Dear friends,
We’re living in times of ever-increasing geopolitical conflict and uncertainty. As our awareness of global crisis compounds with our day to day interpersonal tensions, we believe there is an urgent need for spaces that resource people with encouragement, witness, and empathy. That is why we are offering a new series of trainings this year: to support people not only in understanding the layers of division, but in learning how to respond to both global and personal conflicts constructively in their everyday lives, work and communities.
Each of these trainings is grounded in our 25 years of practice in peacebuilding, dialogue and reconciliation. They are designed not only to teach practical tools, but to support the inner work required to engage meaningfully across difference, helping participants become better able to listen, witness, and build connection in an increasingly divided world.
As one participant, Catriona, shared:
“I’m meeting more people these days with deeply held and opposing views. St Ethelburga’s opens up a space where it becomes possible to unpick, understand and take some of the heat out of the messy and painful conflicts that can pull us apart. Interactive workshops offer clear-eyed communication skills and a chance to reflect on our own responses. There are opportunities to try out different ways of approaching difficult conversations in our everyday lives, at work, within and between our communities and in public policy. Information is shared about the theories which underpin these processes. Instead of avoiding conflict and polarisation, I come away from St Ethelburga’s with a deeper appreciation of what’s involved, and a kit bag of practical options to use in my work for peace.”
Read on to explore our new training offer and find the right training for you.
Embodied Peace: The Somatics of GriefAt this time of increased global conflict and uncertainty, we are noticing more and more that people are carrying grief, anger and overwhelm, which shows up in interpersonal relationships, workplace meetings, and faith communities. We are hearing from facilitators, faith leaders, managers, and community conveners that at times they can feel unsure how to welcome and work with these strong emotions. In this one-day workshop, we welcome our collaborator Tanya Forgan to help us explore grief as a bridge rather than a barrier, recognising how unacknowledged loss can harden into fear or division. Our desire through this workshop is to support participants to develop the emotional and relational capacity to remain present—with themselves, with others, and with the human experience. The day offers tools for facilitating others who are in grief, such as grounding, emotional regulation, and collective witnessing, helping participants leave with renewed connection, resilience, and hope.
Next event: Fri 26 June
Non-Violent Communication & Conflict TransformationMany of us ‘learned’ how to navigate conflict, disagreements, and arguments through what was modelled to us from our families, culture, or schools. Some of us may now find that these skills aren’t able to support us in the way that we need them to—we may find that we avoid difficult conversations, are unsure of what to say, or find ourselves stuck in the same situations over and over. This one-day experiential training gives a basic introduction to Non-Violent Communication (also known as Empathic Communication), a framework created by Marshall Rosenberg to help people communicate more compassionately, confidently and effectively. We also explore the concept of Conflict Transformation—helping us to view conflict as a catalyst for growth and opportunity rather than something to run away from. This is a really good entry point for beginners wanting to understand peacemaking and reconciliation and how it can be applied to everyday life.
Next event:
In Person: Fri 8 May
Online: Wed 20 May
Holding a Radical Centre: Three-day Depolarisation IntensiveWe are living in a time of immense polarisation on many fundamental topics of identity, politics, and belonging. Families, friends, and neighbours find themselves unsure or unable to even enter a conversation on these topics and relationships can begin to suffer. This immersive three-day training addresses the growing polarisation in society, helping participants engage across difference with curiosity, courage, and moral presence. We have designed it to be three days so we can cultivate a community of practice, explore the wisdom of the collective, dive deeper into personal story and leave participants feeling more confident. Using our five-step depolarisation framework formed in partnership with University of Winchester, participants will explore systemic drivers of division, practise reflective tools for holding difficult conversations, and develop strategies for fostering trust and cohesion in communities, workplaces, and networks. The training combines practical skills with visionary reflection, nurturing both inner capacity and outward leadership. Taking part in this training also automatically enrols you in our Alumni network which gives you access to ongoing in person and online gatherings, discounts on future trainings, and a community of practice.
Next event: Mon 29 June – Wed 1 July
You can also join us for our ever-popular Facilitation Trainingand Conflict Coaching. If you are still unsure which training is right for you, or would like to explore where to begin, please reach out. And don’t forget to scroll down to explore our upcoming events such as Contemplative Practice, Listen to the World, At Home in Nature, Soul Space, and Spiritual Ecology Festival too.
We look forward to welcoming you soon and offering our space as a place of hope in times of crisis.
Warmly,
Rebecca Brierley
Community Reconciliation Programme Manager
And the rest of St Ethelburga’s Team