Solution Talk | Our Services
Neighbour & Community Mediation
Most of us have neighbours, and for most of the time we get along sorting out any difficulties or disagreements, with a chat over the garden wall. Sometimes, however, communication breaks down and disagreements or persistent complaints can turn into more significant problems.
When disputes between neighbours arise – or a conflict in your street or community – then mediation might be the answer. Conflict between neighbours is common and causes a lot of upset, stress, bad feeling and anxiety for everyone involved. Mediation helps people communicate better, understand different perspectives and work out mutually acceptable solutions.
Common issues that we deal with involve noise, difference in lifestyles, breakdown in communication, parking, pets, property maintenance and children’s behaviour. Mediation is a quick and cost effective way of resolving these types of disputes, that enables those affected by the dispute to stay in control, have a say in the outcome and what happens next.
Our mediators have extensive experience of working with neighbours in dispute to help them resolve their issues in a structured and positive way. We help neighbours to clear up misunderstandings and agree practical steps for how to make things better between them.
For housing providers and local authorities community mediation can be a cost effective way of reducing demand on overstretched services, encouraging residents to be more self determined and contributing to more cohesive communities and neighbourhoods.
For more information on costs, how mediation works and to make a referral please visit our Making A Referral page.
MEDIATION TESTIMONIALS
“Yesterday I had a mediated meeting with Laura and Judy and they were brilliant. The family are very challenging and we made great headway. Thank you so much!
Feedback from a Greater Manchester Headteacher following a meeting between themselves and one of their parents following a breakdown in communication
“I have used your service twice now and found it to be excellent on both occasions. In this case the residents were contacted very quickly after the referral was submitted and the sessions arranged. The residents made great progress in understanding each other's issues and were able to move on positively. To date we have not received any further complaints regarding the other party.
Feedback from a Cheshire Housing Officer when we followed up on a closed neighbour mediation referral
“Very happy with the service provided, dealt with very quickly and accommodating to the customers wishes
Feedback from Cheshire Neighbourhood Safety Officer following closure of a neighbour mediation dispute
“I would like to thank you for your time and effort to try and resolve this matter. I feel much better to live in my home with my children.
Feedback from a Nottingham resident following an agreement they reached with their neighbour at a online mediation meeting
“The preparation, and the sensitivity of the mediators to the needs of everyone on the call was exceptional, in difficult circumstances, with parties not having met like this for two years, and holding some pretty entrenched views. Thank you for offering this service to us - it really is most important. Thanks to our mediators, Laura and Karen for such intelligence and compassion.
Feedback from a Manchester resident following agreement reached in a 4 party neighbour dispute
“This was very challenging, and it was clear from the outset that there was little desire to be constructive. Our mediators were very quick to respond to the needs of different parties. The mediators held no bias and made sure that the discussion moved on, once a point was made. They also made sure that the less vocal of the group were given equal chance to air their views.
Feedback from a Manchester resident following agreement reached in a 4 party neighbour dispute
“I'd just like to give you an interim update regarding our mediation that you conducted earlier this year. We can't quite believe it, but we've had about 5 weeks of silence. I'm not sure what you said (that we didn't over the years) but it's working and we are very grateful. We look forward to reporting the same on our next check-up
Feedback from a Manchester resident following agreement reached with a neighbour after 10 years of conflict
“You are amazing at keeping me updated throughout the process and offer a great service to the customers. Thank you for all your hard work on this case
Feedback from a Manchester Anti Social Behaviour Officer regarding our Community Mediation service
“Prompt and informative service. Keep doing what you are doing, no complaints, only praise.
Feedback from a Community Safety Officer when we closed a Greater Manchester Neighbour Mediation case
“Mediation worked very well for this case and you guys did brilliant. Keeping me informed all along. So far there has been no issues. I will be using your services in the future too and have also told my colleagues.
Feedback from a Tenancy Enforcement Officer when we followed up on a closed Leicester Neighbour Mediation case
