Introduction to Mediating with Older People and their Families
delivered by Later Life Mediation, in collaboration with
Succession Ireland.
The course is most suited to agricultural mediators
and consultants and will give the knowledge and skills to facilitate intergenerational conversations with farm families,
particularly where there might be vulnerability and capacity concerns.
The training will include interactive learning, role playing and including
the voice enabled by the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity)Â Act 2015.
While the course does not carry a formal qualification, partipcants
will receive a Certificate of Completion at course end.
Dates: 22nd and 23rd January 2026
Time: 9.30 am– 5.00 pm Â
Venue:Â Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise
The part funded course cost with Macra Agricultural Skillnet,
to include course materials, refreshments and lunch each day, is €340.
For further information on course content and trainers please check HERE
Please note that our part-funded training rate is only available
to those working or living in the Republic of Ireland.
On occasion, those
outside of this region can still attend training at the full rate
but should contact the Skillnet team on skillnet@macra.ie
or on 01-4268905 for further information.
- How to ensure that the voice of the older person and the voices of all other parties are heard in the mediation process
- Factors influencing decisions about who should participate in the mediation
- How to handle Dementia/Capacity Issues if they arise
- Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
- Power Balancing the family dynamics
- The impact of Ageism on the mediation process
- To increase participants’ understanding of some of the complexities involved in mediating with older people and their families including decisions about who should participate, Capacity Issues, the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, Dementia and Power Balancing
- To develop an understanding of what Ageism is and how it impacts the mediation process
- To improve participants’ knowledge of and skills for managing capacity issues and power balancing in their mediations with older people and their families
Skills development activities will be a core element of each day and will directly relate to the course content of the day. Each training day will be focused, varied and interactive.Design and delivery of a customised two-day programme delivered by two trainers, 9.30 am to 5 pm.
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Helen Harnett
Helen Harnett has witnessed countless times how mediation is hugely beneficial for families who need to plan, make decisions and/or find a way forward out of conflict.  An accredited Mediator and Conflict Coach, she has worked as a family and workplace Mediator since 2005. She holds an international accreditation in Elder Mediation and was Chair of the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN) from 2013 to 2019 and is currently Registrar of EMIN. She served as a Director of the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (the MII) from 2009 to 2013 and MII Workplace and Organisational Liaison.
Helen is a Director of Later Life Mediation (www.laterlifemediation.com) which provides elder mediation services and training for elder mediators. She holds a Diploma in Family Law (Law Society) and lectured on Advanced Family Mediation on the Master’s in Conflict Resolution programme in Maynooth university 2016 – 2019.
Frances Stephenson
Frances Stephenson, a founding member of Later Life Mediation and a professional Mediator since 2005; holds a Cert in Elder Mediation Advanced since 2012; experienced elder, workplace and separating couples’ mediator.
Frances has had the privilege of working with many families who may be anticipating or are experiencing conflict due to changing intergeneration circumstances. As an elder mediator, she can provide a safe place to help people have their voice heard, and in particular, help the voice of the older person be heard.
She is a trainer, experienced facilitator, professional coach and reflective practice leader. Along with her colleagues in Later Life Mediation, Frances trains mediators in the elder speciality. She is lead trainer on the MII Certified Mediation Training Programme in the Institute of Public Administration.
Frances is currently a member of the Accreditation Policy Committee of the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland and a former Council Member. She is also supporting Family mediators in the Ukraine on their reflective practice training. She has served on the Board of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital and is a volunteer with the Gaelic Athletic Association and Safeguarding trainer with the Archdiocese of Dublin. Frances is currently a member of the Accreditation Policy Committee of the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland and a former Council Member. She is also supporting Family mediators in the Ukraine on their reflective practice training. She has served on the Board of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital and is a volunteer with the Gaelic Athletic Association and Safeguarding trainer with the Archdiocese of Dublin.