Argyll & Bute
Phone: 01631 570101
E-mail: housingmediation@btconnect.com
Charity Number: SC032952
Company Number: SC227571 Registered Scottish Charity
What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process in which people with a disagreement meet with a trained, impartial mediator. The mediator listens to both sides and guides the parties in clarifying and discussing the issues, identifying areas of agreement, developing possible solutions, and writing their own mutually satisfying agreement.
What is the Housing Mediation Service?
Housing Mediation Service began in 2013 with Argyll & Bute Council and is designed to provide mediation services for the resolution of housing-related disputes. The service provides a quick, inexpensive alternative to small claims court.
Why mediate?
▪ It's voluntary. No one is obligated to take part in mediation.
▪ You get quick results. A meeting can be set up within about a week of the request, depending on the availability and willingness of both parties to mediate.
▪ It's confidential. The mediation files and written agreements are kept strictly confidential.
What disputes might mediation resolve?
Homelessness: You may be living with family members, guardians, or friends - who you are in conflict with and feel you are no longer able to remain in the household.
Tenant-Landlord: Eviction, noise, security deposits, non-payment of rent, non-renewal of lease.
Neighbour-Neighbour: Pets, noise, communication problems.
Common Repairs: If work is required to the common parts of a building, all the owners who share responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the building need to work together. It is recognised that reaching agreement can present difficulties.
About the mediators
The mediator's role is to facilitate communication between the parties and exploration of the options and possible solutions. Mediators cannot guarantee that the problem will be solved, provide legal advice, or take sides. The ultimate resolution is up to the parties in dispute.
What is the mediation process?
The first step: Call your local Argyll & Bute Council housing team and they can refer you to the service.
Or
call the Housing Mediation Service on 01631 570101.
At first, you will be offered an individual confidential consultation where information and options will be discussed.
If mediation is appropriate, the Mediator will discuss the merits of moving to mediation.
During a mediation meeting the Mediator assists those in conflict to:
* Talk and listen to each other
* Plan to make things better
* Work towards positive changes
* Work out strategies to bring about resolution of the conflict
The Mediator makes sure everyone gets the opportunity to discuss their issues but does not make decisions for you. Any agreements or solutions reached will come from you and the other party. Everyone can talk about what they need to talk about.
It provides opportunities for people to:
* Communicate (Speak and Listen)
* Exchange feelings, ideas and perceptions
* Negotiate
* Participate fully in the making of decisions about their own lives
Arranging mediation: If our services can help, we will contact the other party in the dispute by letter, e-mail and/or phone. We will discuss the merits of participating in mediation. If the other party agrees to mediate, we will schedule a meeting time when our mediators are available. The entire process is completely voluntary.
At the mediation: At the mediation session, a trained mediator will listen to both parties and guide them in clarifying the issues, identifying areas of agreement, developing possible solutions, and writing their own agreement. The mediator does not take sides, nor decide who is "right" or "wrong," but simply helps facilitate open and constructive discussion of the issues involved in the dispute and guide the parties toward resolution.
Reaching an agreement: When an understanding is reached, the terms are written down by the mediator. If requested, all parties sign the agreement as an acknowledgment of their commitment to abide by the terms of their mutual agreement.
Family Mediation Argyll & Bute
Unit 4
Glenshellach Business Park
OBAN
Argyll & Bute
PA34 4RY
Phone: 01631 570101
E-mail: housingmediation@btconnect.com
Charity Number: SC032952
Company Number: SC227571
Registered Scottish Charity
A member of Relationships Scotland