About TalkFIRST
We’re a small Wigan charity with one simple belief: healthy, supportive relationships are the foundation for everything else in life.
Our story
TalkFIRST began life as Resolutions, a community interest company that started working with families in Wigan Borough in 2013. In June 2015 it became a charity, TalkFIRST, and the work, the money and the staff all moved across.
Today we help families with accredited family mediation, kinship and child-inclusive mediation, co-parenting support, free family support through Take Time To Talk, free Tou-Can groups for new parents, and Getting On, which helps people build the confidence to move forward.
Our office is at Ashland House in Ince. You’ll also find us at Ince Community Centre and Sunshine House in Scholes, and on video calls with families all over the UK.
What we believe
Our vision is to resolve conflict and inspire positive communication, because healthy and supportive relationships are the foundation for everything people hope to achieve.
Our mission is to help people and families, in all their forms, communicate better and build a better family life.
“This process has been life changing for us with an amazing outcome for our child.”
Our team
Tracy Sheppard
Founder, Manager and Mediator
Tracy founded TalkFIRST. She is a Family Mediation Council accredited mediator and a member of the College of Mediators, and is passionate about supporting family life through better communication.
Martine Delaney
Mediator, and Chair of Trustees
A Chartered Legal Executive and accredited civil and commercial mediator. After 20 years representing clients in disputes, Martine believes people do best with a plan they have helped to make.
Christine Boydell
Administrator
Christine has been part of TalkFIRST since January 2018 and keeps the team organised.
Beverley McIntyre
Take Time To Talk and Tou-Can
Bev has a background in childcare, child protection, parenting assessments, early intervention and family liaison. Tou-Can parents will know her from group.
Stacey Keggin
Take Time To Talk and Tou-Can
Our trustees
Could you join them?Our trustees are volunteers who govern the charity. The board meets every month.
Martine Delaney
Chair
Emma Klieve
Trustee since 2020
Damon Musgrove
Trustee since 2021
Lee Whalley
Trustee since 2023
Mitesh Halai
Trustee since 2024
Accredited and accountable
- Accredited Family Mediation Council service, including child-inclusive mediation
- Registered for the Ministry of Justice Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
- Registered charity no. 1162110, with accounts filed on time every year
Ready to talk?
The first chat is free and there’s no pressure to do anything after it. We aim to meet you within a week.