Now I’m not suggesting that all mediators end every mediation with peace and harmony where once there had been strife, but the key aim is to help the parties get to a workable solution they can live with, in peace, even if they are not wholly happy with the outcome.

In some instances the mediator is genuinely able to help bring peace, such a mediator was Bishop Cornelius Korir of Eldoret, who died this week.

Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, praised the Bishop’s work for his mediation work in the North Rift where he mediated talks between the Turkana and the Pokot over cattle rustling claims that had spiralled into warfare.

By bringing together the leaders of the counties he was able to guide them to a resolution and the two counties are now at peace with one another.

Thankfully most mediations dealt with by Northwest Mediation don’t involve the immediate threat of violence or open warfare between parties, even if it feels that way sometimes to those involved.

People who take part in mediations are often surprised how much they do understand one another and how easy it can be, with guidance of an experienced mediator, to find a way to resolve an issue when they had previously been at loggerheads.

Last week I conducted a mediation in which two families were involved with all the complexity and interplay of parents, grandparents, godparents and children who would be affected by the decisions made.

They started the day thinking there was no way forward but with some considered questioning and careful provocation they came up with a solution they could all accept.

Whether you are looking for a commercial mediator, a family mediator, a contractual mediator, or a mediator in any other dispute Northwest Mediation can help you. Call me, Ed Johnson, on 07931318347 or contact me via email at ed.johnson@northwestmediation.co.uk