Alex and Julia talked about:
• First encountered circles at Church with age group and older facilitator
• Came back to circle in his thirties with a lot more life experience
• Was a journalist in lifestyle and wellbeing who attended a circle out of curiosity and to write an article, to being asked to host one
• Started with a one hour circle for 6-8 weeks
• Is inspired by Men’s Speak, men’s circles in London
• Did a Mental Health First Aid Course, then coaching, then as a therapist, which opened doors into schools
• Did group work in schools with those who found the structure of school difficult- it gave space to relax and let their guard down
• One of guidelines was to be responsible for the group rather than being disruptive and stopping others from benefiting from the group
• Delivered ‘Becoming a man’ programme, part of Youth Guidance (US initiated) until funding withdrawn by government
• Shared programme through assembly and boys consented to participating through signed agreement
• There has to be buy-in from teachers and parents

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

Support our podcast. If you love the conversations and would love for us to create a fourth series you can support our podcast by donating £5, £10 or any other amount:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/spread-stories-of-communities-building-circles-of-hope/

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