Community Mediation is an independent, impartial and
confidential service to help solve local disagreements.
About the service
If you have had a disagreement with a neighbour, or someone down
the road, which you can't solve, the mediation service may be able
to help.
The types of issues we can help with
include:
Boundary disputes between neighbours;
Parking problems caused by drivers parking outside other people's
homes when visiting local shops;
Racial harassment issues;
General anti social behaviour, such a noise.
Independent mediators bring together all those affected by a
particular problem to try and find a solution that suits
everyone.
Agreement to take part in a meeting is an important step towards
solving disagreements.
What happens at a mediation meeting?
The mediator will introduce everyone and ask them to agree the
ground rules for the meeting. They will also give a brief
explanation of the disagreement.
Everyone gets the chance to have their say, without being
interrupted.
There will then be an open discussion, allowing you to respond to
each other's views and explore thoughts and feelings.
If an agreement is reached, the mediator will write it down and ask
everyone to check it and sign it. They will then get a copy to take
home. It is not a legal document.
Is the service free?
The service is free to the public
How long will a meeting take?
This will depend on the disagreement and the number of people
involved, but please allow around two hours.
Where and when do meetings take place?
A meeting will take place at a venue and time that is mutually
convenient and agreed by all participants.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes. We will only use personal details for statistical
purposes.
However, the mediator would have to report any concerns raised
about the safety of a child.
Agencies with an interest in the disagreement will be told what has
been agreed at the meeting if they cannot be there.
If you have any questions please contact us.
We hope we can help you.
Contact us
If you would like the mediation
service to help solve a disagreement contact:
Maggie Hampton
Suffolk Community Mediation Service
Ground Floor
St Edmund House
Rope Walk
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP4 1NF
Phone: 01473 581811
Mobile: 07775 743968
E-mail:
maggie.hampton@suffolkcc.gov.uk