Neighbour Mediation Service
Disputes or problems with neighbours can be disruptive and have a huge impact on your wellbeing. Mediation is a fair, safe process which helps you and your neighbour find practical ways to resolve the problem.
Mediation is voluntary; it is not a legal process. The mediators will not make you do anything you do not want to do. It is a step-by-step process:
Step 1
Initial Call - Once we receive the referral of your case, we contact you and your neighbour to explain our service and answer any questions. If you both want to try mediation, we arrange step 2.
Step 2
Introductory Meeting - You each meet separately with the mediators. You can tell the mediators about the situation and what you want for the future. They will help you plan for the next step.
Step 3
Mediation Meeting - The mediators take you and your neighbour through a structured process. The aim is to reach a practical agreement that will help things to be better for you both in future. You will each receive a copy of the written agreement.
Two trained mediators will support you through the process, keeping things safe and respectful. You can bring a non-speaking supporter with you to meetings if you wish.
If you are a tenant of a social housing provider (eg a housing association or council), please let your housing officer know you’d like to try mediation with us. They may be able to refer your case to us.
If you are a homeowner, landlord or private tenant please see this page of our website .
We help neighbours with a wide range of issues including: noise; difference in lifestyles; shared spaces & gardens; boundaries; parking; anti-social behaviour; drug & alcohol use; housing officer/tenant disputes; pets; damage to property; CCTV/filming; gossiping; funny looks; relationship breakdown; verbal abuse; physical altercations; harassment; discrimination.
Mediation is very different to an exchange on your doorstep or over the garden fence. We tend to find that neighbours respond differently with our mediators managing the meeting. They put ground rules in place to keep things safe and respectful.
When neighbours do meet in mediation, in 9 out of 10 cases they reach an agreement.
Mediation is a flexible and voluntary process. We will not force you to do anything you do not want to do. However, our experience tells us that we achieve the best results when neighbours communicate directly with one another.
You will be able to discuss all of your options with the meditators in your introductory meeting with them.
Your introductory meeting can be held in your home or online via Zoom. Your mediation meeting will be held in a community venue near your home or online via Zoom.
The co-ordinators will ask you and your neighbour if you have a preference.
Mediation is not a legal process so any mediation agreement that you reach is not a legal document. Agreements are made in ‘good faith’, meaning that there is a genuine intention to reach and stick to an agreement. The mediators aim to make sure that everyone is there in good faith. Because agreements are negotiated between neighbours, they are more likely to stick.
You and your neighbour will receive a copy of the written agreement. If you both give permission, we can send a copy of it to your housing provider.
If you are a homeowner or a private tenant, you can look at paying for mediation with us here.
"Very friendly and professional mediators. It was very helpful when they stepped in in right moments."
London Resident
"The whole experience from calm mediation was very positive. They make you feel very comfortable very informed and safe they really helped to resolve the problems for me, and the situation is much better now thanks to everyone at calm."
London Resident
"The Calm Mediation team were great and have done all they can do to help me which I very much appreciate. It has given me a percentage of calm in dealing with issues with my neighbour."
London Resident
"Calm Mediation were professional, responsive, understanding, considerate and proactive in support us in resolving the conflict."
London Resident
"The mediators provided exactly the safe space that was needed for everyone to feel they could express themselves and - after a few bends in the road - to reach a peaceful and amicable conclusion. I think we all feel considerably lighter as a result."
London Resident
"Excellent service from beginning to end."
