Much of our work already takes place beyond our home Borough, so Wandsworth Mediation Service is now simply WMS. The new name reflects our expanding reach across London and the UK. Our mission hasn’t changed: our range of services support people to engage with difference, prevent conflict and resolve conflict. Our vision is a world where people will be able to confidently engage with and live with difference. Income from nationwide commercial mediation and training will continue to fund free community mediation in Wandsworth.
Growing our work in schools
With the support of the Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, our Peer Mediation programme will now reach three more primary schools. We also run new conflict resolution assemblies for primary and secondary schools, helping students recognise early signs of anger, manage emotions, and communicate better, reaching hundreds of pupils this year.
We are very grateful to Linklaters who have renewed their funding for our Reflect secondary school programme for another three years in schools across London. This means we can continue working in their partner schools, helping young people at risk of exclusion build emotional awareness, confidence and stronger relationships. See how Reflect is changing lives:
WMS Showcase
In September, we hosted our Pathways to Peace Showcase at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, bringing together our funders, supporters and partners.
We were very grateful to Lauren Palmer from the Wimbledon Foundation for highlighting our updated Peer Mediation programme.
One of the standout moments of the evening was a live inter-generation mediation, brought to life by a celebrity cast: Afolabi Alli, Indra Ové, Clive Hayward, David Rintoul and Vivien Heilbron, with our Founder Patron Stephen Ruttle KC and co-chair Sharon Crooks guiding the process.
The mediation had no script or pre-agreed outcome. The “family members” did not know each other’s back stories. It was designed to unfold naturally, just like a real conflict. What followed was emotional, unpredictable, and incredibly powerful – complete with tears, laughter, and even an unexpected twist that no-one saw coming. Read more about the event.
Support us
We are still raising funds to support our work in schools and communities. If you or your organisation believe in the power of listening and connection, please consider sponsoring one of our projects, or making a donation today. Together, we can build more pathways towards peace.
