What is mediation?

Mediation is a free, impartial, independent and confidential process that helps two or more people, or groups of people, who are in disagreement or conflict with each other over any issue, come to a solution that benefits those parties both now and in the future.
Mediation involves trained mediators who facilitate the process and create an environment where both sides can reach agreement in a fair and open manner.
Mediation can work well if both parties engage in the process and both parties are committed to wanting to resolve the issue.
Mediation is not suitable if either party is looking for enforcement or legal action.

What issues can mediation help with in the community?

Mediation can be used for almost any dispute.
EMS specialises in helping people with issues connected to their homes and communities. Therefore if you and your neighbour or landlord are in disagreement over:
• Noise
• Children
• Rubbish
• Pets
• Damage to property
• Harassment
• Boundaries, fences and shared areas
• Clash of lifestyles/cultures
then we can help you.

How does mediation work?

Mediation is open to you if you are a resident who wants to reach an agreement with a neighbour or other person in your community over issues that you have which are causing or are likely to cause conflict.

Mediation is voluntary and so we encourage both parties to participate willingly.

Mediation is not legally binding and not directive.

Our mediators are there to act as facilitators to listen and assist those people involved to engage in constructive discussion with a view to finding a mutually acceptable outcome.

Who are the mediators ?

Anyone with good listening and communication skills can be a mediator. All our mediators are volunteers and must have completed a recognised training course. Most of our mediators have a West London connection. Some have trained elsewhere but on a recoginised course which allows them to volunteer for our service.

The Service provides training and then offers experience in community mediation casework.
EMS ensures that every mediator receives sufficient training, supervision and support to enable them to carry out their role professionally and to progress to competent mediator status.

Mediators do not take sides, make judgements or give opinions on the people or issue. Neither are they legal advisors and they never tell people what to do.

Instead they help you and your neighbour or community work together to create a solution that improves everybody’s lives.