We are committed to ensuring that residents have quiet enjoyment of their homes. We know that anti-social behaviour can cause distress and inconvenience, and can lead to conflict between residents, affecting their enjoyment of their homes. We will do all we can to tackle anti-social behaviour and conflict.

Why use mediation?

Mediation can be an effective way of dealing with conflict. For example, we’ve used it in neighbour disputes, anti-social behaviour, restorative justice (where a wrongdoer makes some kind of payback to the victim), schools, the workplace and problems between young people and their families.

Who runs the mediation sessions?

• Sessions are run by trained mediators. They are independent of us, but we pay them to help our residents
• Mediators help you identify your needs, clarify issues, explore solutions and work out your own agreement
• Mediators do not advise people in dispute, but help them communicate with each other
• Mediators don’t take sides, and must have no stake in the outcome

Can it help?

• It gives you a chance to say what you feel. Sometimes an apology from either party is enough to resolve a problem
• You can make your own suggestions
• You work out your solutions. This gives you confidence so you know you’re in charge of the process
• Mediation is less intimidating than going to law, especially where people may not want to take legal action
• It can be organised quickly
• We don’t charge you for this service

What if I do not want to talk to the other resident(s)?

Mediators use two methods: face-to-face sessions and shuttle sessions.

Face-to-face sessions

If the parties are happy to talk to each other, a meeting is organised. Here the parties concerned talk about the issues in the same room.

Shuttle sessions

Sometimes, the issues involve so much emotion that the parties do not want to be in the same room as each other. In these cases, the mediators organise shuttle sessions. This means that the parties are in different rooms and the mediators will move between the rooms, speaking to each party, taking details and passing them on to the other people. Sometimes, when you have all shared your feelings in this way, you may feel comfortable about talking to each other.

Does it work?

Mediation is more likely to work where you:

• are willing to take part
• are prepared to be honest and open about the situation and the part you have played in it
• are committed to co-operate with each other to find a solution
• feel safe and know there is no risk of violence

Mediation is less likely to work where:

• people do not want to take part
• there is the threat of physical violence
• one party feels intimidated by the other
• the dispute has reached a point where legal action is needed

Some statistics about mediation

• Between 2004 and 2005, over 40,000 people were involved with community mediation
• During the same period, when mediations got to the stage of a joint meeting between the parties, 70% of cases reached full or partial agreement. In cases involving shuttle mediation, 72% came to an agreement
• The main issues were: domestic noise 38%; children’s behaviour 14%; anti-social abusive behaviour 21%; boundary and property disputes 13%; racial harassment 2%; other 12%

Could mediation help you?

A lot of problems can be settled without going to mediation, but you do have to think carefully about the situation before doing anything. Some things to consider:

• If possible, try to deal directly with the person you are in dispute with. If a child’s behaviour is causing the problem, try speaking to the parents
• Let the other party know you are glad to have the opportunity to resolve the situation
• Think carefully beforehand about what you want to say. It is best to be quite clear about what the problem is
• Don’t accuse, insult or blame – no matter how you feel about the situation. It will not help and is far more likely to make things worse
• Don’t make assumptions about the other person’s past behaviour or actions. You may be wrong about why they act in that way