When you're looking for a family mediator, one of the most important things to check is whether they are accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC). At Families First Mediation, our mediator Milly Wildish is fully FMC-accredited and a member of the Family Mediators Association (FMA) — the two most recognised professional bodies for family mediators in England and Wales.

In this post, we explain what those credentials mean, why they matter, and what you can expect when you work with Families First Mediation.

Who Is Milly Wildish?

Milly Wildish is the founder and lead mediator at Families First Mediation, based at 119 Shaftesbury Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3AN. She works with separating couples and families across Essex — including Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, Leigh-on-Sea, and Rochford — helping them resolve disputes about children, finances, and property without going to court.

Milly is passionate about helping families find their own solutions in a safe, neutral, and confidential environment. She offers both in-person and online mediation sessions, making the process as accessible as possible for families across Essex and beyond.

What Does FMC Accreditation Mean?

The Family Mediation Council (FMC) is the national regulatory body for family mediators in England and Wales. FMC accreditation is the gold standard for family mediation — it means a mediator has:

• Completed a recognised training programme in family mediation
• Demonstrated competence through assessed practice
• Passed a portfolio assessment by an independent assessor
• Committed to ongoing professional development and supervision
• Agreed to abide by the FMC Code of Practice

Only FMC-accredited mediators can sign legal aid certificates, conduct legally recognised MIAMs, and appear on the official FMC register at familymediationcouncil.org.uk.

Why does this matter to you? If you need a MIAM before applying to court — which is a legal requirement in most family cases — it must be conducted by an FMC-accredited mediator. Milly is fully qualified to conduct MIAMs and issue the required FM1 certificate.

What Is the Family Mediators Association (FMA)?

The Family Mediators Association (FMA) is one of the UK's leading professional membership bodies for family mediators. FMA membership demonstrates a commitment to the highest professional standards, ongoing training, and ethical practice.

As an FMA member, Milly is part of a community of specialist family mediators who share best practice and uphold rigorous professional standards.

Our Services at Families First Mediation

Milly offers a full range of family mediation services from our Southend-on-Sea base:

MIAM — Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting

£150 per person including VAT

A MIAM is a one-to-one meeting with Milly to explore whether mediation is right for your situation. It is a legal requirement before applying to court for child arrangements or financial orders. Milly will explain the mediation process, answer your questions, and assess whether your case is suitable. MIAMs are available online and in person.

Joint Mediation Sessions

£225 + VAT per person per session (90 minutes)

Both parties attend together with Milly as a neutral facilitator. Sessions cover child arrangements, financial settlements, property, and any other family disputes. Most families reach agreement within two to four sessions.

Child Inclusive Mediation

Children aged 10 and over can choose to have their voice heard directly in the mediation process. Milly meets with the child separately in a safe, confidential setting and feeds their views back to their parents — without the child being put in the middle.

Parenting Plans

£150 per person including VAT

A written agreement covering all aspects of co-parenting after separation — from day-to-day routines to holidays, school decisions, and contact arrangements.

Government Mediation Voucher Scheme

Families First Mediation is an approved provider of the Government Mediation Voucher Scheme. Eligible families can receive up to £500 towards the cost of mediation — enough to fully fund one 90-minute joint session. The scheme applies to disputes involving children.

Find out more about the voucher scheme

Why Choose Families First Mediation?

• FMC-accredited mediator — Milly meets the highest professional standards in family mediation
• FMA member — committed to ongoing professional development and ethical practice
• Government Voucher Scheme approved — eligible families can access up to £500 in funding
• Child inclusive mediation specialist — children's voices are heard safely and appropriately
• Transparent pricing — no hidden fees; clear costs from the outset
• Flexible appointments — online and in-person sessions available
• Local to Essex — based in Southend-on-Sea, serving families across the county

How to Get Started

Getting started with mediation is straightforward. The first step is a MIAM — a one-to-one meeting with Milly to explore your situation and whether mediation is right for you.

You can book a MIAM or a free initial consultation by:

• Calling: 07917 321230
• Emailing: milly@familiesfirstmediation.co.uk
• Using our contact form: Get in touch

Milly is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8am to 5pm, and Wednesday from 8am to 1pm.

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Families First Mediation is based at 119 Shaftesbury Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3AN. We serve families across Essex including Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, Leigh-on-Sea, Rochford, Rayleigh, and Canvey Island. Online sessions are available throughout England and Wales.