Currently there is space for one new referral (October 2026)

We are excited to announce that Place for Hope’s mediation service is now available to the North Western Synod. This marks the first step in the phased rollout of the mediation service across all 13 Synods of the United Reformed Church.

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 first phase of the rollout means that any URC faith community (congregation, leaders, individuals) in your Synod will have access to the Place for Hope mediation service free at point of delivery.

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.

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.

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 Claire MacIntyre (deputyclerk@nwsynod.org.uk) or Martha Hunt (martha.hunt@placeforhope.org.uk). They will then liaise with the Synod Pastoral Committee to ensure mediation is the best course of action, and that you are fully supported throughout the process.

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.

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

Click here to visit the website for more information.