MEET THE TEAM
Civilised Separations is a small, family run business founded by expert mediator, Bill Hewlett.
bill hewlett
senior mediator & founder
Bill Hewlett founded Civilised Separations to help address the needs of separating families who were being underserved by the current divorce process in the UK.
With nearly 25 years experience in Australia as a family mediator, counsellor and child consultant, and having run six clinical Family Relationship Centres across Sydney, Bill returned to England with his innovative and unique approach for separating families, which had proved so successful in Australia. This is uniquely centred on compassion and empathy, thereby transforming parenting relationships and avoiding the court system.
The effectiveness of this method has prompted the expansion of Civilised Separations, with several new team members joining in recent years. As leaders in family law and mediation, Bill and Bella work in conjunction with major law firms, run training events and provide keynote speeches at industry conferences.
bella hewlett
mediator & lead child consultant
Our unique Civilised Separations process aims to help you navigate the emotional upheaval of separation, guiding you towards a calmer and kinder environment in which to raise your children.
We know from research that the way separation is managed directly impacts children for the rest of their lives, influencing their own future adult relationships.
We provide non-judgmental and empathetic support so that you can feel a sense of pride and achievement in minimising the impact on your children, whilst moving forward to the next chapter of your life.
Bella, our lead child consultant and an experienced mediator, works with both parents and children to support the whole family through separation. She provides sensitive, age-appropriate guidance to help children express their feelings, while offering valuable insights to inform a functional co-parenting relationship after separation.
MITCH WILKINS
CHILD CONSULTANT & TRAINEE MEDIATOR
Mitch holds a degree in psychology and has been with Civilised Separations for four years. She began as a trainee child consultant, progressed to a full consultant and now is completing her mediator training.
Mitch also hosts our Conflict to Connection podcast.
sam frearson
CHILD CONSULTANT & TRAINEE MEDIATOR
Sam is a qualified counsellor with years of experience supporting people through challenging life transitions.
He brings a calm, empathetic approach to his work with Civilised Separations and is currently training to become a mediator.
kesia bendinelli
brand & marketing manager
Kesia works behind the scenes to extend Civilised Separations’ message of hope for families.
She produces the Conflict to Connection podcast and manages all media requests for the team.
Find out more about our services or frequently asked questions.
sharon doherty
CHILD CONSULTANT & TRAINEE MEDIATOR
Sharon brings extensive experience working with children in schools as a reintegration officer.
Her calming, empowering manner puts children at ease during inclusive interviews. She too is training to be a mediator.