Mediation
This could be helpful if you are aged 10-24 and:
- You feel like you’re always having arguments about the same things
- It’s hard to communicate with your family
- You are worried you might be asked to leave home
- Even if your challenge isn’t listed above, we encourage you to enquire to see if we help you.
What is it?
Mediation is a free confidential, impartial mediation service that works with families in Hertfordshire who are experiencing conflict or a breakdown in relationship.
Mediation gives everyone the time and space in a calm environment to explore what is going on for them, to hear from each other, before then finding ways to move forward that seem fair and practical to everyone involved, resulting in fewer arguments and improving family relationships. Mediators will help you to identify what’s not working as well as identify where you would like to get to and what you would like to change.
Our mediators are fully qualified and highly skilled in managing difficult discussions and high emotions within family meetings, helping families recognise for themselves what issues need to be resolved.
Mediators do not:
- Give advice or tell anyone what to do
- Take sides or represent one person
- Make judgments about families
- Go to family homes
Mediators do:
- Help families to gain new skills in communication and managing arguments
- Help families to find the right solutions for them
- Help families to make long term changes for the future
What happens when you contact Mediation?
When you contact our mediation team, either by phone or email, they will ask you a few questions about what is going on and why you would like to do mediation. They will explain a bit more about what mediation is and can help to answer any questions you might have.
You will be asked to complete a referral form, which will be emailed to you. You might need help from an adult to complete the form - this could be a parent, carer, or teacher. For mediation to go ahead, all the people involved (e.g. you and your parent(s)) need to agree to it, so you will need to get them to sign the referral form too. If you are under 13, your parent/carer will have to sign for you.
If you are worried that the other person won’t agree to the mediation, you can suggest they call us and we can talk to them about any worries they have and answer their questions.
How to contact us:
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or head to https://www.hyh.org.uk/our-services/mediation to enquire
[
Watch Sarah's Story](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdcmBATgR7Q&autoplay=1)
Homeless Hub
This could be helpful if you’re aged 16-17 and:
- You are experiencing arguments at home that might cause you to have to leave home
- You are having issues with your housing
- You are at risk of becoming homeless
What is it?
One of our friendly support workers can offer you practical advice/ information about your housing situation and discuss your options. It may be that mediation would be helpful if you are having arguments at home.
If it’s not possible to stay at home, we can help you to find a safe place to stay and think about your future options. Usually, we can give you support for around 6-8 weeks, but this can be longer if needed.
What happens when you contact the Homeless Hub?
When you call our Homeless Hub, they’ll ask you some questions about your housing situation or any other issues you are having. They’ll explain to you that what you tell them will be confidential, unless they feel like you or someone else is in danger. Then they’ll ask a few more questions about things like your age, employment status, mental and physical health etc. It’s important you’re honest, as the information you give us will affect the advice we give. You’ll then discuss the ways you can be helped and the different options you have.
If you contact us via email, a support worker will respond to your email and give you a call to discuss your situation some more, if needed.
How to contact us:
You can call us on 03003 230130 Monday to Thursday 9am to 5:30pm and Friday 9am to 5pm, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
[
Watch Lisa's Story](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQw8gNEg8YI&autoplay=1)
