New group for non-custodial parents launched in Buxton

Elaine Issa hopes to launch fortnightly sessions at the Fairfield Sure Start Children’s Centre, on Victoria Park Road.

The mother-of-four said she wanted to start Significant, after her ex-husbands made it difficult for her to see her sons and daughters.

Elaine emigrated to Abu Dhabi with her first husband and two sons, but after he converted to Islam and wanted a second wife, they split up and she moved out of the family home.

She snatched the children and moved into a women’s hostel in the UK but lost the custody battle after their father took her to court.

Elaine moved back to the UAE to live near her sons, now 13 and 15, and remarried. After losing her job teaching English, she returned to Buxton with her second husband and their two daughters.

After her second marriage ended, Elaine’s ex moved to Staffordshire with their girls, aged one and five. She said she now only sees them for three hours a week.

At the time, Elaine said she felt like she was the only parent who was not living with her children as she couldn’t find any support groups or advice.

She wants to help parents who are facing “non-residency, alienation and separation” as she believes it is important for children to have access to both parents.

Elaine said: “We believe parents are significant in their children’s lives and we will provide peer support and guidance in a positive non-judgmental environment. Together we will learn and grow with the support of relevant professionals and agencies, working together to influence political and legal decisions, whilst encouraging a change in culture with regard to our issues.”

The group has since received £500 funding from High Peak Borough Council.

Council leader Cllr Caitlin Bisknell said: “I met Elaine for the first time a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed by her determination to help not only herself but other parents whose children are not living with them. As Elaine told me, everyone has a right to be the best parent they can to their children. She has worked hard to put her own life back on track, and now with help from High Peak CVS is seeking to offer support to other parents facing similar problems. Hopefully funding from my councillors initiative fund will help to spread the word too.”

If you are interested in joining Significant, contact Liz Fletcher at High Peak CVS on 01663 736426.