Mediation
If you report an incident of antisocial behaviour, we will usually ask you to make a friendly approach to the neighbour causing the nuisance. This is often the simplest way to sort out issues and can stop things getting worse. However, if you find it difficult to approach your neighbour, or you have spoken to them and the situation has not improved, we can refer you and your neighbour to an independent mediation service.
Mediation helps both parties to find out their needs, explain the issues, and look at possible solutions. The mediator will listen to both sides of the story and help you to come to an agreement.
Mediation is confidential and, if you are a tenant, we will pay for the service.
We may also put you in touch with the police or an environmental health team. We can work with these agencies and other professional bodies to help sort out any issues.
If mediation does not work and the behaviour continues, we will consider legal action and enforcing the tenancy agreement. To report an incident of antisocial behaviour, click here.
Mediation in action
Ms A complained about noise from Mr B in the flat above her. She said he was inconsiderate and loud, and she knocked on his door numerous times to complain. Mr B said Ms A was rude and patronising, and her constant complaining and swearing made him very angry.
Both residents had an individual meeting with a Confidential And Local Mediation (CALM) representative, where they were able to discuss their point of view with an independent person. This was followed by a joint meeting with both neighbours present.
The mediator set ground-rules to make sure there was no shouting or swearing, and the residents were each given ten minutes to speak without being interrupted.
Ms A explained she could not understand why Mr B was so angry with her, and wanted him to know how badly the noise was affecting her. Mr B was given an opportunity to tell Ms A that he did not like how she spoke to him.
During the meeting, the residents agreed a way in which they would communicate with each another in the future. Ms A would leave a note for Mr B, and he would then knock on her door before 8pm on a weekday evening to discuss the issue. Ms A agreed she would not swear at Mr B, and he agreed not to wear outdoor shoes in the flat and take care to close doors quietly after 10pm.
Over 70% of cases where residents meet each other for mediation result in a written agreement between the neighbours. This goes to show that mediation can really help neighbours improve their home life in a safe, confidential and constructive way.
Mediation contacts
Click on the links below to view a list of useful mediation contacts by area.
- Association of Cambridge Mediators
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Tel: 01223 370 063
Email: enquiries@cambridgemediators.co.uk
Address: Association of Cambridge Mediators, Sheraton House, Castle Park, Cambridge, CB3 0AX.
Contact: John Byrne - CALM Mediation
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Tel: 0207 603 4014
Email: corinne@calmmediation.org or heather@calmmediation.org
Contact: Director, Corinne Rechais
Areas of operation: Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow, Kensington & Chelsea,
Parts of Brent, South Westminster. - Camden Mediation Service
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Tel: 0207 383 0733
Fax: 0207 383 7110
Email: info@camdenmediation.org
Address: Camden Mediation, 11 -17 The Marr, Camden Street, London, NW1 OHE.
Areas of operation: Barnet, Camden, Hackney, Haringey, Islington. - Ealing Mediation
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Tel: 020 8575 9500
Fax: 020 8575 9400
Email: Admin@ealingmediation.org.uk
Address: Room 17, Greenford Community Centre, 170 Oldfield Lane South, Greenford, UB6 9JS
Contacts: Service Manager, Debbie Davey & Case Manager, Karen Morrison.
Areas of operation: Ealing - Hillingdon Community Mediation
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Tel: 01895 446 611 or 01895 447 772
Email: carole@hcmediation.com
Address: 106 High St, Yiewsley, West Drayton, UB7.
Contact: Service Manager, Carole Pidgeon
Areas of operation: Hillingdon - Mediation North Surrey
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Tel: 0870 751 4311
Email: help@mediate.me.uk
Areas of operation: Elmbridge, Runnymede, Spelthorne. - Portsmouth Mediation Service
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Tel: 023 9243 1352
Fax: 023 9243 1679
Email: info@portsmouthmediationservice.org.uk
Address: Portsmouth Mediation Service
95 Elm Grove, Southsea, PO5 1LH. - Resolve Mediation
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Tel: 01189 597 420 or 01189 591 400
Email: margaret@resolvemediation.com or info@resolvemediation.com
Contact: Margaret Haines
Areas of operation: Banbury, Lambourne, Maidenhead, Oxfordshire, Slough, West/East Berks. - Winchester & District Neighbourhood Mediation Service
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Tel: 01962 813 320
Email: winchestermediation@yahoo.co.uk or ian@gilchist.deomon.co.uk
Address: The Winchester Centre, 68 St George's Street, Winchester, SO23 8AH.
Areas of operation: Winchester Council