Listening Space details

The coronavirus pandemic and the response to it has exacerbated attitudes and structures of ableism, racism, classism and cis-hetero-patriarchy. Many of us are building spaces where we can support each other and mitigate the effects on those most impacted.

The Listening Space is an opportunity to listen, share our experiences and wisdom and have space to process and work against the oppression we are faced with and the situation we are in.

This is not counselling, instead this is a space where we have time to listen to and support each other. The space is aimed at those who have lived experience of being disabled, neurodivergent or with a long-term health condition but others are welcome.

We will acknowledge and reflect on our different positions in relation to this crisis and the oppressive structures which we are living in.

The group takes a similar format each week, beginning with a short grounding exercise/meditation, and we work on ensuring ground rules and access needs are met.

We meet weekly on a Thursday 6-7.45 BST. The next sessions are Thursday May 7th, Thursday May 14th and Thursday May 21st and Thursday May 28th.

For more information or to join, contact us via sidewaystimespodcast@gmail.com or DM @SidewaysTimes or call Marion on 07591 702849. If you want to, you can tell us about any access needs you have.

We will send the Zoom link to you on the day.

Listening Space

This is an OLD POST

Please see post ‘Listening Space details’ on April 10th for up to date information

 

I would like to make new connections and support each other!

During this period many of us have been working hard to put in place support networks. Many of us have already been in isolation for a long time. Some already have networks of friends, family and colleagues who do listen to us in these scary times but many of us do not. Often in a crisis it’s difficult to find the time and space to reflect and connect with others.

But human beings are creative – that is what is so brilliant about us. People have always found and will continue to find ways to connect with others and make new networks. There are already many examples of local groups offering practical support as well as a listening ear: search for Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK. Even though this is a time of social isolation it is also an opportunity to make new connections that could last into the future.

I would like to create a space where we can listen to each other and maybe release some of the emotions that we might be feeling, not as professional counsellors or therapists but as a group providing mutual support rather than delivering a service.

I’m suggesting one of two things:

– Regular drop-in group sessions with no commitment (but a specific start and end time)
– A closed group which meets for a set period of time each week and practices in-depth listening skills

Other ways to organise are also possible.

Please message me directly if you’re interested – sidewaystimespodcast@gmail.com. I would like to discuss it online with anyone who wants to be involved on Monday 30th 7-8pm March but if you cannot make this please get in touch anyway.