Alternatives to conflict: Early intervention people-centred conflict resolution
Fund and priority area: Community Fund
Who: For over 29 years, Alternatives to conflict (formally Mediation Bucks) has provided a free, volunteer-led conflict resolution service across the Thames Valley. They help communities, individuals, and families address neighbourhood, family, and intergenerational conflicts. Working closely with the police, housing associations, schools, family centres and other agencies to reduce harm caused by unresolved conflicts.
What:
ATC’s mission is to address conflict at its roots, through an early intervention people-centred approach, creating stronger relationships and promoting lasting resilience for children, young people, and families.
Recognising the strength of Alternatives to Conflict’s approach, the Rothschild Foundation awarded a two-year grant in 2022, and following evidence of its success, this led to a multi-year grant in 2024.
In year one of their recent grant they:
- Received 155 referrals, support 75 families, directly benefiting 230 individuals, each receiving person centred support based on their individual circumstances and needs.
“Thank you for letting me articulate things, as that was helpful for me in trying to make sense of everything.” (father)
“We have used every service we could think of. Wish we had come to you first. In two hours, you made more of a difference to our situation than anything else we’ve tried.” (parents)
“I feel like we can talk again without shouting. It feels different now.” (Mother & ex-wife)
- 30 community engagement events reaching approx. 750 people, increasing understanding of conflict resolution approaches, reducing stigma around seeking help, and strengthening connections with local partners and communities.
“We are proud of ourselves we have got our community back and although he is still here, we have learnt how to manage, and bingo is back” (82year old in sheltered scheme)
- Development and launched the Young Peacemakers Programme, working with 60 teachers and 35 students at two schools, designed to equip young people and schools with the tools to recognise and manage conflict constructively. Early feedback has been positive, with discussion underway to expand the programme into more schools.
“I didn’t think anyone would listen. Now I feel I can speak and people hear me.” (14year old)
Learning
Through ongoing engagement with partners, referrers, and the communities they support, ATC has learnt that demand for their service is far higher and more complex than expected, with conflict often extending beyond the individuals involved to wider family networks and institutions such as schools. This has led them to adopt a multiparty, person-centred approach that includes more individual meetings, additional sessions, and a flexible pace that recognises the impact of trauma, instability, and prolonged conflict. By slowing down and adapting to people’s needs, they have seen stronger outcomes, with participants reporting greater resilience, control, and ability to sustain progress. In response, ATC has adjusted their processes, timescales, and expectations, to ensure interventions are not rushed.
To meet rising demand ATC set out a plan to establish a young volunteer programme in partnership with universities, engaging eight young volunteers across their three-year grant to focus on supporting children and young people. This approach is helping ATC to ensure their service remains accessible, with 20 volunteers supporting funded activity. In year one they have seen a shift in their volunteer demographic, with more applications from younger individuals and those from diverse backgrounds.
This case study highlights the value of interacting and partnering with others in the community – from building understanding of local needs through dialogue with schools, youth workers and community organisations, to delivering activity in collaboration, such as community engagement events with local partners. It also shows how placing people at the centre of their approach ensures services remain relevant and accessible, whether through tailored support that responds to individual circumstances and needs, or by ensuring volunteers benefit from high-quality training and meaningful experiences that enhance their personal and professional development.
Quotes from ATC
It was immensely helpful to have Mediators involved as it made me feel “listened” to. Also, getting both parties to have a face to face meeting is a very good idea. This gives us a chance to express what we are going through especially when we feel victimised. Nobody must have to suffer in silence.
“Thank you for letting me articulate things, as that was helpful for me in trying to make sense of everything.” (father)
“We have used every service we could think of. Wish we had come to you first. In two hours, you made more of a difference to our situation than anything else we’ve tried.” (parents)
“I feel like we can talk again without shouting. It feels different now.” (Mother & ex-wife)
“I didn’t think anyone would listen. Now I feel I can speak and people hear me.” (14year old)
“Having someone to help me say what I meant made it less scary.” (13year old)
“We, feel safer now and that you listened to us -the cakes were good to” (resident in older person scheme)
We are proud of ourselves we have got our community back and although he is still here, we have learnt how to manage, and bingo is back” (82year old in sheltered scheme)
“We feel listened to for the first time in ages, hope you keep coming to help us” (Older persons scheme)
‘It was a very safe place to talk. Great timing schedule. Once I’d been through the process of Conflict SUPPORT the process made complete sense and I understood what I was dealing with’ (parent)
‘I felt comfortable and safe. Couldn’t fault the aftercare and everything with the process was amazing(parent)
‘They were super friendly, the follow up was excellent. We were really pleased with the service’ (family)
Wish it could be legally binding. Mediators were good at getting communication open. Much more relaxing than court’ (Father)
‘It gave confidence to all the stakeholders involved. Everyone tried to help. They were empathetic and allowed us to talk to everyone involved in a way we couldn’t have done without you. You guys were fantastic and your experience just helped’ (Family)
I would just like to say a big thank you to you all for all the help & support to date. (Teenager)
Thank you for your time and patience at yesterday’s Conflict Support session. (mum)
It gave us a safe space to discuss the ongoing issues that we have and provided us with some valued insights. (parents)
Keep doing what you are doing. Fantastic folks. Thank you!
“Thanks for the time and concern. I have a new job now, which is really interesting, not dead end and things have greatly improved at home. Thank you for all your efforts”. (older teenager)
“It was really effective and engaging! I now have lots more questions for our next sessions.” “I learnt what a good peacemaker looks like and why it’s important.” “The role plays showed real-life situations from a young person’s view.” “I learnt how to listen and how to help someone.” “Really enjoyed designing what it will look like in my school.” “It made me feel more confident.”
