Are you feeling stressed or anxious about the climate and ecological crisis? Do you feel the need to express your concerns but find it difficult to talk to your friends and family about it? Would you benefit from a welcoming space to just talk about how you're feeling?
Free of charge, Climate Cafe Listening Circles are simple, hospitable, empathetic spaces where fears and uncertainties about our climate and ecological crisis can be safely expressed.
Why do we need Climate Cafe Listening Circles?
Many people feel anxious about the unfolding climate and nature crisis, and find it difficult to talk to their friends and loved ones about how they are feeling. It is often a taboo subject. Coming together in a safe and well-held space, to express these feelings and be heard (and to hear others who may have similar feelings) helps us to come to terms with what is happening and feel less alone. Listening circles provide a space to explore fear, anxiety, and other emotions such as anger, helplessness, sadness, grief or depression.
Many people feel anxious about the unfolding climate and nature crisis, and find it difficult to talk to their friends and loved ones about how they are feeling. It is often a taboo subject. Coming together in a safe and well-held space, to express these feelings and be heard (and to hear others who may have similar feelings) helps us to come to terms with what is happening and feel less alone. Listening circles provide a space to explore fear, anxiety, and other emotions such as anger, helplessness, sadness, grief or depression.
What happens during a Climate Cafe Listening Circles?
Our Climate Cafe Listening Circles follow the model developed by Climate Psychology Alliance. They focus on feelings rather than action, and are not a space for discussing climate policy, climate science or climate action. There are no guest speakers and no talks; and they are an advice-free zone. Circles are led by two trained facilitators from our Community of Practice.
Our Climate Cafe Listening Circles follow the model developed by Climate Psychology Alliance. They focus on feelings rather than action, and are not a space for discussing climate policy, climate science or climate action. There are no guest speakers and no talks; and they are an advice-free zone. Circles are led by two trained facilitators from our Community of Practice.
Everyone sits and takes a turn to introduce themselves and what has brought them to the Climate Cafe that day. After listening to each other, we then go around the circle again, speaking about anything that came up for us during the first round: thoughts, feelings or reflections. If there is time, we may go around again.
Who can attend?
Our circles are open to anyone aged 18 or over who is worried about the climate and ecological crisis. If you are under 18 and need support, please follow this link for resources and support offered by Climate Psychology Alliance.
Our circles are open to anyone aged 18 or over who is worried about the climate and ecological crisis. If you are under 18 and need support, please follow this link for resources and support offered by Climate Psychology Alliance.
About these free workshops
The listening circle will be led by facilitators trained through Climate Psychology Alliance and the Cornwall Climate Cafe Community of Practice project, and is offered free of charge thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, distributed by Transition Together.
The listening circle will be led by facilitators trained through Climate Psychology Alliance and the Cornwall Climate Cafe Community of Practice project, and is offered free of charge thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, distributed by Transition Together.
We have eight spaces available so please book a space on this free listen circle at the University of Plymouth Sustainability Hub. We provide tea and coffee and light refreshments. Feel free to bring a snack to share but it is not necessary. You can bring just yourself and you will be very welcome.
Book a place on TicketTailor
This event is organised by Karenza Permaculture Collective. Email karenzapermaculture@gmail.com for further information.