Mediation
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process whereby an independent third party [the mediator] helps people in dispute or conflict [the parties] address their disputes, conflicts or misunderstandings in a safe, confidential, non-confrontational
and non-judgemental way and work out a way forward that best serves their interest.
You DO NOT have to meet or sit with your neighbour during the mediation process. The mediator will see you both separately. A trained mediator will come and see you in the comfort of your home or at a neutral place to go through the issues you have with your neighbour and help you come to a way forward.
Does Mediation Work?
Mediation works more often than not. 90% of neighbour disputes are resolved successfully this way, helping neighbours to live more peaceful & stress-free lives. Mediation also helps the parties in conflict to understand
each others' perspective better.
What are the benefits of Mediation?
Confidentiality
Everything that happens in the mediation process is confidential. The exception to this is where we have to comply with a court order or if information is shared that suggests someone is in immediate physical danger.
Voluntary
Mediation is a completely voluntary process and it is up to the parties to decide whether or not they want to use mediation.
Mediator Independence
Mediators are independent, unbiased and with no prior knowledge of the dispute. The service is also independent from any other agency or authority.
Non-Judgemental
Mediators are not here to judge you or tell you what to do. They are there to provide support to the parties to facilitate and help them decide what they want to do.
Examples of when mediation is used
. A problem with your neighbour that you would like resolved
. Long standing issue that has not been resolved
. When you want to express your feelings about the issue without you, or they, getting upset, angry or frustrated each time
. An alternative way of getting your issue resolved
How can I sign up for mediation?
Hackney Homes staff will work closely with you to refer you and the person who you have a dispute with to mediation. You can contact your Housing Officer directly by going into your local neighbourhood Housing Office.