For nearly three decades, Ashford Mediation Service (AMS) has helped thousands of people move past conflict and regain peace of mind.
Since 1997, our trained volunteer mediators have supported residents across Ashford with free, confidential and impartial mediation – helping neighbours, families and communities find calm, practical solutions to everyday disputes.
Today, we are proud to extend that same support to residents of Folkestone & Hythe, thanks to the generous support of the Kent Community Foundation and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust. This partnership enables us to explore and deliver free mediation services to individuals, families and communities across the district.
Our mission: helping people move forward
Conflict can affect anyone. A disagreement with a neighbour, tension within a family, or difficulties at work can quickly become overwhelming. At AMS, we believe no one should have to navigate these challenges alone.
Our mediators provide:
- A safe, neutral space to talk openly.
- A confidential and impartial process.
- A chance to explore practical, mutually acceptable solutions.
- Support that is free of charge for residents of Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe.
We don’t take sides, judge, or impose outcomes. Instead, we help people communicate, understand one another, and find a way forward that works for everyone involved.
Experienced, skilled and trusted mediators
Every AMS mediator is:
- Highly trained and experienced.
- A dedicated volunteer.
- Enhanced DBS‑checked.
- Certified in Safeguarding Children (Levels 1 & 2) and Safeguarding Adults (Level 1) through the Kent Safeguarding Children Multiagency Partnership (KSCMP).
We are governed by a Board of Trustees and recommended by local authorities, the police and partner organisations. Our reputation is built on nearly 30 years of community mediation and thousands of successful outcomes.
What we help with
Everyday conflicts can feel anything but small when they affect your wellbeing. We support people with issues such as:
- Noisy neighbours.
- Parking, shared‑space and boundary disagreements.
- Garden and property‑related disputes.
- Anti‑social behaviour concerns.
- Family disagreements and intergenerational conflict.
- Childcare arrangements.
- Breakdowns in communication between friends or relatives.
- Tension between colleagues in the workplace.
If something is affecting your peace of mind, mediation could help.
Our services
AMS offers a range of free and subsidised services, including:
Community Mediation
- Helping neighbours resolve disputes around noise, boundaries, shared spaces and more.
Family Mediation (Non‑Legal)
- Supporting families to talk through disagreements, communication breakdowns and intergenerational issues.
Please note: we do not deal with legal, contractual or divorce matters.
Conflict Coaching
- For situations where the other party is unwilling or unable to take part in mediation.
Workplace Mediation
- Helping colleagues and teams address tension and rebuild working relationships. Subsidised support is available for local businesses.
Information sessions for partner agencies
- Free sessions explaining what mediation is, how it works and how to refer or self‑refer.
Mediation & conflict resolution workshops in education settings
- Helping young people and school communities develop constructive communication skills.
Expanding support in Folkestone & Hythe
Over the past year, AMS has been working closely with the Community Safety Unit (CSU) at Folkestone & Hythe District Council. Together, we’ve attended community events, health and wellbeing fairs, and local networking sessions to raise awareness of how mediation can help people live more harmoniously.
With the support of F&HDC, we now offer:
- Free mediation for residents of Folkestone & Hythe.
- Mediation between Council tenants and neighbours.
- Support for families, including intergenerational issues and childcare arrangements.
- Opportunities for local organisations to partner with us or host information sessions.
Our aim is simple: to empower people to address the root causes of conflict, improve communication, and strengthen community wellbeing.
Free eBook: Mediation with Young People and Families
AMS also offers a free downloadable resource:
“The Ashford Mediation Service Guide to Mediation with Young People and Families”.
This practical guide explains what mediation is and provides tools, tips and communication strategies for anyone supporting young people. It is available in:
Get involved, get support, or get in touch
Whether you’re experiencing a dispute, supporting someone who is, or working within a community organisation, we’re here to help.
You can contact us to:
- Ask how mediation works.
- Make a referral or self‑referral.
- Request a free information session.
- Partner with us on community initiatives.
- Offer space to host our flyers.
- Include information about our free services in your publication.
Don’t let conflict control your life.
A calm, practical way forward is possible – and we’re here to help you find it.
Ashford Mediation Service 