Findings from the report by Regional Center for Social Policy in Toruń (2012) indicate that in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province the availability of free of charge psychological and legal support is too low when compared to the needs. On top of that free mediation is not offered in none of the smaller towns in the Province, despite the fact that it has been considered useful for the clients to deal with problems related to [domestic] violence and related difficulties in communication or in fulfilling the role of spouses or parents. Survey by TNS Polska for the Ministry of Justice indicates also that mediation is still not very well known.
The objective of the project was to help people who are being excluded from mediation support, and legal and psychological counseling due to age, financial situation, or place of residence. The objective was also to promote mediation as a method for solving conflicts.
Thanks to the help offered, in 3 of the towns in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province inequalities in the access to services related to mediation, as well as legal and psychological counseling have diminished. An increase of trust towards mediation as a conflict-solving method among counseling clients, as well as employees of social welfare and educational institutions, was observed.
In 3 of the towns: Aleksandrów Kujawski, Chełmno and Chełmża specialized counseling was provided: 235 people benefitted from legal counseling and 211 – psychological. Mediation was provided for 284 people. 3 seminars were organized covering the principles and legal basis of mediation, its application and effectiveness. A brochure was also printed (500 copies) on the subject of constructive approach to conflicts.
The activities of the project helped mainly the poor, disabled, older people experiencing or exposed to violence, living in rural areas (730 people in total).