Sant'Egidio Presents: Bridges (of Community)

Bridges, an event making space for personal and communal transformation.

Have you ever felt called to bring more kindness and peace into the world? Join us in London for a free half-day workshop, inspired by the Sant’Egidio way of living and serving. Together, we will journey into practical expressions of friendship, listening, and inclusion, rooted in Gospel values and a shared commitment to community.

This gathering invites you to grow in active listening and empathetic communication, to learn how to welcome and accompany others with dignity, and to practice peaceful resolution of conflicts. Through storytelling and shared experience, we will build bridges that connect people across differences, fostering a spirit of unity and hope.

You will also discover the spiritual foundations of the Sant’Egidio community — grounded in Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the legacy of Andrea Riccardi — as well as practical tools for safe, joyful service and authentic friendship. This workshop is an opportunity to deepen your faith through encounter, reflection, and concrete action in a welcoming, supportive environment.

We welcome all who desire to live out a Gospel of kindness and solidarity, and who seek to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society. Come and join us in this journey of encounter and mission.

🌱Skills You Will Have Developed

1. Active listening & empathy – especially through inclusion and conflict workshops.

2. Constructive communication – including how to handle difficult conversations with kindness and confidence.

3. Storytelling for connection – learning how to share and listen to stories that build bridges within and beyond the Community.

4. Conflict resolution – techniques for de-escalating tense situations while preserving dignity and safety.

5. Feedback & self-reflection – how to give and receive feedback in a respectful, helpful way.

6. Team collaboration – through group workshops and activities designed to foster unity and synergy.

7. Welcoming others – practical skills for hospitality and inclusion, particularly for newer or different voices.

8. Cultural sensitivity – an increased ability to navigate differences with curiosity and care.

   
   

📚 Knowledge You Will Have Gained

1. A deeper understanding of the Sant’Egidio Way – its origins, principles, and how it applies in the UK context.

2. The role of inclusion in our mission – and the policies that guide it

3. The importance of encounter and story-sharing – drawing from figures like Floribert and William Quijano.

4. How to stay safe while serving – practical resources and protocols for handling difficult or unsafe situations.

5. The spiritual foundation of our community life – inspired by Scripture, Andrea Riccardi, and the saints.

6. Tools to grow in community unity – including concrete steps for collaboration, friendship, and shared mission.

7. Ways to bring others in – how to invite, include, and journey with new people aligned with our vision.

8. How to access and use Sant’Egidio resources – like the website, training materials, and the Spaces App.

🕰️ Schedule of the afternoon