Kindness Festival 2025 – The F Word: Exploring the Hot Topic of Forgiveness

To forgive is not just to be altruistic. It is the best form of self-interest.— Desmond Tutu

Event Schedule

9:30 AM – Doors open

10:00 AM – 1. The Psychology of Forgiveness – Simon Keyes

11:00 AM – 2. Rehumanising the “Other” – Jo Berry

12:30 PM – Lunch (advance booking only)

1:30 PM – 3. The Five Biggest Obstacles to Forgiveness – Barbara J Hunt

2:30 PM – 4. The Importance of Self-Forgiveness – Lucia Chadwick

3:30 PM – Round Table Discussion – Workshop leaders

4:30 PM – Close

Event Highlights

This special day will include:

• Four one-hour workshops (details below, advance booking recommended)

• The F Word – Image of Forgiveness exhibition, on display throughout the day

• A creative workshop (10 AM – 3 PM) led by Rose and Perry from Proseprints

• A forgiveness bookstall provided by Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books

• A vegetarian/vegan soup lunch at 12:30 PM (advance booking essential)

• A round table discussion at 3:30 PM

Workshop Details

Workshop numbers are limited, so advance booking is strongly recommended. There is no need to book for the round table discussion.

10:00 The Psychology of Forgiveness – Simon Keyes

This workshop will provide an overview of key psychological research on the nature of forgiveness and its various forms.

Simon was previously Professor of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding at the University of Winchester and former Director of St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace in London.

Register here

11:00 Rehumanising the “Other” – Jo Berry

Jo will create a safe space to explore empathy for those we resist understanding. She shares her journey of befriending the ex-combatant who killed her father—yet still struggles with listening to some people. Can we cultivate more curiosity in our lives? Join this thought-provoking exploration of human connection.

Jo Berry is the founder of the charity Building Bridges for Peace. After losing her father in a 1984 IRA bombing, she chose a path of reconciliation, forming an unprecedented dialogue with the ex-combatant responsible. Their story is documented in the BBC’s Facing the Enemy and featured in films like Beyond Right and Wrong and The Bomb.

Register here

12:30 Lunch (advance booking only)

Register here

1:30 The Five Biggest Obstacles to Forgiveness – Barbara J Hunt

Even when we recognize the benefits of letting go of resentment, forgiveness can be incredibly difficult. In this workshop, you’ll discover the five biggest obstacles to forgiveness and how practising it can improve your mental and emotional health.

Barbara is a transformational coach, forgiveness specialist, best-selling author of Forgiveness Made Easy, workshop leader, and musician.

Register here

2:30 The Importance of Self-Forgiveness – Lucia Chadwick

This interactive workshop will explore self-forgiveness as a key to healing and living a more wholehearted life. Through group exercises and discussion, participants will examine how letting go of guilt can restore inner peace and allow them to move forward.

Lucia has been a counsellor with Focus since 2017. In 2019, she founded The Frome Practice to provide high-quality, affordable person-centred counselling in her hometown. As CEO, she fosters a culture of safety, warmth, and compassion. In her free time, she enjoys reading, long country walks, and wild swimming.

Register here

3:30 – 4:30 PM – Round Table Discussion – Workshop leaders

There is no need to book for the round table discussion.