About Us
The story of West Kent Mediation began when a circular from the Department of the Environment was sent to local authorities recommending the provision of mediation to help resolve community disputes. In February 1995, the Chief Environmental Health Officer of Sevenoaks District Council called a public meeting at which the need for a mediation service was discussed and unanimously supported. A Steering Group of volunteers began work, leading to the establishment of the West Kent Independent Mediation Service (known as ‘Wikims’) on 1st November 1995, with the election of a Chairman and Management Committee. WKIMS was registered as a charity in January 1996.
Initial funding was provided by Sevenoaks District Council and West Kent Housing Association, with further contributions from West Kent Tenants Association, West Kent Police and some Parish Councils. A part-time Co-ordinator was appointed, and 12 volunteers began a ten week training course in mediation skills. The mediation service began on 25 March 1996, providing a free, confidential and impartial mediation service for those involved in neighbour disputes throughout the Sevenoaks District Council area.
As the result of a successful application to the Community Fund 1n 1999, WKIMS was able to expand its area of operations to cover all of West Kent, thanks to funding from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Tonbridge & Malling Housing Association, plus support from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.
In 2003, the Management Committee decided to change the name of WKIMS to West Kent Mediation (WKM). It was also decided, in line with many other voluntary organisations, to change the status of the service to that of a Charitable Company limited by Guarantee.
WKM now offers a Victim/Offender mediation service funded by and in partnership with Kent Probation Board, as well as mediating with people who have learning difficulties. More recently WKM has commenced a pilot ‘homeless’ mediation scheme in conjunction with Sevenoaks District Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.