Under 16s Mediation Service 
 

v      We offer free mediation to 10 – 15 year olds and their families  

v      Mediation is offered in order to reduce conflict and help to re-build relationships 

v      Mediation works with families whether they are living together or apart 

v      Mediation always involves two or more people within the family, usually a young person and a parent or carer 

v      Mediation needs both people to feel that there are difficulties in the relationship and for both to want to make change for improvement  

v      Mediation works best when it’s used to prevent the situation from getting to crisis point  

v      Mediation is a short term process, and 6-8 sessions are usually offered.  These sessions include helping families to gain skills in communication so they can start to reduce the conflict themselves       

v      The mediation process starts with an information session (45 minutes- 1 hour) which is the opportunity to individually meet with a mediator, find out about mediation and decide if mediation is the right service for you. The family and the mediator will then decide what the next step will be 

v      Mediation requires families to take time out of their normal day to attend appointments 

Mediators do not:

• Give advice or tell anyone what to do
• Take sides or represent one person
• Make judgments about families
• Go to family homes

• Listen to families
• Help families to gain new skills in communicating and managing conflict
• Help families to find the right solutions for them
• Help families to agree solutions for the future
• Mediate in an neutral venue such as a community centre or a school

 v      Mediation is confidential 

v      Sometimes, mediation is not the right service for all families.  If this is the case we will help you to think about what support might be better for you  

v      Referrals are accepted by email; u16mediation@hyhg.org or please call us on 01707 272769