Head of Guidance Sue Mortimer has lead the implementation and training of UHC's Student Mediation Team. Sue gives an insight into what it is and how it works.

Student Mediation is about students helping students to sort out a problem between them. It's a restorative, no-blame approach which allows students to maintain their mana / dignity. 

At no time is a person seen to be the problem - the problem is the problem. This allows students to ask for a mediation without being accused of 'snitching' - nobody is in trouble. 

It can be a very useful way of sorting things out before they escalate. Students can request a mediation by emailing the year level dean.

Narrative Therapy is a New Zealand / Australian therapy that explores the values and beliefs that influence our thoughts and behaviours. 

In a mediation, the mediators listen for common beliefs and values that might help the students to understand each other and heal the rift. These are advanced skills mediators can use for the rest of their lives and highly sought after by employers.

Mediators have a level of maturity to cope with the work, be reliable and have excellent attendance. 

Safety is key. Students will not be allowed to mediate their family, friends or adults. No parents are allowed to be at a mediation. Mediators always work in pairs to support each other and mediations will take place in the room next to Sue's office in the counselling block. Mediators will stop a mediation if safety is at risk. Students have a choice whether to have a mediation.

The photos show the Mediation team completing various exercises as part of their recent training days.