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Listening circles for deep listening

Listening circles for deep listening

Listening circles provide an opportunity for us to stop and listen in a culture which can be fast-paced and self-centred. Circles can take different formats, but listening circles are powerful in their invitation to listen deeply to the thoughts and experiences of others and connect us to shared understanding and knowing. Join us as we explore the use of listening circles with examples from women's circles and nature circles.

Mel Wiggins MBE will share her experience of running women’s circles. She was first trained in circle facilitation as a restorative justice practitioner and decided to bring her skills and this approach to her coaching and community building work supporting women. Mel runs day-long events where women gather to participate in circle, intentionally making space for listening to one another. Mel will share the ethos behind her work and what she has learned from holding space for people to be heard and known.

Helen Edwards is new to circles and restorative practice, and has recently organised circles on a local nature reserve as part of her work as Chair of Oxford Urban Wildlife Group. Helen will share what drew her to circles and how circles can facilitate interconnectedness with nature and each other. 

We want this to be participatory! The event will involve opportunities for questions and discussion.


This online event will be held on Zoom. You can register on Eventbrite, with variable ticket prices available. Please pay as you are able so that we have the resources to continue to hold these types of events:

£10 (e.g. employed professional/government/academic/large organisation)

£5 (e.g. employed by a small charity)

Free (e.g. student/volunteer/don’t have the resources to pay for a ticket)

(Please note: Many employers will cover the cost of this event as CPD. If you would like to book a place for you or team member(s) and paying by invoice is easier than by card, please contact us and we can invoice you instead!)


Mel Wiggins MBE is a qualified coach, Restorative Justice practitioner, and social justice activist based in Northern Ireland. Mel has led initiatives in community safety, government policy development, charity leadership, coaching and community building for women in business and is the co-founder of Embodied Leadership. She was recognised with an MBE in 2017 for her contributions to leadership and activism.

helen edwards

Helen Edwards is is a Community Artist and Integrative Arts Psychotherapist working in education, health and community settings for over 25 years. She is a dancer and environmentalist, performing and teaching since 2000 in Japan, Indonesia, Europe, and the UK.  She is also Chair of Oxford Urban Wildlife Group and explores approaches to sustainable community and ecological interconnectedness and has initiated Listening Circles in Nature at Boundary Brook Nature Reserve.  Her art practice explores ecological body and the dynamic flux of life in creating sustainable human community in balance in nature exploring Butoh, Amerta Movement, in intercultural, environmental dance and art.