Community group Let’s Talk are helping people learn how to turn heated debates into healthy discussions in a session later this month.
The group is hosting a free Depolarising Conversations session open to everyone at Frome Town Hall on Thursday 25th September from 6.30pm to 8pm. The session will guide people on how turn heated debates into healthy discussions, even when there is strong emotion or disagreement.
Let’s Talk runs sessions throughout the year on a range of topics and can also provide sessions for local groups and organisations on request.
Members of the group have all received training in restorative conversations and come from various walks of life, giving their time to help others access the benefits of effective and positive communication in all areas of their lives.
Jo Berry CBE is a founder member of Let’s Talk and also founded the charity Building Bridges for Peace, after forming a relationship with Pat Magee, the IRA member responsible for the Brighton bomb which killed her father, Sir Anthony Berry MP, in 1984. Jo and Pat have spoken together publicly more than 300 times since 2000 about the power of empathy and turning away from blame and revenge – and it all began with choosing a depolarising conversation.
Jo said, “Instead of fighting over who’s right, we can listen, understand and look for common ground. These simple skills can help families, friends and communities stay connected – even when opinions clash. In a divided world, learning to talk without tearing each other apart has never been more important.
“Arguments don’t have to end in anger. Depolarising conversations help us speak openly, listen deeply, and find common ground. It’s about replacing division with dialogue — one conversation at a time.”
To find out more about Let’s Talk, book for sessions and download the free Let’s Talk toolkit, visit bit.ly/lets-talk-info.
Pictured: A Let’s Talk gathering
