Welcome to your weekly update!
There’s lots happening across the ADR community this week. From new learning opportunities and practical resources to key sector events, it’s all about keeping skills sharp and conversations moving. With Hate Crime Awareness Week next week focusing on disability hate, we’re sharing practical ways mediators can help create space for understanding and inclusion, along with new resources now available in the membership.
You’ll also find details of our upcoming Mediation Refresher Course, our latest feature for World Mental Health Day, and a look ahead to next week’s #ASB11 Conference, where ADR is proud to be one of the sponsors. Plus, we’re taking a closer look at one of the workshops from our own flagship event, Conflict Resolution Live, coming up this November.
If you’ve got something to share or a story from your own mediation practice, we’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply or drop me an email at kim@adrmediation.org.uk.
Hate Crime Awareness Week – New Disability Hate Resources for Members
This year’s Hate Crime Awareness Week shines a light on disability hate – a form of abuse that too often goes unseen or unreported. In housing and community settings, language, assumptions or overlooked adjustments can all contribute to feelings of exclusion and distress.
As mediators and housing professionals, one of the most effective things we can do is create space for voice. That means slowing down, checking assumptions, and asking open questions such as:
“What would make this situation feel fair or safe for you?”
A small shift in conversation can help someone feel recognised, not defined by their difference.
To support this work, we’ve added new materials to the ADR Membership library, including a practical guide on tackling hate and building inclusion. These resources are designed to help practitioners raise awareness, review policies, and hold more confident conversations around disability and difference.
If you’re a member, you can log in and access them now. Not yet part of the membership? Joining gives you access to all our toolkits, supervision sessions, and upcoming live training events – including a free place at Conflict Resolution Live which you can find out more about later in our update.
Mediation Refresher Course – 29 October
If you’ve been away from the mediation table for a while, or simply want to sharpen your skills, our one-day Mediation Refresher Course on Tuesday 29 October is the ideal way to bring your practice back into focus.
Whether you work in workplace disputes, community mediation, or a mix of both, the day is designed to help you reconnect with the core principles that make mediation effective — impartiality, active listening and calm communication under pressure.
You’ll:
Revisit the stages of mediation and explore practical ways to adapt when cases get complex
Strengthen your communication skills and confidence when emotions run high
Reflect on your own approach and values, with guidance from experienced trainers
You’ll leave the day with renewed confidence and strategies you can put into action straight away.
World Mental Health Day – Listening Before the Breaking Point
To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we’ve added a new resource to the ADR Membership library. This toolkit is designed to help mediators and organisations recognise the links between conflict and mental health, and to offer practical ways of supporting colleagues and service users.
If you’re a member, you can download it now from your portal.
Not yet part of the membership? This is another example of the resources you’ll gain access to, alongside events, supervision, and training discounts.
#ASB11 Conference – Partnerships in Practice
Next week, housing and community safety professionals from across the country will gather in Birmingham for the #ASB11 Conference, hosted by Green & Burton ASB Associates. This year’s theme, Partnerships in Practice, explores how collaboration across agencies can create safer, more supportive communities.
ADR Mediation is proud to be one of the conference sponsors, reflecting our shared commitment to partnership, prevention and the power of dialogue.
If you’re attending, look out for our team and connect with us to talk about mediation, training and how we can help embed conflict resolution into your organisation’s approach.
Can’t make it this time? Keep an eye on our LinkedIn page for highlights from the day and reflections from our partners and speakers.
Conflict Resolution Live – Session Spotlight: The Communication-Style Compass
Ahead of Conflict Resolution Live on 10 November, we’re taking a closer look at one of the interactive workshops you’ll experience on the day…The Communication-Style Compass with Emma Jenkings.
This session helps you understand how people connect, how misunderstandings begin, and how subtle differences in communication styles can influence the course of a mediation. You’ll explore practical tools to recognise your own default style and adapt to others, turning potential clashes into opportunities for clarity and trust.
With less than 50 places available, every delegate will rotate through four small-group workshops like the one being hosted by Emma, gaining practical insights they can use straight away in their workplace or community.
If you’re already an ADR Member, your place at Conflict Resolution Live is included for free. If not, now’s the time to secure your spot and join us for a day of learning, discussion and practice that will leave you feeling inspired and equipped.
That’s it for this week’s round-up.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the updates, or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future editions. Just hit reply… it’s always great to hear from you.
See you next week,
The ADR Mediation Team
