Mediation demand on the increase

From the archive, first published Friday 29th Dec 2006.

A mediation service which helps to resolve potentially volatile disputes between neighbours or family members is in more demand than ever.

Community Accord Volunteers, set up two years ago, has taken on 20 new volunteers and has expanded to new premises in the last year.

The Neighbourhood Renewal-funded service manages disputes between neighbours, relatives and members of the community.

About ten months ago the service, which has its headquarters at the Carlisle Business Centre in Manningham, expanded to another site at Lawkholme Road in Keighley.

To cope with extra demand, in September the group recruited 20 new volunteers, who have since had a hand in resolving a dozen serious issues.

Cases are referred to the service via police, or people can contact Community Accord to ask for help with their problems.

Volunteer manager Lorrainne Knott said she was delighted with the new recruits, who between them speak several languages.

She said: "They are doing fantastically well, they are such a diverse group."

The volunteering requires them to help with four sessions a week. In return they receive a mediation accreditation.

So far the new volunteers have succeeded in bringing seven cases "to the table" - a method which involves all parties sitting down and airing their issues in a neutral environment.

She said it could be difficult to persuade people involved in disputes to meet.

"Even if they are nervous, which is not uncommon, most people do want to start it. When they meet they just want to feel safe," she said.

Other successes have included smoothing out problems via a shuttle service - going between the parties to find a solution - and offering advice about how to best avoid agitating the dispute.

Lorrainne said most parties receiving help from the service were grateful for the intervention.

"It really is nice for Bradford people to know there are people who want to help," she said.

To contact Community Accord Volunteers call (01274) 431190.

e-mail: rebecca.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

CASE STUDY

A woman whose 13-year-old son was being bullied by her neighbour's children was put in touch with Community Accord Volunteers. Police referred the case to the service when the family, who did not want to be named, became targets of intimidation.

With the help of Community Accord, the 45-year-old mother-of-one felt secure enough to go with her husband to a neutral environment and deal with the issue.

In the presence of a trained mediator, the couple came face-to-face with a neighbour and her partner. Both parties were required to adhere to rules set out by Community Accord, which included a ban on the use of aggressive language.

She said the situation allowed both sides to air their views without feeling intimidated.

The meeting resulted in the couples signing an agreement which included terms such as taking responsibility for their children's actions.

"Since this agreement came we can go up and down the street in peace," she said.

She said although she will never be best friends with her neighbour the relationship which was developed by Community Accord means the women greet one another when they meet.

"There is no animosity at all," she said.

And even better, her 13-year-old son has spoken to the children living on his street, and has even swapped ringtones and played games with the teenagers who once he was afraid of.

"His confidence has come back," she said.