By Emma Standing, Team Manager of ASB & Tenancy Enforcement at Yorkshire Housing
Living with anti-social behaviour can cause stress and anxiety - especially when it’s happening on your doorstep.
Whether it’s late-night disturbances, vandalism, or threatening behaviour from neighbours, it can take a real toll on your wellbeing. One of the tools we use to resolve these issues is mediation, which is a way to support people by having honest conversations with neighbours and finding a way forward.
We work with trained mediators who are skilled at handling these discussions, and I’ve seen first-hand just how effective it can be when people are given the chance to be heard and understood. It helps stop things from escalating and gives people the chance to improve relationships before things get out of hand.
We know the idea of mediation can feel daunting. People often tell me things like “there’s no point - they won’t change,” or “I haven’t done anything wrong.”
But mediation isn’t about blame. It’s about understanding each other and shifting perspectives.
Here’s a quick look at how mediation sessions work:
- Introduction - The mediators will explain their role and how the process works.
- Initial session - This takes place at a time that suits you. You’ll have the chance to talk through the situation from your point of view.
- Exploring solutions – You’ll be able to share your thoughts on the conflict and discuss possible ways forward.
You’re not expected to agree to anything you’re uncomfortable with, and you can speak to the mediator again before anything moves forward. We’re there to listen and help you work towards a solution that feels right for everyone involved.
Despite how effective it can be, mediation is still underused - mainly because many people don’t know it’s an option.
That’s why we’re highlighting it to our customers and sharing this article during ASB Awareness Week. To let you know that there is another way to deal with neighbourhood disputes and prevent escalations which could lead to us taking more formal action.
Just take a look at this case study involving four neighbours in Leeds. They were making accusations against each other for all kinds of anti-social behaviour, including drug use in the flats, doors constantly banging, rude gestures and swearing. The situation was getting worse. But after a few sessions, the neighbours were able to quickly talk things through, clear up misunderstandings, and agree on how to move forward.
There’s plenty more of these success stories on our webpage which highlight all the different ways we can tackle anti-social behaviour by working with police, local councils, social services and our other partners.
If you think mediation might help in your situation, take a look at our anti-social behaviour page for more information and to get in touch with the team.