Life Story Approaches in Practice: Working Alongside People and Their Stories (4 half-day sessions, online)

An experiential online training offering a practical and ethical foundation in life story practice for those working alongside people and their stories.

Designed for health and social care professionals, community support workers, volunteers, befrienders, researchers, and artists, this programme explores how life story work can build relationships, deepen understanding, and be applied across various settings, including care, research, creative facilitation, and service design.

Facilitated by Re-Live co-founders Karin Diamond (Artistic Director) and Alison O’Connor, and co-authors of the book Creating Life Story Theatre, this training introduces the principles, techniques, and adaptations of life story work, equipping participants with the practical skills to integrate a life story approach into their work.

Dates: Thursdays, November 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, 2025
Times: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (BST)
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: £200 Early Bird (until July 20th) | £300 thereafter

Small Group – Express Your Interest

As this is a small training group (only 10 places available), we want to ensure it’s the right fit for each participant. Additionally, participants will be invited to reflect on their own life story and share aspects of their experiences within the group. If you’re interested, please contact Re-Live’s Artistic Director, Karin, to express your interest.

Email: karin@re-live.org.uk

 

What You’ll Experience:

  • Participate in an experiential Life Story group, gaining first-hand insight into the process online.

  • Practice core facilitation techniques for in-person and online work, including deep listening, co-creation, and group dynamics.

  • Explore how Life Story work can be adapted across different settings, from care and health services to research, arts, and public engagement.

  • Discuss key ethical considerations, including choice, consent and confidentiality.

  • Develop ways to integrate Life Story work into your practice.

 

What Previous Participants Have Said:

“It felt like a real-life group, even in an online setting!”

"The balance of practical exercises and reflection was excellent. The approach was thoughtful and made space for everyone’s voice."

 "I was initially hesitant about using life story work in an online format, but this training showed me how it can be just as impactful. I now feel prepared to integrate it into my work NHS work."

"The training helped me understand the nuances of creating a safe and supportive space for people to share their stories, even in a digital environment. It was a rich and engaging learning experience."

 "This course helped me see how life story work can be used beyond the arts - how it can strengthen relationships, deepen understanding, and bring people together across different sectors and settings."