Can we help you?
Are you or do you know someone aged between 15 ½ and 18 years old, who is experiencing conflict at home?
Living in a time bomb, and being asked to find somewhere else to live?
Do you want to be listened too and need someone to help you talk about your problems with your parents?
Are you a parent thinking of asking your son/daughter to leave?
Having problems with your child pushing the boundaries, or not respecting you or the family home?
Are you living away from home and need advice/support with finding a place to live?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions then we may be able to help you!
What is mediation?
Mediation is a process used to help two parties resolve their differences, in order to reach a compromise or a solution. There are lots of different types of mediation models and settings in which mediation can be used. Youth Mediation is used not only to discuss issues within the family home, but also has a therapeutic approach as it is meant to build bridges with family members to enable the family to live together. Mediation in our setting can be used to discuss issues for young people such as - Curfew’s, Sexuality, Education, Employment, Substance Misuse and other types of general inharmonious attitudes towards family members or bad living traits, which are causing conflict in the family home.
Why try mediation?
It may be just talking about your problems helps you come to a solution. If you try mediation and the process does not work for you, then you have not lost anything. If mediation does work for you, it will enable you to remain in the family home and can strengthen family bonds. Mediation is a free service provided by Blackpool Council.
The four principles of mediation
· Mediation is voluntary
· Mediation is a confidential process
· Mediation is a impartial process
· Decision making within mediation rests with the people involved, not with the mediator
The five stages of mediation
1. Establishing the arena
The first stage of mediation addresses why mediation has been identified by either the young person/parent or service provider involved with the family. The aims of mediation, and ground rules for each mediation session will be discussed. The mediator will speak to both people involved separately to hear their issues and concerns. If both people involved are happy to mediate then an agreement to mediate document will be signed. Mediation can be carried out in the family home, or at a neutral place where both parties feel at ease.
2. Clarifying the issues
The second stage of mediation is where the mediator will clarify points of conflict between the people involved.
3. Exploring the issues
In the third stage of mediation the mediator will begin to unravel the issues that both parties have brought to mediation. These issues will be discussed in detail, and both parties will have the chance to voice their feelings, thoughts and ideas.
4. Developing options
The fourth stage of mediation deals with developing different options on how both parties can compromise, or reach a solution to their problem/s. Exploring the issues and developing options can be done over one or sometimes several different mediation sessions, to make sure all areas of conflict have been touched upon.
5. Securing agreement
The final stage of the mediation process is making sure both parties are happy with the solutions they have identified. When both parties are happy with the choices they have made the mediator will secure an agreement between the participants, and produce a verbal and written summary of the agreements made within mediation.
What housing options will I have if mediation is not possible?
These options will be discussed with you if our mediator feels that mediation is not right for you. The housing options for young people are limited due to affordability, as benefit entitlement is low for young people. Housing options are also restricted due to legal reasons, as you must be 18 to enter into your own tenancy without a guarantor. This then for most young people rules out renting in the private sector, or with a social landlord. Supported Accommodation for teenagers is generally the best housing option for most young people, should you be unable to return home with help from our mediator. There are a few different providers within Blackpool for the mediator to refer to dependant on age, gender, and personal circumstances.
How do I make an appointment with the youth mediation officer?
You can contact the youth mediation officer to make an appointment by either telephone, in writing or via email.
Telephone - 01253 477270
Text - 07717225390
Fax Number - 01253 477766
Email – housing.advice@blackpool.gov.uk
Or alternatively visit Blackpool Council,
Housing Options Team,
South King Street,
Blackpool,
Lancashire
FY1 4TR
Other useful links for young people
The Hub – Alcohol/Substance Misuse Service 01253 476010
Adelphi House – Youth Counselling Service 01253 651710
Blackpool Connexions – Youth Advisory Service 01253 293161
Pregnancy Advisory Service 01253 293096
Beneast Training – Work Based Training For School Leavers 01253 756400
Connect – Young Persons Health and Information Centre 01253 655863
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