A new centre to help couples resolve disputes has opened in Worcester – with a little help from the City Council.
Based in Worcester, the Centre for Resolution is the brainchild of local resident Ryan Compton, a qualified mediation and mentoring practitioner.
Ryan set up the practice in 2016, originally hiring community facilities for meetings with his clients. So far this year he has provided mediation to 92 couples – but the lack of dedicated space was limiting the potential to help even more people.
Ryan decided to locate his practice in empty premises at 73 Barbourne Road, close to Gheluvelt Park. He contacted Worcester City Council and successfully applied for a £3,000 business growth grant, which he match-funded from his own reserves.
After a hectic few months juggling renovation at the premises as well as seeing clients, the work is now complete. The Mayor of Worcester officially opened the new Centre on Monday 25th November.
"The City Council is delighted to provide a business grant to support the Centre for Resolution," says the Mayor.
"Mediation can be incredibly valuable to couples who are in conflict. With the support of a third party, issues such as access to children and financial arrangements can be explored and resolved, with the potential to reduce stress and cut legal costs further down the line."
As well as offering mediation services to separating couples, Ryan, who is registered blind and is dyslexic, also provides disability awareness training.
"The Council's support both financially and practically has been great – staff were very patient when the renovation work took a little longer than expected," says Ryan.
"I'm delighted that we'll now be able to meet clients in this new dedicated Centre, with meeting rooms specially designed and adapted for mediation purposes. We are here to help local people through all the difficult times in life, when support is most needed."
For more information about the council's Start Up Grants go to www.worcester.gov.uk/business, email
