Support for neighbours in dispute

We write to the people involved to arrange a private conversation with us. This will usually take place at the person’s own home. We can also provide the service online.

We don’t take sides and treat what is said to us in confidence, so we’ll initially meet people separately.

Our role is not to judge or advise but to listen, understand how people feel and recommend if mediation is the best way forward for everyone.

It’s entirely voluntary. If someone doesn’t want to take part in mediation they’re entitled to say no. If this happens there are other options we can discuss with you.

If everyone agrees to mediation then we’ll arrange a meeting at a suitable time and place, such as a community centre.

We’ll start by welcoming everyone and explain the purpose is for those involved to reach a written agreement that’s fair and addresses the problems on both sides.

We’ll give people the opportunity to speak, without interruption, about how they see the situation and how they want things to be.

We’ll guide the meeting at all times to ensure people feel supported.

Our aim is for people to commit to a confidential Mediation Agreement. It’s not legally binding, it’s a goodwill agreement that will support everyone to move forward and resolve the situation together.

When people talk and listen to each other in a safe and guided environment it usually results in a solution to the dispute. We can’t promise it will solve all problems. However, when cases reach a mediation meeting, an agreement is usually made and issues are improved if not completely resolved.

In neighbour dispute cases, mediation has an important role to play, particularly in preventing issues from getting worse. Our mediators don’t take sides. Mediation is successful because you get to explain the impact of the problem in your own words to your neighbour. Your neighbour can listen, understand your feelings and learn how you’re affected. You need to be willing to listen to your neighbour in the same way. This often leads to answers and a positive way forward.

We’ll see why they feel this way, then encourage them to at least meet with us. We’ll explain the benefits of mediation and be clear on what’s involved to settle any doubts about the process. If they don’t want to take part, or if we don’t think mediation is a suitable way forward, we’ll inform all parties and discuss other options.

We’ll always meet those involved separately and properly assess if mediation is the right decision before we bring people together. If there are concerns of aggression then we wouldn’t suggest a mediation meeting and we’d consider other options.

It’s less common for people not to stick to an agreement but if it’s no longer working as it should, please come back to us so we can review the situation.

Our Resolve Service is free for Bolton at Home tenants and any other neighbours involved in the same dispute. We offer mediation at a cost for other residents.