A local community group is now offering free practice sessions and workshops to help residents improve their communication skills and navigate difficult conversations.

Let’s Talk offers a warm and welcoming space for individuals looking to improve communication skills and provides open practice sessions.

These workshops offer an opportunity for peope to build practical skills in ‘restorative conversations’, an approach designed to foster understanding and resolve conflicts.

Held on the second and fourth Thursday every month, the sessions focus on a range of topics, from active listening and reflective practice to specific tools like the drama triangle and the social relationship window.

These methods are particularly useful for understanding unhealthy dynamics and changing those dynamics to ones that cultivate and empower individuals to find mutually respectful relationships.

Let’s Talk member Clare Hein said: “If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to set and maintain better boundaries and to be compassionate and clear in your communications, our open practice sessions are the perfect place to start. There's no pressure to attend every session—just join us when you can.”

In addition to these free sessions, Let’s Talk provides a downloadable toolkit and runs regular introductory workshops on the fundamentals of how to tackle tricky conversations. These workshops help participants gain confidence in handling those conversations and build stronger relationships. The workshops will run in the spring and summer and will be advertised on the town council website and noticeboards across town.

Feedback from past attendees highlights the positive impact of the group’s sessions, with 100 per cent of people saying it improved their confidence in tackling tricky conversations. A recent attendee shared: "I feel I've learned some new ways of approaching things and the tools that can help. It's helped give me more confidence and a lot of hope in tackling personal situations. "

The group has supported various community organisations by facilitating conversations that reduce tensions and help teams agree on future actions. The Let’s Talk team have also facilitated groups during their debrief sessions for community events, and assisted neighbours in resolving conflicts.

The group welcomes individuals, whether new to restorative conversations or looking to refine their skills, to attend any or all of the free practice sessions. To book a place, visit www.bit.ly/LetsTalk2025.

For more information on Let’s Talk and upcoming sessions, visit Frome Town Council’s website at www.bit.ly/frome-lets-talk