Providing high quality conflict resolution services and training

What is Mediation?

Conflict is part of life. Through it, we make choices.... and grow.

It is destructive when it...

• deepens predudice
• lowers confidence and security
• hardens attitudes
• causes aggressive behaviour

It is constructive when it allows those disputes to...

• define their problem
• state their feelings, needs and fears
• explore what they really want
• negotiate and agree a course of action
• review progress

Mediation is a voluntary process in which the mediators help people who are in dispute to work together to solve their problem.

The solution is chosen, negotiated and agreed by the people themselves.

Mediation is increasingly accepted as an effective way of dealing with disputes.

Mediation does...

• enable neighbours, family members or others in dispute to discuss their problems and reach a mutually acceptable solution
• break the vicious circle of accusation and hostility
• uncover common interests and a wider range of options
• allow people to take responsibility for their own decisions

Mediation is not...

• discovering who is right and who is wrong
• finding out what ought or ought not to have been done
• a take-over of the problem by the mediators

What is the Mediation Process?

1. Welcome: Introductions and a request for an acceptance of basic ground rules; reminder of each person's willingness to solve the problem.
2. Stating the problem: Each party has the opportunity to speak without interruption about the problem as it affects them.
3. Responding: An opportunity is given to respond to what has been said, to say what it has meant personally and what it still means to each person.
4. Exploring feelings: An opportunity is given to express the effect of distressing actions or behaviours on affected individuals.
5. Exploring possibilities: An opportunity to to discuss ways of putting things right.
6. Moving towards agreements: Of what can actually be done. These may be written down, if that is felt helpful.

It is often useful to arrange further meetings to review progress.

What Does it Cost?

We do have to charge fees for organisations asking for mediations, training and other services. These are charged within various bands to take account of available resources. They are negotiable and organisations are encouraged to contact the office and speak to a member of staff.

Where the costs are not met by a referring agency, there is a nominal fee payable by individuals requesting mediation - to offset some of our mediator expenses. This charge may be waived if the individual is in receipt of means-tested benefits

Occasionally, cases can be accepted from outside our area of Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. When this is possible, clients may be asked to cover travel expenses.