Mediation
To give you the opportunity to make a real difference, we are looking for Volunteer Neighbourhood Mediators to help make our communities a positive environment for everyone. If you would like to express an interest, please email mediation@placesforpeople.co.uk.
What mediation is and how it can help
Mediation is a way to mend relationships when there is a disagreement between you and your neighbour/s.
Mediation is held by a neutral person (a 'mediator'). The mediator is impartial. This means they do not take sides. They’re there to help everyone involved find a solution they can all agree to.
It’s not about judging who was right or wrong in the past, but looks at how to agree on working together in the future.
Mediation is a quick way to resolve disagreement at work and is:
- less formal
- flexible
- voluntary
- confidential
- usually not legally binding
How mediation can help
Mediation helps to mend relationships by:
- finding solutions that everyone agrees to
- improving communication
- allowing everyone involved to have control of what’s finally agreed
There are many benefits of mediation. For example, mediation can help to:
- reduce stress and anxiety
- build sustainable communities
- stop more grievances being raised
- Improve living conditions and way of life.
Mediation outcomes are decided by everyone involved and can be flexible. Outcomes might include:
- an acknowledgement of each party’s views
- a commitment to change behaviour
- a commitment to regularly review the agreement reached
- an agreement to talk more openly about issues
A voluntary and confidential process
If you do not want to take part in mediation, you do not have to.
Mediation is voluntary and confidential. The mediator will agree with everyone involved what information can be shared outside the mediation and how. If you do not reach an agreement, anything that’s been said during the mediation must be kept confidential and cannot be used in future procedures.
When mediation can be used
Mediation is used to resolve disagreements and can be used in almost any circumstance to try and reach a resolution.
You can use mediation to resolve:
- Noise disputes
- Parking issues
- Youth and children issues including ball games
- personality clashes
- relationship breakdowns
- lifestyle differences.
When to start mediation
If the problem cannot be resolved informally, you can use mediation. Mediation can be used at any stage in a disagreement, but it’s best to start it as soon as possible. The earlier the disagreement is dealt with, the less chance there is of things getting worse. If you wish to proceed with a referral or find out more, please contact