Talking Resolutions
NEIGHBOUR MEDIATION SERVICE
The team at Talking Resolutions has a wealth of experience in resolving community based conflict. Our Neighbour Mediation Service offers tailored support for people who are struggling to resolve all types of issues, including noise, parking, boundaries, pets and anti-social behaviour. Whatever the concern, good communication and understanding is at the heart of finding solutions.
If your neighbour is doing something that is upsetting you or affecting your well-being, talking to a mediator can be the best step to take. We can help you to find ways to resolve the issues while keeping everyone's best interests at heart.
If you would like to be referred to our Neighbour Mediation Service, speak to your Housing Officer at Wrekin Housing Group. Read on to find more about how the service works and get answers to some frequently asked questions.
What happens after a referral is made?
A mediator will contact you by telephone to arrange a meeting. If there's a best time to call you, please let your Housing Officer know and we will try to contact you when it will be most convenient. During the call, you will also be able to ask any questions about mediation. At the arranged meeting, which may be via phone, video call or in person, you and the mediator will explore your situation and talk through all your options.
Can I refer myself to the service?
No, you will need your Housing Officer to make the referral for you. Your case will be managed under the existing protocol.
How will the service help resolve my concerns?
Neighbour complaints can be difficult to solve and establishing good communication is the first step to finding a resolution. A mediator will help you and your neighbour reach a better understanding of the problems from each other's point of view, and then help you find a way forward that works for everyone.
Will I need to meet with my neighbour?
No, you will not be required to do anything you're not comfortable with. Meeting face-to-face is an option when both households are willing, but shuttle mediation can also help resolve problems. In shuttle mediation, a mediator talks to both households separately, sharing specific information, to reach agreements that work for everyone.
How long does the mediation process take?
Neighbour conflict can have considerable negative impacts so we try to carry out the process as quickly as possible. The time taken to mediate a case depends on when people are available for appointments and the choices made for the next steps. Once agreements are made, there will be a monitoring period of at least two months where you can receive additional help and support.
Can I talk with the mediator in confidence?
Yes, what you tell the mediator is confidential and we do not share information with your neighbour or Housing Officer without your consent. However, if you say something that leads the mediator to think someone is at risk of harm, or that something illegal is taking place, that information will be disclosed to the appropriate authority.
What if my neighbour won't take part?
You may be able to receive conflict coaching, where you will work with a mediator to explore your concerns and to see if there are any steps you can take to resolve the conflict, without your neighbour being involved. You may also find ways to manage the situation that alleviates the impact on you.
How do I know my neighbour will stick to the agreements?
Agreements are not legally binding and cannot be enforced by us or by housing. They usually last because everyone has willingly agreed to them. Once agreements are made, your mediator will monitor how you're getting on for a couple of months so you'll be able to raise any concerns with them if things aren't working. This will give you opportunity to explore what's happened since mediation and to adjust the agreements if necessary.
How successful is mediation?
Long lasting agreements are made in over 80% of cases.
How do I know my neighbour will take mediation seriously?
The first step is for a mediator to speak with you and your neighbour independently to understand all the concerns. During those initial conversations, the mediator will also assess whether the service is appropriate for your case. If it is felt that either household does not genuinely want to find mutually acceptable outcomes, the case will closed.
What if I agree to try mediation but change my mind later?
Participation is our services is voluntary so you can just let us know and we'll inform housing.