More families in Jersey who have separated are being forced to stay living together due to rising costs.

This is according to Family Mediation Jersey, a local charity which is stepping in to offer free mediation sessions to those in this position.

The organisation has received a grant of £5,120 from the Jersey Community Foundation, which takes money from dormant island bank accounts.

Elaine Feltham, Manager of Family Mediation Jersey, tells us more families are living together but apart: 

"Obviously there's a cost of living crisis and due to the high interest rates and slow- moving housing market, more and more families are finding it difficult to separate - especially in Jersey.

"They're unable to afford to run two households and this is becoming quite common at the moment.

"It can create quite significant financial and emotion stress."

Family Mediation Jersey claims it can help islanders in this position who need help with dispute resolution, creating parenting and financial arrangements, as well as setting up better communication strategies.