Mediation

Mediation Service

Dudley’s Mediation Service time2talk is available free of charge to all Dudley residents.  The information on this page explains how the service works.  If you wish to use the service, or require further information, please contact 01384 812245 or 01384 812422.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is about listening to both sides of a dispute and coming to an agreement, through negotiation, which will be acceptable to all parties.  It can be used when there are disputes between neighbours or communities, or when there are problems within families that involve adolescents (family mediation). 

Mediation uses trained, professional mediators who will listen carefully to what is said, in an impartial and confidential setting.  It recognises that all disputes are capable of resolution, no matter how long standing.  A mediated agreement between disputants also signals a fresh start.

One recent report stated that “…almost all people who try mediation experience some improvement and for many it resolves their dispute completely.”

10 top tips for dealing with a dispute

1. Deal directly with the person you have a problem with – it often makes the problem worse if it is overheard or passed on by someone else.
2. Plan a sensible time and place to talk to the other person, perhaps not when you are most angry, but when you feel calm and rational about the situation.
3. Think carefully beforehand about what you want to say – be clear about what the problem is.
4. Let the other person know you are glad to have the opportunity to resolve the situation.
5. Try not to accuse, insult or blame – no matter how you feel about the situation.  It’s unlikely to make things better and will probably make them worse.
6. Don’t make assumptions about the persons’ past behaviour or actions.  You may be wrong about the reasons for their behaviour.
7. Do give the other person the chance to express their views and feelings.  It is essential to let them know that you are listening, even if you don’t agree.
8. Bring all the issues out into the open and spend the time discussing how they can be resolved.
9. Work on the problems co-operatively; bearing in mind the final solution should satisfy both of you.
10. Agree to meet each other on future dates to check how things are going.

Family Mediation

If you are experiencing difficulties in a relationship that includes a young person/adolescent which is causing disruption in the family home, mediation may be able to help.  Mediation aims to reduce tension, anger and misunderstandings between family members.  At the end of the mediation process you should feel that there has been no winner or loser and that the relationship between you is improved.  Mediation is a process of negotiation to help you reach decisions about how you will move forward in a positive way, and to work together to decide what needs to change to enable that to happen.

We do not offer mediation where access to children or the division of assets is an issue.

Who can use mediation?

Mediation is always voluntary.  For a successful outcome to be achieved, all parties involved in the dispute need to engage in the process. It is important that everyone is prepared to share information about the dispute with each other.  

What can I use mediation for?

• Disputes with neighbours

• Community disputes involving several residents living in close proximity to each other

• Disputes involving young people and their parents/guardians

When can I use mediation?

Almost anyone can use mediation at any time.  However, it does involve all parties wanting to be reconciled.  The mediation service will offer (by prior arrangement) some evening meetings, Monday – Friday to accommodate the needs of parties who are unable to take time from work during normal office hours.

There are some circumstances when it may be inappropriate to use mediation, for instance if there are disputes and/or issues involving:

• Racial harassment/abuse

• Violence or threats of violence

• Intimidation

• Mental health problems

• On-going/impending police/legal proceedings

• Unbalanced mediation – inequality in numbers

Normally mediation is not considered suitable in these cases; however, it may be possible to consider these in exceptional circumstances.  If you are unsure if a case is appropriate or not please contact the time2talk mediation service to discuss this with a mediator.

How is mediation different from counselling?

Counselling is about relationships.  It helps you to understand and deal with your feelings and emotions.  Sometimes counselling is intended to help families to stay together.

Mediation is about the behaviour and tolerance levels of people in dispute with each other.  It is a way of making decisions and settling disputes.  The mediator may suggest that you see a counsellor if they think that it would be a good idea for you to talk to someone about how you are feeling.

What happens in mediation?

Shuttle mediation takes place in the homes of disputants. The mediator goes from one home to the next and the disputants do not enter into a joint meeting.  This type of mediation may not be suitable for all types of dispute.  The mediator will discuss this with the individual parties at the initial meeting.

Face to face mediation takes place in a private and informal setting, with usually only the individuals in dispute and the mediator (or sometimes two mediators) in attendance.  The mediator will not tell you what to do and will not take sides, but will share ideas with you and help you to look at different solutions.

How long does mediation take?

Mediation usually lasts for between two and five sessions, each of between one and two hours duration.  However, each case is different and it will depend on how complicated your dispute is.

What happens at the end of mediation?

At the end of the mediation process, if it has been completed successfully, you will usually get a written summary of the decisions that have been made.  This is not a legally binding document.

Is mediation confidential?

Yes.  What you say in mediation is confidential, and the mediator will not pass on anything to anyone else unless all parties agree.  All parties will be requested to sign confidentiality policy forms before mediation commences.  However, there are exceptions where information may be passed on:

• If it seems from what is said during mediation that someone has been seriously hurt or is at risk of being hurt.

• If something is said during mediation that leads the mediator to believe that someone is benefiting or has benefited from the proceeds of crime.

How much does mediation cost?

The mediation service is free of charge and available to everyone residing within the Dudley Borough.

How do I find a mediator?

Call the time2talk office on 01384 812245 or 01384 812422.  The office is open Monday to Friday 9 -5.  There is a message service available for all other times. If you require an interpreter, this can be arranged for you.

Midland Mediation Network

The time2talk mediation service is a member of the Midland Mediation Network. Members meet four times a year in different locations throughout the Midlands, member organisations arrange venues and host the meetings. Owen McMillan is the current treasurer of the Network and Sue Steel is a planning committee member. Please use the following link to view the website:

Midland Mediation Network website