Introducing: Calm Circles
We’re very excited to announce that Calm Collective has rolled out a new event type, specially for our community: Calm Circles – a safe space for open conversations to support mental well-being.
Nearly 70% of respondents in a community survey we ran shared that they would like to participate in a virtual support group. Calm Circles offers exactly that: peer-to-peer sharing circles that create an intimate way of connecting. This is a unique and sincere opportunity for our audience to talk to and learn from one another, and become a part of the Calm Collective community.
How does Calm Circles work?
In these 1.5 hour online sessions, co-led by myself and a consultant mental health practitioner, breakout rooms of 6-8 people will be personally facilitated by members of our Calm Collective team to enable intimate yet open conversations.
Calm Circles Agreements
To ensure that the Circle remains a safe space for fruitful dialogue, we’ve established the following Agreements.
1. We treat each other with kindness and respect.
Calm Circles is a space for all to share and listen, and it is important to make sure everyone feels welcome and respected.
2. We listen with compassion and curiosity
Being a good listener means reserving judgment and actively listening so the sharer feels heard – and that’s how we learn while deepening our listening and empathy skills, too.
3. We don’t presume to advise or fix each other
Sometimes, in sharing our feelings and experiences, what we want is a listening ear, rather than any advice. If you wish to advise, it helps to ask the sharer for permission first!
4. We honour each other’s unique ways of being
Whether you choose to speak your mind or remain silent, we’ll respect that and keep an open, inclusive mind. At any point you feel uncomfortable or triggered, you may excuse yourself to take a pause.
5. We hold all stories shared in the Circle confidential
It takes vulnerability and trust to share our personal stories. That’s why it’s especially important that we honour the trust and courage that has been exercised by keeping it within the Circle.
Join Calm Circles
Currently held twice a month*, you may find our upcoming Calm Circles & sign up here.
To join in, you may pay-what-you-can (recommended amount: SG$30), and we set aside 20 complimentary tickets per session to keep it accessible to those who need it most.
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*This article was updated in July 2022 to reflect the latest programme updates.
One year on since our launch, Calm Circles is still going strong!
** Disclaimer: Calm Circles is not a replacement for any existing/ongoing therapy or any professional mental health care.
Calm Circles is a project supported by National Youth Council Singapore, Spark The Next SG, and Youth Co:Lab.