Brighter Futures
The Millfields Trust 'HQ'
Unit 29
237 Union Street
Plymouth
Devon
PL1 3HQ
Tel: 01752 294044
Mob: 07779 349557

Mediation and Conflict Resolution

Why Mediation?

Sometimes there are situations and conflicts that have become serious and escalated into a dispute. Sometimes it is hard to accept that we may need some professional input to help resolve the situation and yet disputes and conflicts are a fact of everyday life in our modern society.

Whether the dispute is between individuals, couples, families, neighbours, organisations or businesses, the effects can be devastating and have long lasting negative effects if left unresolved.

Disputes can consume our thoughts, our energy, considerable amounts of time and can be crippling financially in some cases. It is inevitable that for all those involved, there will be a detrimental effect to health. Severe stress can contribute to the risk of a heart attack.

Many individuals or organisations are reluctant to take the risk of pursuing legal action as a means of resolving the dispute. Those that do decide to take this course of action, can find the emotional and financial costs difficult to bear and come to terms with, particularly if judgement goes against them.

Most people involved in disputes just want the conflict to be resolved so they can get on with their lives. For these people, mediation is likely to be successful.

It is estimated that 80% of people who use a reputable mediation service to attempt to resolve a dispute have a successful outcome.

Mediation is a quick, cost effective way of resolving disputes and conflicts. It may reduce the risk of having a court judgment against someone in extreme cases which can affect their credit rating which could cause further conflict and resentment in the future. It may also minimise the risk of conflicts in the future and can save or re-establish important relationships.


What do the Mediators do?

Mediators do not takes sides, decide who is right or who is wrong or impose decisions in any way. Mediators will discuss with each party, what issues need to be resolved and work with those concerned towards achieving a satisfactory outcome for both parties. Ultimately, the parties in dispute are in control of the process and ultimately decide what is acceptable to them. Remember, a win win situation is the most productive and mutually satisfying solution to ending a dispute.

Mediators will also help you to set clear and mutually acceptable boundaries such as conduct, behaviour and confidentiality in order that the most effective communication and dialogue can take place, by creating as safe and as comfortable an environment as possible to reach a positive solution for both parties.

Who do we work with?

We work with:

• Individuals
• Couples
• Families
• Neighbours
• Statutory Agencies
• Community and Voluntary Groups and Organisations
• The Legal Profession
• Victim and Offender Situations
• Registered Social Landlords
• Businesses

Some of the issues we have worked with?

We mediate in most situations:

• Relationships
• Separation and Divorce
• Children/Peer Mediation
• Financial Disputes
• Bullying
• Neighbour Disputes
• Diversity and Tolerance
• Customer/Business Disputes

Where do we work from?

We can meet at our office or we can come to your home. We would help you to assess the best option to ensure your safety and comfort.


How long does the mediation process take?

We will normally meet with the parties that are in dispute on an individual basis in the first instance and, where both parties agree, we will arrange a joint meeting for both parties at a mutually agreed time and place. Sometimes, mediation can be completed within a few days after the initial meeting. It depends on everyone’s availability. Some people like to wait a week or two before having a joint meeting. Others may request another individual meeting before proceeding with a joint meeting.


How soon will we be seen?

We will normally be able to start the mediation process within two weeks from your contact with us. It may be sooner if possible. Mediators usually make home visits in pairs.


What are our opening hours?

Our mediation service is very flexible and we provide daytime as well as evening and weekend appointments.


What does Mediation cost?

The average cost of a mediation process, including letters and a report, meeting with both parties individually and arranging the joint meeting can vary. We can offer discounts to agencies and organisations who regularly commission our service, such as Landlords or the Legal Profession for example. Please contact us for up to date prices.


Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to help you or your clients to achieve a ‘Brighter Future’.