In this interview Rob and Julia discussed:
• Attended his first circle during lockdown for support
• Had transferable skills from being a personal trainer, knew how to give person space to speak
• Co-facilitates the circle at Uncommon Man – bring different skills and give each other support e.g. debriefing and planning
• Also has support through Whatsapp group with other men’s circle facilitators
• Charges for men’s monthly circle and a lot of this goes back into promoting sessions, including having a videographer there for marketing e.g. clips of breathwork to demystify what happens at the circle
• For venues, think of spaces like offices that aren’t used in the evenings or co-working environments that may wish to support mental health
• Tips on how to get started with a men’s group
• Important to include moments of comedic relief in circles ie humour
• Relaxed start with non-alcoholic beers and music playing (also a guideline not to bring alcohol or arrive inebriated)
• With 20-25 men, will get agreement to guidelines with a hand raise
• After initial circle, go to triads because less intimidating than 121 because can move eye contact between the two others
• After group share with 5-10 people sharing, do breathwork session and final group share (time for everyone to speak)
• Do breathwork because it’s a powerful way to help release emotion
• Advice to new facilitator would be to have someone there to support you e.g. in setting space up, doesn’t have to be a co-facilitator and to give it a go with three friends.

Find Rob https://www.uncommonman.co.uk

You can order our book Circle Holding: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Talking Circles here:
https://www.circleholding.org/book

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To learn more about facilitating circles you can join one of our trainings:
https://www.circleholding.org

Circle Holding Fundamentals - introductory 3 hour workshop
https://www.circleholding.org/circle-fundamentals

Circle Holding Facilitator Training - 3 month training
https://www.circleholding.org/circle-holders-journey

Yoga Nidra & Circle Holding
https://www.circleholding.org/yoga-nidra-circle-holding

Circle Holding Self Study Programme
https://www.circleholding.org/self-study

Circle Holding Residential Retreat
https://www.circleholding.org/autumn-residential

Free Events and mini trainings - meet Julia & Tessa and get a taste of circle holding
https://www.circleholding.org/free-resources

We love to hear from circle facilitators and circle goers so please email us at info@circleholding.org

Music credit: Fabio Venuti