Facilitation Training: Tools for holding difference with courage

A one-day experiential workshop at St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace

In a time of tension, how do we create a container for meaningful connection?

In this current time of social division, we are noticing that it can feel harder and harder to bring people together where strong differences exist. People might feel hesitant to gather groups or struggle to feel confident in their facilitation. This one-day workshop offers a chance to reflect and learn how to hold a group well. Drawing on St Ethelburga’s distinctive approach to facilitation, rooted in reconciliation and peacemaking, the day combines practical skill-building with inner work and reflection. It invites participants to explore what it really means to be an authentic, grounded facilitator, one who can host meaningful conversations even when emotions run high or values collide.

What to expect

The day will be highly experiential, weaving together teaching, demonstration, dialogue, and embodied practice. You’ll have opportunities to try out techniques, share experiences, and explore your own style and values as a facilitator. You’ll also experience many of the participatory methods used in St Ethelburga’s transformational programmes - methods designed to bring people together across difference, nurture community resilience, and build trust even in uncertain times.

You will learn to

• Design and hold group spaces that feel inclusive, participative, and safe enough for honesty.
• Develop and work with a group agreement that fosters trust, respect, and accountability.
• Recognise and respond to moments of difference, disagreement, and tension with sensitivity and courage.
• Strengthen your preparation practices to build a “container” that supports meaningful connection.
• Learn strategies for de-escalation and conflict navigation.
• Integrate insights through reflection, small-group and pair work.

Themes we'll explore together

• Non-aligned but not passive: what it means to hold a “radical centre” that welcomes multiple perspectives.
  
• Circle Processes: rediscovering the ancient wisdom of gathering in ways where every voice matters.
• De-escalation techniques: what to do when tensions run high
  
• The inner work of the facilitator: cultivating curiosity, courage, imagination, and presence.
• Conflict as opportunity: learning to see tension as a creative force that can lead to growth and transformation.

Why attend?

By the end of the day, you will:

• Leave with practical tools and frameworks for hosting courageous conversations.
  
• Feel more grounded and confident in responding to difference and disagreement.
  
• Have deepened your understanding of facilitation
  
• Connect with a community of practice.
  
• Carry forward new inspiration for your own context, whether that’s a classroom, a boardroom, a faith community, or a grassroots movement.

You do not need to be an experienced facilitator to attend. Whether you are completely new to this work or seeking to deepen an existing practice, this day will offer tools, perspectives, and encouragement for your journey.

This is for:

Anyone who convenes conversations or leads groups — whether in community, organisational, educational, or faith-based contexts. Including:
Facilitators, mediators, and group hosts | Community leaders and organisers | Educators, trainers, and youth workers | Faith and interfaith leaders | Social entrepreneurs and changemakers | Anyone seeking to foster connection, understanding, and collaboration in divided times

Our Approach

You will be guided by experienced facilitators Rebecca Brierley, Jo Winsloe-Slater, or Tarot Couzyn, who bring many years of experience in dialogue, reconciliation, and community resilience. Together they will model the art of co-facilitation — showing how shared leadership and diversity in facilitation teams can open up space for richer participation. The day will move through cycles of learning, practice, reflection, and integration. You’ll have opportunities to work in pairs, small groups, and circles, to share your own facilitation challenges, and to explore tools for navigating tension with confidence and care.

Testimonials

I really appreciated the structure and pace of the training. It afforded time for action, reflection, and a variety of learning styles. I found the content accessible and user friendly and was able to learn the practical elements of facilitation. And even more importantly, I was able to understand the emotional and cognitive considerations for self and others in facilitation that are incredibly valuable.

The facilitators were very attuned to the needs of the groups and gave plenty of opportunities to ask questions throughout the day. They all made me feel very welcome even though it was my first time visiting the centre and doing a course on facilitation.

I learned a great deal both theoretically and experientially. I also became aware of where it is hardest for me to hold space for different views, especially when I am increasingly fearful. I came away with so many practical tools to use but also for me a deeper sense of the wonderful work so many people across professions are doing in this world. I also came away with more hope than fear. The workshop exceeded all my expectations.

Your Facilitators

You will be guided through the day by two of our staff team, all of whom have decades of facilitation experience. To find out more, please visit our About Page

Concession Tickets

Please email rebecca.brierley@stethelburgas.org to explore further discounted tickets.