Bringing a support person

A support person is someone who provides support to you at mediation. A support person can help you understand or explain the issues in dispute or simply help you feel more comfortable in the mediation.

Most mediations go ahead without either party having a support person. Situations in which a support person might be needed are set out below.

Who can be a support person?

A support person should be someone you feel comfortable with. You may need to tell your support person sensitive things related to the dispute. The support person may be a:

• Friend.
• Relative.
• Disability support worker.
• Teacher.
• Social worker.
• Family support worker.
• Other relevant service provider.

A support person cannot be someone who has been involved in the dispute in any way. The other people in the mediation must agree to the support person attending. Mediators can also exclude a support person if their presence is unhelpful to the process of  the mediation.

What type of support can a support person provide?

Support can be provided in a number of ways. Support people do not necessarily have to be in the mediation session. Support people can be available to offer support:

• In the waiting area - mediators can schedule breaks so that you can have some time with your support person outside the mediation session.
• In the mediation session but not participating or speaking.
• In the mediation session and participating - this may be necessary or useful for a child or young person or for a person with a disability.
• In the mediation session for part of the session only - you might feel you need a support person with you to start the mediation session but decide you feel comfortable finishing the session without the support person.