Mediation Plus – the
community mediation service for Eastbourne and Wealden – is looking to recruit
a group of new community mediators to help cover the increased number of
referrals the service has been receiving this year.
With local public
sector and statutory services such as the Police, Courts, Youth Support and
schools all continuing to face a financial squeeze, mediation is being increasingly
used as an alternative way to resolve disputes and help improve communication
between neighbours and young people and their families.
Service and
Development Manager Clive Gross said “We have been experiencing an increase in
the number and complexity of the cases referred to our service over the last
year, especially to our Time2Talk service that helps young people experiencing
problems within their family or at school. We are also seeing a wider variety
of issues between neighbours coming to us, including some resulting from the
increased pressure on local authorities and social housing providers to accommodate
people needing extra support to live independently in the community”
The service is looking
to put up to 14 new mediators through their accredited mediation skills training course which starts next month, who will then help to diffuse local
conflicts, neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour across the area,
helping to prevent minor issues becoming major problems and improving the
quality of life of residents. The training will take place across five
Saturdays in their Hailsham offices, starting on October 12th.
Clive Gross continued
“We are looking for new mediators from a wide variety of backgrounds and from
across the area, but we are particularly keen to hear from people interested in
working in the Uckfield, Crowborough and north Wealden area, where we have seen
the largest rise in new referrals in recent months.”
The practical and
interactive course offers participants the opportunity to develop mediation
skills through exercises, group work and role play. Mediation skills are also applicable
to many professional sectors, including housing, young people’s services,
family support, education and is suitable for those working in other frontline
support services dealing with the public.
For more details about
the training and an application form, please call Clive Gross or Joan Eades at
Mediation Plus 01323 442781 or email training@mediation-plus.org.uk
