Mediation
WHAT IS IT
The process in which a Mediator mediates between parties and finally to reach an affective agreement or reconciliation.
APPROACHES USED
Depending on the situation the Mediator will meet with each party separately to begin with in order to ascertain the concerns raised. Afterwards the Mediator will meet both parties together in joint sessions. Depending on the case individual sessions may be held again. The Mediator will not make judgement or take sides; they will ask appropriate questions to help uncover the underlying issues and look at suitable options to resolve the dispute. Everyone will be treated equally and effort will be put in to concentrate on what needs to be done for the future rather than dwell on the past.
HOW DOES IT HELP
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process. The people involved in the dispute are helped by a Mediator who is a non biased third party; this allows everyone to speak openly and therefore reach an agreement accepted by everyone collaboratively.
The main objective for mediation is to reach a workable agreement for all parties, so it is not about who is right and who is wrong but rather how can we move forward productively.
Mediation improves communication, builds on common ground and is a cost-effective way to resolve disputes.
It allows the differing parties to jointly consider how to create a better relationship with the help from the Mediator in negotiating. It also prevents you from being restricted to only one side of the problem and have the vision and creativity to be part of the solution.
The agreements reached through Women’s Consortium are based on trust and are not legally binding or enforceable. Depending on the scenario it may be that the courts will need to get involved – this will be clearly explained to all parties involved and is their final decision if they wish to get the courts involved.
WHY CHOOSE IT?
If you are having a dispute with someone and both of you are looking at ways to move forward. The Mediator will not take sides but rather help you move forward. A lot of different disputes can be mediated and the Mediator can help people look at the problem in a different way.
Areas covered usually are:
- Family Relationships and breakdowns
- Parent and Child
- Marriage
- Relationships with friends, neighbours etc
- Work situations and office environments
- Landlord and tenant
- Community relationships
Some people may need specialist support and if this is the case resources will be made available with the person’s full consent.
BENEFITS
It is an alternative form of resolution rather than going through the courts.
- Courts often encourage mediation.
- You can mediate at any stage of your dispute.
- Mediation can run simultaneously with any court proceedings.
- It is a cost effective way to resolve an issue.
- It gives the parties control over the outcomes.
- The process can be adjusted to suit your needs.
- It is confidential and non-biased.
PRICES
Living outside of Birmingham and either unemployed, receiving benefits, low income or students under 25
Living outside of Birmingham
Birmingham Resident
4 Sessions £48
4 Sessions £100
Free
6 Sessions £66
6 Sessions £150
Free
8 Sessions £80
8 Sessions £200
Free
10 Sessions £99
10 Sessions £250
Free
12 Sessions £118
12 Sessions £300
Free
Single session £15
Single session £15
Free