Neighbour disputes
Most people are really upset to find themselves in a dispute with their neighbours. Issues like noise, rubbish, parking and pets can cause disruption to people’s lives. When communication breaks down and neighbours find themselves unable to negotiate, the tensions cause further disruption and the dispute can seem intractable. Sometimes the disputes are between 2 households and sometimes the disputes affect a block of flats or a whole estate.
Resolving threats to life
When respect issues get out of hand conversations aimed at reducing conflict can make the difference between life and death. While the authorities and statutory agencies often label problems in the poorer communities as gang related, we go beyond the labels. Of course, gangs do exist and young people are involved in postcode wars; at the same time these territories are matters of survival, identity and belonging. Like any other dispute the issues are wrapped up in poor communication
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Mental Health Issues (MHI)
The terms ASB and MHI are fast becoming standard labels that marginalise and exclude people from society. Whilst these issues are of major public concern and high on political agendas, we need to be mindful that people aren’t labelled just because they do not have the communication skills to express frustration, fear or disagreement appropriately. A skilled mediator can help communication and understanding between people
Our work in communities
When we create the conditions in which people can express themselves without fear or violence, we continuously find that people from all backgrounds and walks of life can co-operate with a mediation process. As difficult as that might be to believe, we have to consider the extent to which the systems of enforcement contribute to the very problems they are trying to control.
Mediation as a cornerstone of dispute resolution
The Centre for Peaceful Solutions has developed a unique model of engagement for communities. We developed our model by working closely with the community in Brent and taking time to understand the root causes of disputes. To find out more
www.civilmediation.org
www.cmcregistered.org
Registered Charity No 1117611
Contact us by email or by phone 020 8962 9420
You can also visit www.themediationlink.co.uk | www.mariaarpa.co.uk
