Our Workshops

The What Are They Thinking? (WATT) Workshop is an innovative dialogue platform designed to bridge understanding between different identity groups in an increasingly polarised society. Unlike traditional debate forums, WATT creates a unique space for deep listening and genuine understanding, where participants from two different groups share their perspectives without judgment, persuasion, or confrontation.

The workshop's structured approach brings together 12 participants - six from each of two distinct identity groups - to explore varied themes such as ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and political views. During the session, each group takes turns sharing their experiences in response to carefully crafted facilitator questions, while the other group listens attentively without interruption. Following the main sharing, participants engage in separate reflection sessions to process what they've heard, creating a safe environment for introspection and empathy development. The primary goal is not to debate or convince, but to listen deeply and develop genuine understanding across different lived experiences, ultimately contributing to greater social cohesion and reduced prejudice within communities.

The Group Gratitude Workshops provide a transformative exploration of appreciation and well-being. These sessions create a supportive environment where participants engage in circle sharing, journaling, and paired discussions, allowing individuals to express gratitude and build deeper connections. By focusing on cultivating a grateful mindset, the workshops help participants enhance life satisfaction and develop a more positive outlook. Each session concludes with a reflective exercise designed to help participants integrate gratitude practices into their daily lives, ultimately nurturing long-term positivity and community connection.

Recognising that conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction, this workshop provides participants with practical tools to manage and resolve conflicts constructively. The sessions explore the nature of interpersonal conflicts, offering a toolkit based on empathy and effective communication principles. Through role-playing exercises, group discussions, and practical techniques, participants learn to navigate disagreements more effectively. The workshop aims to transform conflict from a potentially negative experience into an opportunity for understanding, emphasising active listening, empathetic communication, and problem-solving strategies that can be applied in various personal and professional contexts.

The Peer-to-Peer Coaching Workshops offer an interactive learning experience focused on developing coaching skills within a community setting. Participants learn essential techniques including the GROW coaching model, active listening, open-ended questioning, and constructive feedback exchange. The workshops are designed to empower individuals to support each other's personal and professional growth, creating a reciprocal learning environment. By practicing coaching skills in a supportive, peer-led setting, participants develop compassion, build trust, and enhance their ability to mentor and support others, ultimately strengthening community resilience.

The Empathy Exchange Workshop is designed to help participants develop and strengthen their empathy skills through interactive and practical experiences. Participants engage in activities such as active listening, real-life scenario exercises, and guided discussions to understand and practice empathy as a learnable skill. The workshop aims to demonstrate that empathy extends beyond emotional understanding, providing concrete tools to improve communication and build more compassionate relationships. Whether for personal or professional contexts, the workshop offers participants techniques to connect more deeply with others and respond more effectively in various interpersonal situations.

This innovative workshop creates a unique platform for understanding and empathy through personal storytelling. Volunteers act as "human books" who share their life experiences, while "readers" listen and ask questions to gain deeper insights into different perspectives. The primary purpose is to foster understanding, reduce judgment, and promote open-mindedness by allowing participants to directly engage with personal narratives. Participants have the opportunity to learn about diverse life experiences, challenge their preconceptions, and develop a more nuanced understanding of different backgrounds and life journeys.