Copy of Climate Café Listening Circle- Ilkley, November the 16th at 7pm

What is a Climate Café listening circle?

A climate café listening circle is a small, simple, hospitable, empathetic space where we can safely express our fears and uncertainties about our climate and ecological crisis.

This one is for anyone aged 18 or over.

Why do we need Climate Café listening circles?

When things get difficult we need to listen to each other. This summer has brought heat and wildfires, and whist the warmth may be welcome to some, it is also bringing home the danger to our own health and wellbeing, as well as that of our children and grandchildren.

Talking about the complex emotions (such as anger, fear, despair, hope, sadness….) that this brings up is important. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and push the uncomfortable feelings away. A Climate Café allows us to come alongside some of these emotions for a short period, to visit them together, safely experience our discomfort and recognise that we are not alone.

What happens during listening circle?

We follow a clear structure that allows everyone to speak and to be heard.

There is no right or wrong, just an intention to support each other. There are no guest speakers and no talks, and it is an advice-free zone.

The session will be about 90 minutes with refreshments and cake provided. It will be facilitated by Kate Graham and Sarah Bradley, based on a model developed by the Climate Psychology Alliance. Whilst we are meeting at the Quaker house, there is no religious aspect to the session. It is free, and everyone is welcome, though places are limited, so please book in advance.

“I was quite surprised how much better I felt after the session. It was just talking and listening, but somehow it helped” Participant Climate Café 2023.

About your facilitators:

Kate Graham is a Psychotherapist and Quaker.

Sarah Bradley is a Clinical and Community Psychologist.

We are both members of Climate Action Ilkley.