Life Story Practice for Arts Practitioners and creative Facilitators
(5-Day, In-Person Training)
Over five days this experiential training provides an in depth exploration of the creative and ethical process of working alongside people and their lived experiences across different art forms and settings.
Facilitated by Re-Live co-founders Karin Diamond (Artistic Director) and Alison O’Connor, and co-authors of the book Creating Life Story Theatre, the training delves deep into the principles, techniques, and adaptations of life story work, equipping participants with the practical skills to integrate a life story approach into their artistic and facilitation practice.
Date: Monday 13th – Friday 17th October 2025 (10.00 AM – 4.30 PM, Mon-Thurs), (10.00 AM – 3.00 PM, Friday)
Venue: Chapter Arts Centre, Market Rd, Cardiff, CF5 1QE, Cardiff (fully accessible space with ground floor facilities).
Cost: £500 Early Bird (until 20th July 2025) | £650 thereafter
Participants arrange their own lunch and accommodation.
Small Group – Express Your Interest
This is a small group of 10 participants, and part of the work will be an invitation to reflect on your own life and, with choice, share aspects of this with the group.
If you’re interested in the training, we’d love to hear from you. Please send an email outlining your interest and any relevant experience to: karin@re-live.org.uk
What You’ll Experience on the 5-Day Life Story Training
· Take part in a life story group and gain first-hand insight by stepping into the role of a participant.
· Reflect on what it felt like to share aspects of your own story and to be part of a life story group.
· Explore key ethical considerations, including choice, consent, confidentiality, and the responsibilities of working with personal stories.
· Try out and reflect on core life story facilitation techniques.
· Discover how life story work can be adapted across art forms.
· Develop and share your own project ideas, with time to consider practical next steps.
· Receive 28 hours of CPD and a certificate upon completion.
What Previous Participants Have Said:
"A transformative five days. I wasn’t just learning life story techniques - I was experiencing the depth, trust, and impact of the work firsthand. I now feel ready to integrate this into my creative practice in a meaningful way."
"The balance between practical exercises, theory, and self-reflection was perfect”
"This was an incredibly immersive experience - beautiful, emotional, and deeply insightful. It made me reflect on how we listen, how we hold space, and the responsibility that comes with working alongside people and their stories."
"The training helped me slow down and truly understand the courage it takes to share a life story. I left feeling more prepared and with a greater sense of purpose in my work."
"This course shifted my perspective - not just on storytelling, but on human connection. I now see how life story work can create bridges between people, build understanding, and give space for voices that need to be heard."