We are grateful to Pam Robertson, former trustee and longstanding volunteer mediator at West Kent Mediation for writing this article for us. It complements the social media posts we shared last week on our Facebook and Instagram pages about the release of two US hostages from Gaza thanks to the efforts of Qatari mediators.

There is a lot of coverage about mediation in the news currently because we have wars that cannot be resolved, and the killing will continue unless mediators can bring all sides together to determine solutions that all parties can accept. There are also long-running disputes between unions and management about wages and working practices. Mediation often goes on behind the scenes and disputes can take a long time to resolve but, ultimately, it is the most effective way to find a resolution. These are huge and complex matters but, in the end, mediators will succeed in getting all parties to compromise and stop the damage to those affected.

Mediation is not just for wars or major disputes. Mediators work with families 'at war’ or at loggerheads, as well as next-door neighbours who can’t live in peace, where disputes can take over a quiet life. There are many other smaller disputes that do not result in people coming to blows or being injured, but which can nonetheless seriously affect people’s mental health.

Many people do not know that they can find help on their doorstep. There are specialist charities like West Kent Mediation that have trained mediators who are able to work with local people to resolve their specific disputes and heartaches. If the parties involved in a dispute can be persuaded to talk to a service like West Kent Mediation, we have a very good chance of bringing about a peaceful resolution.

If you’re based in the Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, or Tunbridge Wells areas, contact West Kent Mediation to find out if we can help you resolve your dispute. You can read more about our neighbourhood, family and workplace mediation services on our website and contact us by email at theoffice@wkm.org.uk or by telephone on 01732 469696.