Posted Wednesday 1 February 2012
"The police in Kingston receive, on average, 63 complaints* relating to neighbour disputes every single month," Trevor Quy, the police liaison co-ordinator said. "And these are just the ones that reach us. We know that other disputes are simply tolerated but can cause problems for a very long time. A colleague of mine recently dealt with one dispute that had lasted for nine years. Sometimes the situation is intolerable, creating great personal stress, and I am pleased that Kingston University and the police can now offer a potential way out of a difficult situation."
The service, initially designed to assist in student disputes and run by two senior University-trained and accredited mediators, can be accessed by emailing KUmediation@met.police.co.uk or by calling 020 8247 4906.
The mediator would first see each party separately in a private meeting and then, should the parties agree to proceed, a joint meeting would then be arranged, Ms Sellman said. "We aim to ensure a safe, non-threatening environment where each person can have an open and honest dialogue with the other people present," she added.
One of the big advantages of the service - which was on a first come, first served basis - was that mediation could begin within days of the initial request rather than people having to apply to get on protracted waiting lists, Trevor Quy explained. "The mediation sessions are always in an independent location and confidentiality for all parties is key," he said. "Don't let family or neighbourhood disputes fester. There's now speedy and rapid help available. It just needs the will to seek help - and best of all, it is free."
Mediation is a completely voluntary process and it is important to note that by agreeing to take part in mediation there is no commitment other than to turn up to the meeting. Where both parties agree:
Local people can access the mediation service by emailing KUmediation@met.police.uk or by calling 020 8247 4906.
26 November 2024
12 November 2024
12 November 2024