South Asian Heritage Month
1 to 31 July 2026

Programmes
Programmes

Talking Circles Safe spaces for honest dialogue.

Community-led, facilitator-held spaces for South Asian communities to come together, listen deeply and share experiences around identity, wellbeing, belonging and heritage. No pressure. No judgement.

The REAL Principles
R
Respect
For yourself and for others. No interrupting. No fixing.
E
Empathy
We listen even when we don't fully relate or understand.
A
Awareness
Of your body, breath and limits. You're free to pause at any time.
L
Language
Speak in whatever language feels most honest. Listening is enough.
Funded by The National Lottery Awards for All — Manchester pilot series
What they are

Spaces for expressing, not fixing.

Talking Circles are intentional community spaces where people come together to listen deeply and share experiences, if and when they wish. They are not therapy, not support groups, and not debates. There is no expectation to speak. Attending to listen is equally welcome.

Each circle is guided by trained facilitators and held with care, confidentiality and trust. The focus is on shared reflection rather than problem-solving, creating an environment that feels respectful, calm and genuinely held.

This is
A space to listen, reflect and share at your own pace
This is not
Therapy, a support group, a debate or a workshop
This is
Confidential, non-judgemental and open to all backgrounds
This is not
A requirement to speak — silence is fully welcome
How it works

A 2.5-hour structured session.

Each session follows a clear, gentle structure of up to 2.5 hours. Welcoming, grounding, conversation, reflection and close. Nothing is rushed. Silence is welcomed throughout.

01
Opening
10–15 mins
Welcome, agreements and a simple grounding introduction.
02
Main Circle
50–60 mins
Gentle conversation introduction. Silence is allowed and welcomed. Facilitators hold the space gently and keep topic.
03
Break & Reflection
5–10 mins
A pause when needed. Drawing, writing, stretching. Optional reflection materials available.
04
Closing
10–15 mins
A one-word reflection. A shared breath. Confidentiality restated. Support resources shared. Leave when ready.
The Series

10 circles. 10 conversations.

A series of ten facilitated sessions exploring themes at the heart of South Asian community life, held in Manchester and open to all. Sessions are free and announced throughout the series.

01
Completed
Mental Health & Wellbeing
28 January 2025 Manchester Museum: South Asia Gallery
02
Completed
Exploring Identity & Belonging
25 February 2025 Manchester Museum: South Asia Gallery
03
Completed
Gender and the Roles We're Shaped By
25 March 2025 Zoom: Online
04
Completed
Unity in Diversity: Finding Common Ground
20 May 2026 CDM UK: Manchester, Ardwick, M1 7JJ
05
Coming Soon
upporting Our Communities in a Changing World.
24 June 2026 Dishoom: Manchester
06
Coming Soon
Session 06
July 2026 — Manchester
Theme & booking to be announced
07
Coming Soon
Session 07
August 2026 — Manchester
Theme & booking to be announced
08
Coming Soon
Session 08
September 2026 — Manchester
Theme & booking to be announced
09
Coming Soon
Session 09
October 2026 — Manchester
Theme & booking to be announced
10
Coming Soon
Session 10
November 2026 — Manchester
Theme & booking to be announced
Funded by The National Lottery — Awards for All The South Asian Talking Circles are a Manchester-based project creating safe, community-led spaces for dialogue on themes including identity, belonging, family, gender, faith, culture and wellbeing.
How the space is held

Built on care and trust.

Every Talking Circle is designed around the safety and comfort of its participants. These are the principles that guide how every session is held.

Confidential
Everything shared in the circle stays in the circle. Participants may share their own reflections outside, but never someone else's story.
Trained Facilitators
Every session is guided by trained facilitators supported by volunteers. No one holds the space alone.
Listening-Centred
The goal is not to fix, advise or debate. Silence is as valued as speaking. The space exists to be heard.
Community-Informed
Themes are drawn from lived South Asian experience, not external agendas or institutional priorities.
Open to All
While the series centres South Asian experiences, people from all backgrounds are welcome. Understanding is not required. Listening is.
Grounded & Supported
Grounding techniques are used throughout. If a participant feels overwhelmed, support is available.
"

What was expected as a heavy session left them feeling positively lighter.

Participant feedback — Talking Circle 01, Manchester Museum

Join a circle or bring one to your community.

The pilot series is based in Manchester. We are exploring how to extend Listening Circles to other regions and communities across the UK. If you are interested in attending, hosting or partnering on this programme, we would love to hear from you.

Funded by
The National Lottery, Awards for All
Ten monthly sessions in Manchester exploring mental health, identity, belonging, family, gender, faith and wellbeing, open to all.