As we are into August, we’re energised by a summer of connection, creativity, and quiet acts of kindness that are strengthening communities across the UK. This month’s issue opens with a milestone for our North East team—being named a finalist in the 2025 BBC Make a Difference Awards —a recognition of the everyday bridge‑building our volunteers and partners make possible.
From Birmingham, you’ll see how our ArtBridge workshop at IKON Gallery brought people together to explore how art can amplify marginalised voices, with support from faith partners and local civic leaders. Meanwhile, our schools programme wrapped for the year with a final Life of a Chickpea session and a training day for young volunteers—moments that keep curiosity and compassion at the heart of learning. We also joined De Montfort University and the Remembering Srebrenica East Midlands Board to reflect on how the absence of dialogue and the rise in hate crime can spiral into atrocity—an urgent reminder of why our work matters.
Across our branches, community life has been in full bloom: a welcoming brunch at Kingston’s Quaker Centre; a Neighbourhood Unity workshop in Bolton; joyful summer picnics in Birmingham, Newcastle, and Hartlepool; and two enriching Scriptural Reasoning gatherings—on Generosity in Liverpool and Family in Oxford. We even laced up our boots for a fantastic football evening with friends from Grace Church, and shared a day of hospitality and friendship in South Tyneside.
Looking ahead, we’d love to see you at the Ecolocal Picnic on 25 August at Carshalton Park (SM5 3ET)—and at the many conversations, meals, and meet‑ups still to come. Thank you for walking with us, supporting us, and showing what’s possible when neighbours meet around a table—or on a touchline—and talk.
Warm wishes,
The Dialogue Society Team
Finalist in BBC Make a Difference Awards Newcastle
We are proud to share that Dialogue Society’s North-East Branch is a finalist in the 2025 BBC Make a Difference Awards! This recognition belongs to our dedicated team, volunteers, partners, and supporters who believe in the power of dialogue. Together, we continue to build understanding and unity in our communities.
Our Newcastle Branch Director, Tugay Yalcin, joined Micha Laing and Matt Bailey at BBC Radio Newcastle to share the story of the Dialogue Society and our nomination for the BBC Make a Difference Award.
We are incredibly proud to be named a finalist and extend our heartfelt thanks to the BBC Newcastle team, our North-East Branch, our wonderful partners, and our dedicated supporters.
Artbridge Workshop at Ikon Gallery
Our Birmingham branch hosted a powerful ArtBridge workshop at IKON Gallery, exploring how art can share the voices of marginalised communities. In partnership with Birmingham Progressive Synagogue, Unitarian Church, and Birmingham City Council, the event was honoured by the presence of Deputy Lieutenant Afzal Hussain.
Life of a Chickpea
July marked the closure of our school season with one final Life of a Chickpea session. As we wrap up this chapter, we’re already looking forward to the next academic year—and to meeting many more curious ‘chickpeas’ along the way!
A huge thanks to our young volunteers from across the North of England who came together for an inspiring training day. Special thanks to Cllr Freda Geddes, the Mayor of Gateshead, for sharing her wisdom on public speaking.
Hate Crime, Genocide, The Role of Dialogue
In partnership with De Montfort University and Remembering Srebrenica East Midlands Board, we explored how a lack of dialogue and rising hate crime can lead to genocide. Many thanks to Dr Batmaz, Dr Kim, Dr Marissa, Ferit, and Larissa for their invaluable insights.
Community Brunch
We gathered at the Quaker Centre in Kingston for a morning filled with warmth and connection. Together, we explored Kingston’s rich heritage, enjoyed meaningful conversations, and strengthened bonds over a delicious community brunch. Events like these continue to nourish the spirit of togetherness in Kingston.
Neighbourhood Unity
Bolton came together in a powerful workshop focused on neighbourhood unity and everyday acts of kindness Residents shared ideas, built connections, and strengthened community ties.
Summer Picnics Across Our Branches
With the sun shining in the UK, we made the most of the beautiful weather by hosting picnic events across various branches. These gatherings were filled with laughter, shared food, and meaningful conversations — a perfect blend of community and connection.
Scriptural Reasoning
This month, we were delighted to hold two enriching Scriptural Reasoning sessions. In Liverpool, Princes Road Synagogue hosted a warm and insightful discussion on the theme of Generosity, welcoming new voices, and fresh perspectives. In Oxford, participants came together to reflect on the theme of Family, engaging with sacred texts and fostering mutual respect across traditions.
A Day of Community and Connection
Our South Tyneside gathering was marked by shared meals, meaningful conversations, and new friendships. We extend our gratitude to all who joined us, including Mayor Jay Potts, and thank Fr Keith Walker and St Gregory’s Church for their warm hospitality. Together, we continue to build stronger, united communities.
A Fantastic Football Evening
We had an amazing night playing football alongside our friends from Grace Church! Huge thanks to everyone who joined — the energy, the game, and the company were all brilliant. Here’s to many more great moments together!