Please note that workshop bookings are subject to actor availability. We will inform you of any availability challenges within 3 working days.

This engaging workshop equips participants with the vital knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective allyship. It encourages self-discovery and a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised groups. With interactive discussions, practical exercises, and true-to-life scenarios, brought to life by actors, participants will emerge empowered, ready to implement strategies that drive positive change. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Recognise the impact of allyship and how small, intentional actions can enhance psychological safety and drive positive change. 
• Understand the intricacies of privilege and power dynamics and learn ethical strategies to influence the status quo. 
• Identify the causes of passive bystander behaviour and understand the ramifications of inaction. 
• Feel motivated to engage in safe, empathetic, and effective bystander interventions. 
• Acquire practical tools and a strategic framework for becoming effective allies. 

Workshop Outline

Establishing Brave Spaces: We’ll begin by examining the group’s collective understanding of allyship. Participants will explore the concepts of limited, safe, and brave spaces through exercises designed to promote psychological safety, learning how to function as effective allies. 

Exploring Privilege and Power: Participants will learn about different types of power and their effects, and an activity will provide accessible and insightful discussions about privilege. Participants will discover that engaging in difficult conversations is key to advocating for change and will start developing their personalised action plans. 

ACTION – Confronting the Bystander Effect: We’ll explore the bystander effect and its impact on psychological safety and belonging. Participants will observe a scenario that highlights common barriers to allyship, showing that allyship can take many forms. They will question the characters, discovering new methods for active bystander intervention. Participants will discuss potential approaches to allyship and add actionable objectives to their personalised action plans. 

ACTION – Challenging Norms: Participants will observe a scenario where a lack of empathy results in missed opportunities for allyship. By questioning the characters, they will uncover the consequences of maintaining the status quo. Discussions will focus on both small-scale and large-scale actions to address behaviours and dismantle systemic barriers. Participants will build on their action plans, identifying a personal step to challenge the status quo.

Creating Inclusive Environments: The workshop concludes with a powerful call to action. Participants will add a third action to their personalised plans, aimed at promoting and sustaining psychologically safe, consciously inclusive environments filled with allies.