We are excited to announce that Place for Hope’s mediation service is now available free at point of access for the National Synod of Wales and Wessex. This marks the second step in the phased rollout of the mediation service across all 13 Synods of the United Reformed Church (URC) that will, over the course of the next 4 years, see all 13 Synods gain access to free of point of delivery mediation. The National Synod of Scotland and Northwestern Synod received the service during Phase One of the rollout.
This is a key part of the vision and strategy of the partnership between the URC and Place for Hope: to facilitate a cultural shift in the URC so that conflict can be seen as a normal part of diverse community, and congregations are equipped and supported to navigate conflict, change, and difference well.
What does this mean?
The second phase of the rollout means that any URC faith community (congregation, leaders, individuals) in the following Synods will have access to the Place for Hope mediation service free at point of delivery.
Synods with access to the Mediation Service:
- National Synod of Scotland (Phase One)
- Northwestern Synod (Phase One)
- National Synod of Wales (Phase Two)
- Wessex Synod (Phase Two)
Services provided under the rollout consist of:
- Facilitated conversations: support for congregations and Synods navigating difficult conversations, tensions, and relationships in times of change. Facilitated conversations can help foster productive dialogue and prevent issues from escalating.
- Small group mediation: holding space for individuals to listen to one another well and find ways through their disagreements together.
- Conflict Coaching: one on one support for leaders navigating conflict
The service isn’t just for times of crisis — it’s also available whenever you’re dealing with a challenging situation, conversation, decision, or time of change.
*Please note that in order to ensure that Place for Hope’s capacity is not overwhelmed, Synods will initially have access to 3 mediation cases, with a waitlist in place for any subsequent cases*
How do I make a referral?
If there is a situation, conversation, or decision you are facing and would like support from the Living Reconciliation Mediation Team, please contact a member of your Synod Team
A member of the Place for Hope team will then get in touch to conduct an intake call. Please note that the person making the referral should be someone with knowledge of the conflict. We recommend making a referral as soon as possible as the earlier mediation can take place, the higher the chances of a positive outcome.
If you would like any further information, please contact the Programme Lead, Martha Hunt: martha.hunt@placeforhope.org.uk