what is mediation?

Mediation is a way of resolving conflicts or disputes where the people involved want to find their own mutually agreed solutions with the help of impartial mediators. Mediation is voluntary, which enables people to make choices about the extent of their participation and what goes into any agreement.

Mediators are impartial; they won't take sides, decide who is right or wrong, or who is to blame. They use their skills and experience to ensure that the process is fair and productive. Mediation is confidential and nothing will be shared with anyone else unless permission is given.

why choose mediation?

Some conflicts may seem trivial however, if nothing is done, they can escalate from simple resentment to breakdown in communication, retaliation, violence and criminal acts.

Unlike other interventions, where someone else makes a decision for you, in mediation you are completely involved in, and responsible for the decision making process. In mediation a whole range of options are open to you that are not available in other processes, and you can make use of your own expertise about your situation that other interventions might not have, or may not choose to make use of.

Early help using mediators can bring about peaceful and constructive resolutions. Even if, for one reason or another, joint meeting with the other party does not take place or an agreement is not reached, there will almost always be benefits from having attended a mediation session, for instance, getting a better understanding of the other person’s concerns and identifying the real issues.

The benefits of mediation

Mediation focuses on improving understanding and communication between people in conflict. It can help those involved gain a better appreciation of the issues, resulting in improved relationships between them. Mediation is a constructive and common sense approach which produces practical, workable and realistic solutions.

Mediation is quicker, less stressful and a more cost effective process than other options such as the court process. There is less risk as parties only settle when they are satisfied with the agreement. Mediation always aims to achieve a win/win resolution. This is unlike going to court where there is the risk of a win/lose or lose/lose outcome with financial and emotional implications.

Mediation provides the opportunity for you to work in a positive and constructive way, helps to reduce hostility and improves the chances of long term co-operation.

The mediation process allows people to create a completely flexible and bespoke agreement tailored to fit their unique situation.

when can mediation help?

Any dispute, conflict, disagreement or difficult situation between two or more people can potentially be mediated.

These conflicts can occur between:

  • Neighbours

  • Parents and their teenagers

  • Parents and schools

  • Community groups

  • Family members

  • Work colleagues

  • Employers and employees

  • Within Organisations

Commonly mediated issues:

  • Noise

  • Children's behaviour

  • Boundaries
  • communication breakdown
  • Bullying / harassment
  • Family rifts
  • Work practices
  • Financial issues
  • Animals
  • Care of family member
  • Upkeep of property / gardens
  • General misunderstandings

The mediators

Our Mediators have completed an in-depth training programme in mediation and have been approved by our service and are selected for their skills and knowledge. They are impartial and won't take sides in any dispute. Mediations will not work on cases if they already know any of the people involved.

 Mediators visit people separately in their own homes (or online via video link), hear what has happened and explain how mediation works. If everyone is happy to continue, they will arrange further meetings.

Any joint meeting will be arranged at a neutral venue, or via secure online platform. Mediators guide people through a constructive problem solving approach and draw out the differences in a helpful way so that solutions can be found.

Mediators use their skills and experience to help everyone communicate, identify the issues to be sorted out and to look at ideas for new solutions that are realistic and will work.

You can contact the service by calling 07594 653530 or by email Please provide a contact name and telephone number.

mEDIATION & COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Email us at admin@mediationsupport.org.uk       Call us on 07594653530

Company No. 5531082        Charity No. 1119338 Registered in England & Wales