Mediation Alliance

In recent years, the landscape of community mediation services has faced significant challenges, leading to the closure of many organisations. Community mediation has long been a vital resource for communities, offering a cost-effective and accessible alternative to legal proceedings. However, the sustainability of these local services has come under threat due to various factors.

One of the primary reasons for the closure of community mediation services is financial instability. Many services rely on a combination of government funding, grants, and donations to operate. With tightening budgets and shifting priorities, governmental support has waned in several regions. Additionally, the competition for limited grant funding has intensified, making it harder for mediation services to secure the necessary financial resources. The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, as both public and private funding sources faced increased strain, leading to cuts in support for community services.

Portsmouth Mediation Service (PMS) is not alone in facing up to these and other challenges which is why we so value our close relationship with other community mediation services across the South of England. It is so valuable for our service manager Steve to be able to regularly meet up with the leaders of other mediation services to support each other, share key challenges and together uncover fresh ideas and new solutions.

Pictured here left to right at a recent meeting in High Wycombe is Anthea the CEO of Alternatives to Conflict (formerly Mediation Bucks) who serve communities in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire. Liz from Catch 22 who heads up the community mediation service for Suffolk Norfolk & Cambridgeshire, Phyllida who is chair of trustee for Alternatives to Conflict and Alice the CEO of Mediation Plus who cover East & West Sussex.