Use a Mediation Service to Resolve Disputes
FIONA MCGARRY talks to Alison Cooper of Sussex mediation service: Mediation Plus
You may not be aware of Mediation Plus: it’s a small charity that provides both mediation and one-to-one support to people living and working in East and West Sussex, as well as providing accredited mediation training.
The service started about 30 years ago as Hastings & Rother Mediation Service but merged with the Eastbourne and Wealden service in 2023 and adopted their name.
Alison explains: “We can provide support for various types of mediation. Most of our staff are trained mediators who mediate on cases when and if we have the time and resources. We have about 60 volunteer mediators in total, and we are incredibly grateful for their work and commitment, as we wouldn’t exist without them.”
The service includes several different types of mediation: neighbourhood – funded by various councils, housing associations and the Police & Crime Commissioner; intergenerational – involving parents/carers and teenagers; workplace; family – when people who are separating need help with sorting finances and child access and bespoke.
One of the benefits of using a mediation service is that it’s much cheaper than going to court or using a solicitor, and, currently, neighbourhood and intergenerational mediation are completely free for local residents. Alison also points out: “Mediation is a voluntary process, no-one is pushing you to take part and it’s YOUR process, so you have your own agency and work towards the outcomes you want.
“Solicitors may have their own agenda, even if they say they are working for you. Mediation provides a safe space for parties to work things out with the support of a neutral third party. Mediators don’t take sides, advise or judge the situation and it’s completely confidential (unless there are safeguarding issues). So, parties are treated respectfully and equally.” Agreements are not legally binding, but because the parties have worked hard to reach a solution – the outcomes are often long lasting.
In a conflict with neighbours, parties may be referred for mediation by external agencies such as the police, but Alison emphasises that residents can refer themselves too.
“They can simply give us a call, and we can hear about what’s going on for them, assess whether their situation is appropriate for mediation, explain how everything works and see whether they would like to move forward with it or not. People can stop at any point, and there’s no pressure to take part. If a self-referral is made, we would ask that resident’s permission to send an introductory letter to their neighbour asking if they would like to take part.”
Mediators initially meet with residents separately to discuss the issues and the outcome they would like. This may involve a meeting at home, online or at the Mediation Plus office. Parties are then encouraged to come together round a table for a joint meeting, with the same mediators. According to Alison: “[They] are highly trained and skilled in creating a safe and confidential space to help the process unfold in a positive manner. This is a carefully managed meeting with strict guidelines and protocols about respectful and calm behaviour.
“To be honest, in all my years as a volunteer and now a member of staff, I can’t say I’ve experienced anything more volatile than someone raising their voice or standing up to go out for a breather. Yes, parties are usually anxious at the beginning; this is normal as we don’t often communicate like this anymore… but as the meeting continues, there’s usually a palpable release of tension as they can see things progressing towards a better future.”
Joint meetings where parties create agreements have approximately 87% positive results. However, there are also positive outcomes for cases that don’t go to a joint meeting for various reasons. They can involve useful individual appointments and supportive phone calls which help to improve the situation. Alison stresses: “We don’t only measure positive results from the ‘end game’. The journey can be very beneficial for people too.”
Find out more about Mediation Plus or fill out a referral form on their website:mediation-plus.org.uk
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