Mediation
To give you the opportunity to make a real difference, we are looking for Volunteer Neighbourhood Mediators to help make our communities a positive environment for everyone. If you would like to express an interest, please email mediation@placesforpeople.co.uk.
Helping you build better relationships at home
Disagreements between neighbours can happen to anyone, but they don’t have to escalate. Mediation offers a simple, supportive, and free way to resolve issues and move forward positively.
To request mediation or to learn more about how we can help, please contact us:
What is mediation?
Mediation is a safe and supportive process that helps neighbours resolve disagreements calmly and respectfully.
A trained, independent mediator brings everyone together to talk things through. They won’t take sides or make decisions for you. Instead, they help you have an open conversation and find a solution that works for everyone. If you don't feel comfortable being in the same room as your neighbour, we can also offer "shuttle mediation," where the mediator speaks to you both separately.
Mediation focuses on the future, not on who was right or wrong, but on how you can live well alongside each other.
Why choose mediation?
Mediation is:
- Free – There is no cost to use this service.
- Quick and effective – Helps resolve issues before they escalate.
- Informal and flexible – No jargon, courtrooms, or rigid procedures.
- Voluntary – You choose whether to take part.
- Empowering – You stay in complete control of the outcome.
How mediation can help
Mediation can make a real difference by:
- Improving communication between neighbours.
- Finding solutions everyone agrees on.
- Reducing daily stress and tension.
- Preventing minor problems from turning into formal disputes.
- Supporting safer, more positive communities.
It gives you the opportunity to be heard and to move forward with clarity and confidence.
What could the outcome look like?
Every mediation is different, but outcomes are agreed together and tailored to your situation. This might include:
- A better understanding of each other’s perspectives and lifestyles.
- Agreements to change or adapt certain behaviours (like noise or parking habits).
- Plans to communicate more openly going forward.
- Arrangements to review how things are improving over time.
Confidential and voluntary
Taking part in mediation is always your choice.
Everything discussed is strictly confidential. Nothing shared during a mediation session can be used against you later in formal tenancy or anti-social behaviour procedures if an agreement isn't reached.
When can mediation be used?
Mediation can help resolve a wide range of everyday community issues, including:
- Noise disturbances
- Parking disagreements
- Boundary, garden, or shared space issues
- Children and young people (e.g., ball games)
- Lifestyle differences and personality clashes
- A general breakdown in neighbour relationships
When should I consider mediation?
If you’ve tried to resolve an issue informally by speaking to your neighbour and it hasn’t worked, mediation is the ideal next step.
The sooner problems are addressed, the easier they are to resolve, so don't wait for things to get worse.
Get in touch
To request mediation or to learn more about how we can help, please contact us: