My experience shows that once people understand what family mediation is they are very receptive to getting involved in the mediation process and, subsequently, that most people who do use the mediation process are pleased that they chose this route as a means to resolving the issues that they are facing.
However, it is very clear that mediation is only used in a small percentage of suitable cases which leads me to the conclusion that a lot more needs to be done to make people aware of its existence and its benefits. Whilst the government and other larger agencies undoubtedly have a very large part to play in raising awareness, particularly given the much greater reliance that is now being put on the use of mediation since the law changes made in April 2011 and the proposed restrictions on government-funded legal advice from April 2012 which will lead to far greater reliance on mediation, there is also a lot that can be done by mediators and other professionals to make people aware of family mediation.
Personally, I feel that a crucial part of this awareness raising will need to take place through the use of social media and I am therefore planning to try my best to do my bit towards achieving this. As this is far too large a task to be achieved by one person and as any such attempts will by definition require the participation of large numbers of people, I invite anyone who is interested in being part of this campaign to raise awareness, whether as fellow family mediators or as clients or as anyone else who has an interest in this issue, to post on this blog or to contact me directly to discuss what can be done to move things forward at a much faster pace than at the current time.
Euan Davidson
Family Mediator and Solicitor
Tel: 07962 476660 or 01483 339379
Website: www.godalmingfamilymediation.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment