Every 4th Tuesday of the month, 7.30 – 8.30 pm (in December it’s the 3rd Tuesday) in the Large Community Room. You are invited to this FREE event.
It is helpful if you let us know if you intend to come – please email: kenilworthlistening@yahoo.com We meet monthly so if you are unable to make this month perhaps you will come to another one soon.
The best way to appreciate Listening Exchanges is to give one a try, however we will try to give you a flavour:
We listen and try to learn from each other. We use the opportunity to practice the skill of listening. Listening Exchanges are a new concept for many people.
We have lots of feedback from Kenilworth residents including:
“It is a space where you have the opportunity to give yourself permission to be listened to and to listen to others. The way they are run means that everyone gets their air time and the exchange is a respectful space where real connections and insights can happen.”
“In the bustle of life and conversations, we normally feel the urge to respond and agree. Listening Exchanges are an opportunity to do something different: let others feel heard and to think more deeply about topics. A chance to express things our own way in a supportive atmosphere.”
Listening Exchanges help us express whatever is important to us, they help us learn about others in our community and to contribute to building more connections and deepening our understanding.
In the Listening Exchanges, sometimes called Listening Circles, we strive to create a safe space where people can share their thoughts and where they are valued and respected. We all try to listen to each other without thinking of a response (which is usual in conversation). We try to understand each other better, even if we don’t agree, to build stronger community. The topics vary each time, however, people are free to talk about whatever is on their minds.
They are a way of sharing with the purpose of listening and connecting. It is different; and for many it may be surprising how different and rewarding it can be. Offering someone else uninterrupted time to talk, even a few minutes, is a generous gift. We give our full attention without speaking, resisting the urge to comment, judge or advise.
We have a facilitated group, with a suggested subject. We usually have between 7 to 12 people and we have a few simple ground rules which the facilitators explain such as ‘to treat everyone with respect’. We aim to have student volunteers to facilitate thus making it more diverse and more interesting.
We invite you to take part in an open exchange with a small group of people to share your thoughts and opinions where you are heard, respected and valued.
Please share this invitation with friends, neighbours and anyone you think may be interested and please let us know if you would like more information or have any suggested topics for future sessions.
If you would like to help run Kenilworth Listening Exchanges in any way please let us know. We have been running monthly morning Listening Exchanges sessions for three years and monthly evening sessions for one year (as of Nov-2025).