# Wye Valley Mediation

Wye Valley Mediation, based in Hereford on the England-Wales border, specialises in helping families and individuals navigate conflict through professional mediation services. Founded by Claire Jackson, a former barrister and principal lecturer in family law, the organisation combines legal expertise with trained mediation skills to support rural communities.

The business primarily serves families undergoing separation, offering mediation sessions both face-to-face and via Zoom to suit client preferences. Beyond family disputes, they also specialise in agricultural mediation, addressing the unique conflicts that arise within farming communities. Their reach extends into schools, where they implement peer mediation programmes that teach young people conflict resolution skills whilst building community cohesion.

What distinguishes Wye Valley Mediation is their dual commitment to professional practice and grassroots education. Rather than simply resolving immediate conflicts, they invest in sustainable, long-term change by training pupils to become peer mediators themselves. This philosophy reflects in their Ofsted recognition, with inspectors praising how their work has created "a real sense of community" within schools. Their flexible approach—offering comfortable offices or alternative venues closer to clients' homes or workplaces—demonstrates responsiveness to rural needs where accessibility can be challenging.

The team's background in family law combined with their training-focused methodology ensures both expertise and practical outcomes. By developing conflict resolution capabilities within the next generation, they're creating lasting cultural change beyond individual case resolution.