Peace Café
Free dispute resolution
for the Adelaide Hills community
Conflict is a warning sign for change
For many, conflict triggers our primal survival response to fight, run or freeze. Because conflict can feel scary, we may avoid, deny or transfer blame. These negative responses to suppressing conflict can create toxic stress, which unhealthily endures in our minds and bodies. Peace Café advocates for a more positive approach to conflict, and sees conflict as an opportunity for change, understanding and healing. Through dispute resolution , we hope to transform your own relationship with conflict, and so reduce the struggle with a work colleague, supervisor, parent, spouse, or child.
"Conflict flows from life. Rather than seeing conflict as a threat, we can understand it as providing opportunities to grow and to increase our understanding of ourselves, of others, of our social structures. Conflicts in relationships at all levels are the way life helps us to stop, assess, and take notice. One way to truly know our humanness is to recognise the gift of conflict in our lives."
From the Little Book of Conflict Transformation by John Paul Lederach
Our volunteers
Nick is a dispute resolution practitioner for the South Australian Government. Nick has a Master of Dispute Resolution, is a nationally accredited mediator, family dispute resolution practitioner, conciliator and collaborative practitioner. Nick has specialised conflict management training in elder mediation, conflict coaching and advanced negotiation. Nick is a Lifeline crisis responder and mental health first aider.
Fiona has a senior leadership position in the education sector. Fiona is a nationally accredited mediator, an accredited conflict coach, and an accredited leadership coach. Fiona's has a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution Studies, a Master of Diplomacy and Trade, and a Bachelor of International Relations.
Tailored services for your needs
Our volunteer conflict specialist is trained and accredited to provide the following services:
One-to-one
It takes two people to have an argument and one person to end it. Conflict coaching is dispute resolution for one person. It provides the disputant with insights into taking positive actions to de-escalate and manage the conflict.
Couples and workplace
Mediation allows you to freely negotiate with the other disputant in a safe and confidential space. Mediation is cheaper and faster than litigation and designed to restore a business-like collaboration or sometimes transform your relationship.
Families and groups
Group conferencing is powerful dispute resolution process that allows all members of a group to safely have their voices heard. It is often used for restoring trust, when important decisions need to be made about a vulnerable person.
"Peace begins with a smile."
Mother Teresa
How Peace Café works
Once you make your booking, we can meet in person or online. In our first confidential meeting, we will triage your needs and work with you to find the best fit dispute resolution option for your conflict. After the first session, you can continue to book more free confidential dispute resolution supports, or we can refer you to another mediator, collaborative law professional or other professional service provider.
Booking
Consultations may last 60 minutes. I will carefully listen to your story and triage your dispute resolution options.
Confidential
Consultations are private and confidential. Dispute resolution is voluntary, future-focused and promotes self-determination.
Follow-up
You may want more than one session. All sessions are free, but I will ask you to sign a simple agreement to continue.
