Family and Friends Forum

Response to request for separate ‘stay’ and ‘leave’ topic folders

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Lucy from Stop it Now!

Member since
September 2018

549 posts

Dear Forum Users,

As we are updating and adding new topic folders to the Forum, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that some users have expressed an interest in having separate topic folders for those who have chosen to leave their relationship and those who have chosen to stay. We understand and respect that this is often an incredibly difficult and deeply personal decision. Connecting with others who are in similar situations can provide invaluable peer support.

However, we also want to ensure that the forum remains a united and inclusive space for everyone. Whether individuals choose to stay or leave, the impact upon partners, ex-partners, family and friends is often similar – trauma, shock, anger and disbelief. Therefore, we believe that everyone’s need for support is the same. Additionally, we recognise that not all users will have made a decision about their relationship. Regardless of relationship status, there is significant common ground amongst users concerning children’s services, legal processes, wellbeing, emotional impact, finances and more. Creating separate spaces could inadvertently increase the feeling that a judgement is being made about these decisions. It’s important to us that no one feels isolated or that there's a divide between forum users. Our goal is to maintain a balanced and open forum where everyone can share their experiences, ask questions and receive support.

For those who are looking to connect more specifically with others who have chosen to leave, we encourage you to use the direct messaging function to build those connections more personally. You’re also very welcome to start a thread within one of our existing topic areas—this can be a powerful way to share experiences and offer support while remaining part of the wider conversation.

If you’d like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to email forum@lucyfaithfull.org.uk.

Kind regards,

The Forum Team

Posted Wed April 16, 2025 1:56pm
Edited by moderator Wed April 16, 2025 1:59pmReport post

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