What is 'Mediation' – a Glossary of Terms

Mediation is a way to resolve conflict.

It’s when two parties come together voluntarily with a mediator to talk through their conflict and find their own solutions.

Here's a Glossary of Terms to help you understand the mediation process.

• Mediate: To talk to two separate people or groups involved in a disagreement to try to help them to agree or find a solution to their problems.
• Resolve: To come to a definitive decision, to settle, to deal with a matter, uncertainty or problem.
• Voluntary: To do something that is not compulsory, without payment or reward, or feeling obligated to).
• Impartial: To be fair, just and unbiased.
• Empathy: To understand at a deep emotional level, another person’s feelings or problems.
• Sympathy: To share feelings of another person, particularly around sadness or trouble.
• Criticise: To find fault, to make judgement about someone’s behaviour or other actions.
• Confidential: Letting someone know that the information they pass on to you is private and secret and will not be shared with others.
• Neutral: Not to take any side or position in a controversy or dispute.

The Ashford Mediation Service Guide to Mediation with Young People and Families

We’ve produced a guide to explain what we do and how we can help young people and their families through the use of mediation.

In this ebook we explain what mediation is and give people who are helping young people, some tools and skills, hints and tips on how and when to use mediation.

We want to encourage young people, families, and community and school leaders, to contact Ashford Mediation Service and make use of our free mediation services.

Download 'The Ashford Mediation Service Guide to Mediation with Young People and Families'.