It does not assess your individual case.

Based on the original article by Elisabeth Scholander.