The staff of the Scottish Mediation Network were delighted to be invited to the Having Your Say Awards in West Lothian on 28^th May, celebrating the success of 19 young people in foster care completing their training to become Peer Mediators. The young people ran the evening, introducing the speakers and presenting their DVD, which showcases the work that they have been undertaking with Carol Hope. Carol has been training the young people in conflict management and peer negotiation skills, a Scottish Mediation Network project funded by the Robertson Trust and West Lothian Council. The DVD, produced by the young people with the help of Eddie Anderson, demonstrates all the fun and games that the young people have while training and explained how games, activities, building trust, listening skills and patience were key to the training:
“We took part in mediation, this is where we as mediators help solve the fights and disagreements and make sure everyone is ok and they stick to the rules.” – Young Person
SMN has a strong history of working with young people and training peer mediators. This project was unique in that it focussed on working with young people in residential homes and foster care. The importance of this work was summed up clearly by one of the newly trained Peer Mediators:

“The Network believes that young people should be given the skills to resolve their own conflict. This peer mediation training will give us skills for life. For example: confidence.”
Jane Kellock, Health Manager of Social Policy at West Lothian Council, presented awards to recognise their achievements and Margaret Lynch, Director of the Scottish Mediation Network, presented certificates. The certificates recognise that the young people have completed all 5 stages of “Peer Negotiator” to become Peer Mediators and that they are now eligible to apply to be on the Scottish Mediation Register.