Holding space series

This simple and accessible 10-week programme is open to anyone who wants to build up their knowledge of facilitation practices - whether that’s to use in work, in community or in other settings.

Each week there will be an hour zoom session where I’ll introduce you to a new exercise, we’ll try it out as a group, and then we’ll discuss how it could be used within your contexts and what adaptations might be helpful to consider. Plus I’ll provide you with reflection exercises and slides after each session in order to help you integrate your learning.

The next programmes will kick off on the following dates:

Tuesdays at 1pm, starting 9th September

You can join as many sessions as you like, but if you can commit to every session you will likely get more enjoyment and energy out of it as you deepen your understanding of others in the group.

At the end of the sign up you are invited to contribute £100 towards the costs of running a programme like this or donate to my top surgery. This is optional and should not be a barrier for anyone who can’t financially contribute. Plus if you have access to more wealth the value of this programme and the time it takes to host and curate is probably closer to £250.

Sign up

Example programme:

#1: Shared containers & Warm ups

26 September @ 9am

This session will explore how to create a safe and welcoming space for participants. We’ll practice a simple space-setting exercise and explore how different warm up activities can be used effectively to set the tone for the workshop or discussion.

#2: Sense-making with shapes

3 October @ 9am

This session will use drawing as a tool for participants to untangle thoughts and gain clarity around different people’s experiences of a shared issue.

#3: Deep Listening

10 October @ 9am

This session will demonstrate how to make space for people to connect more deeply through conversation and lay the foundations for more creative and empathic thinking.

#4: wicked questions

17 October @ 9am

This session will introduce you to a liberating structure that encourages groups to think outside the box and dive head first into the trickier challenges they face.

#5: Min Specs

24 October @ 9am

This session will introduce you to another liberating structure which can help you create alignment among people around the most important aspects of a project, discussion or set of intentions.

#6: Power of three

31 October @ 9am

This session will demonstrate how to disrupt power dynamics and make space for advice and ideas to percolate among smaller groups.

#7: Rapid ideation

7 November @ 9am

This session will use a basic technique to encourage groups to come up with lots of new ideas.

#8: Using Scales

14 November @ 9am

This session will look at different types of scales and how they can be used by people to prioritise ideas, assess risk or rethink their needs through different lenses

#9: 1-2-4-All

21 November @ 9am

This session will introduce you to another liberating structure that can synthesise ideas and reflections from a group no matter how large it is.

#10: journey mapping

28 November @ 9am

This session returns to drawing techniques as a way of individuals reflecting on and sharing their journeys.