Mediation aims to bring people together who are in dispute to sit down together with an independent and impartial third-party, the mediator, and make arrangements for their future quickly, cheaply and without having to go to court.
We are an independent organisation offering confidential help and professional mediation to families, young people and children suffering a conflict in their family. We help to achieve agreement between couples, at every stage of separation or divorce where children, property or finances are involved.
Mediation Services
Family Mediation
For couples who are splitting up family mediation is a chance to sit down together with an independent and impartial third-party, the mediator, and make arrangements for their future quickly, cheaply and without having to go to court. They could have been married or living together. They may or may not have children. They may need to work out plans for any number of things, including children, finance and property. But there may be step-parents or grandparents needing to work out details of contact with children; or parents whose situation has changed after separation and who need to work out new arrangements.
If someone is eligible for legal aid the service will be free, and if they have a solicitor they are required to be referred to mediation. But anyone can refer themselves or be referred by an advisor. Sessions can quickly be arranged near the parties throughout Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cheshire fees are reasonable and sessions are at a time to suit.
Child Welfare
Child welfare mediation is a process in which specially trained neutral professionals facilitate the resolution of child abuse and neglect issues by bringing together, in a confidential setting, the family, social workers, attorneys, and others involved in a case. The creation and expansion of child welfare mediation has been one of the most significant developments in national court improvement efforts. It has had a positive impact on the overwhelming majority of courts that have introduced it and made it a part of the court process.
Any case can be referred to mediation at any stage of the proceedings from the initial hearing up to and including the establishment of a permanent plan including termination of parental rights. No cases are excluded in principle from the mediation process. Mediation is based on a very simple premise: a confidential discussion among the parties may lead to positive results.
Shuttle
(Domestic Violence)
Shuttle mediation is the same as family mediation, but we use this way of working if we have to protect a person due to domestic violence and /or extreme conflict and if court restriction orders have been placed.
One way to protect a victim of domestic abuse during the process of mediation is to separate the parties into different rooms, with the mediator moving between the two rooms during the negotiations, called shuttle mediation separate session days can also be arranged.
In both cases, the victim may be more at ease and he/she can rely on the mediator to transfer information between the parties. However, neither of these forms of separate mediation will negate the effect of the past fears of the victim, nor his/her fears of what may occur in the future. But what we can negate is that the mediator is aware of the concerns and this will be managed by the mediator, fully supporting the victim and taking the control away from the perpetrator.
Housing
Mediation is an effective way of resolving disputes with neighbours without the need to go to court. It involves a mediator discussing the problem with everyone involved and helping both sides coming to an agreement. It can be a practical way to deal with many issues including disagreements with neighbours about noise levels, children’s behaviour, pets, parking issues or anti-social behaviour.
S. E. N. D.
(Special Education Needs & Disabilities)
In order for a child or young person with special education needs, also known as ‘SEN’, disagreements about the best way forward to meet their needs often require an experienced, neutral mediator in order to be resolved. Local Authorities are legally obliged to provide SEN mediation and disagreement resolution in relation to disputes with parents, carers and young people.
We are an experienced provider of SEN mediation and disagreement resolution services which will:
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improve the channels of communication and understanding between the parties
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progress towards and then reach realistic, practical solutions that meet the needs of all concerned, especially the child
Community
Community mediation is a confidential, independent, voluntary and impartial process, which helps two individuals or group of people living in a community who are in a conflict or disagreement, to agree on a resolution that is in the interest of all disputing parties.
Community mediation offers a secure, organised and positive environment for two or more individuals or groups within a community settle conflicts between themselves in an understanding manner. Community Mediation can be availed to deal with disputes between neighbours, residents groups, church and faith groups etc.
Our community mediators are skilled and experienced to help with an extensive range of conflicts and disputes that communities may face under different circumstances.
B. A. M. E.
(Black and Asian Minority Ethnicity)
The process for BAME mediation is the same as family mediation. The key difference is that a bilingual mediator will chair and facilitate the mediation removing the barrier and use of interpreters. The meeting will be held if your first language with someone who understands and speaks your language and culture.
