Mediation
Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process that helps people resolve disagreements in a constructive and respectful way, without the need for lengthy or adversarial court proceedings.
What is Mediation?
An independent mediator facilitates discussions between those involved, helping everyone communicate openly, understand differing perspectives and work towards practical solutions.
Mediation is particularly valuable in disputes involving:
● Family relationships● Care arrangements● Health and welfare decisions● Mental capacity issues● Communication breakdowns between professionals and families
The focus is not on assigning blame, but on finding workable outcomes that support the wellbeing of everyone involved.
The process is flexible and adapted to the needs of the individuals involved.
Some situations benefit from follow-up sessions or continued facilitated discussions as circumstances evolve.
Why Choose Mediation?
Mediation can offer an effective alternative to court proceedings by:● Reducing conflict and emotional stress● Encouraging collaborative decision-making● Preserving important family and professional relationships● Saving time and legal costs● Achieving practical, sustainable outcomes● Supporting better long-term communication
For many clients, mediation provides a more humane and flexible way to resolve highly personal disputes.
Why Choose Us?
Health and Welfare Expertise
Our team works with individuals, families, care providers and professionals involved in disputes concerning:
● Mental capacity and best interests decisions● Health and social care provision● Hospital discharge and care planning● Adult safeguarding concerns● Disagreements regarding treatment and care arrangements● Issues involving vulnerable adults
We prioritises dignity, autonomy and collaborative problem-solving.Relationship Driven
Family conflict can become particularly challenging where health, care, or capacity concerns are involved. We provide mediation in matters including:
● Inter-family disputes regarding care arrangements● Communication breakdowns between relatives● Disputes involving attorneys or deputies● Family disagreements connected to ageing, illness, or disability● Relationship repair and future planning discussions
We have significant experience in the legal and practical complexities of the health and social care sector, supporting resolution between:
● Families and local authorities● Service users and providers● Care homes and relatives● Professionals and decision-makersA Practical and Sensitive Approach
We understand that many disputes arise during periods of stress, uncertainty and emotional strain. Our style is:
● Calm and impartial● Empathetic and respectful● Legally informed● Solution-focused● Tailored to the needs of vulnerable individuals and families
We work to create a safe environment where all participants feel heard and able to engage constructively.
We can help. Contact us today
Mediation Practice Areas
Health, NHS, and Social Care
● Medical treatment disputes● Care planning and care packages● End-of-life decision-making● Palliative care● Disputes between patients, families, and healthcare providers
Mental Capacity and Best Interests
● Mental Capacity Act matters● Best interests decision-making● Court of Protection disputes● Lasting Powers of Attorney● Family disagreements concerning decision-making for vulnerable adults
Mental Health
● Mental Health Act disputes● Judicial review-related issues● Multi-agency conflict resolution● Disagreements involving assessment, detention, and community care
Education
● SEND-related disagreements● School exclusions● Staff disputes● Parent-school conflict● Relationships between headteachers, governors, and staff
Family Disputes
● Care planning for older people● Adult family mediation● Lasting Powers of Attorney● Estrangement and communication breakdown● Family disagreements regarding care or contact arrangements
Our Mediators
Catrin Blake
Solicitor and Qualified Civil Mediator
Catrin is a qualified civil mediator and experienced solicitor who specialises in resolving complex, sensitive and high-conflict disputes. Drawing on extensive experience in health and welfare law, she helps individuals, families, professionals and organisations find practical, lasting solutions through mediation.
Catrin is known for creating a calm, structured and impartial environment in which difficult conversations can take place safely and constructively. She understands that many disputes involve not only legal issues but also deeply personal relationships, differing values and emotional pressures. Her approach focuses on helping participants reach outcomes that are workable, respectful and centred on their future needs.
With a strong background in health, social care and public law, Catrin has particular expertise in disputes involving vulnerable adults, mental capacity, healthcare decision-making and equality. She is skilled at navigating cases where legal rights intersect with family dynamics, professional responsibilities and public services.
Catrin believes that mediation offers participants the opportunity to resolve disputes with dignity, autonomy and respect. She adopts a thoughtful, inclusive and solution-focused approach, ensuring every participant has the opportunity to be heard while maintaining impartiality throughout the process.
Her legal expertise enables her to understand complex statutory and regulatory frameworks, while her mediation skills help parties move beyond entrenched positions to identify practical, mutually acceptable outcomes wherever possible.Whether acting in disputes involving healthcare, workplaces, education, charities, families or communities, Catrin is committed to helping people resolve conflict efficiently, confidentially and constructively, reducing the emotional and financial cost of litigation wherever appropriate.