Mediation may be able to help you find a solution to antisocial behaviour. It is not appropriate in every case but can be very effective.

• Why choose mediation?
• Situations when mediation can help
• What will mediation be like?
• Who can help with mediation?

Why choose mediation?

If you just want the antisocial behaviour to stop and don't want the expense of going to court, mediation could help you solve your problems. Mediation is when an outside person helps you find a solution that is acceptable to both people. Mediation services for disputes between neighbours are usually free.

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Situations when mediation can help

Mediation is not appropriate in every case but it may help to find a solution to your housing problems. Mediation is best at resolving short term issues.

Mediation is only appropriate if both parties:

• voluntarily choose mediation
• are willing to be reasonable
• are happy to contact the other party
• can communicate

Mediation isn't an appropriate solution if:

• one person won't negotiate
• one person only wants to punish the other
• on person is afraid of abuse, violence or harassment

Whether a mediation service will handle a case will depend on your personal circumstances.

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What will mediation be like?

Mediation can be as simple as a meeting between you and the other person on neutral ground, with an impartial mediator helping you to resolve your issues. The mediator's role is to encourage each person to:

• talk freely
• explain their point of view
• find common ground, and
• come up with an agreed way forward.

If you are unwilling to meet the other person, mediators can act as intermediaries, carrying messages between each of you until you reach an acceptable solution.

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Who can help with mediation?

Mediation Northern Ireland provides a free, confidential service and is available throughout Northern Ireland. It can put you in touch with a trained mediator in your area.

You can contact Mediation Northern Ireland at:

83 University Street

Belfast, BT7 1HP

Tel: 028 9043 8614

Fax: 028 9031 4430

The Housing Executive also offers a free and confidential mediation service. A mediator appointed by NIHE can visit all those involved in the dispute and decide whether or not mediation might help. Contact your local Housing Executive District Office for more information.