Experienced mediator to lead free sessions across Sutherland on how to work well together to benefit the community
Sutherland residents are being given the opportunity to learn how to better understand and discuss local issues.
Independent and experienced mediator and facilitator John Sturrock QC will lead four sessions at various venues across Sutherland next month.
Topics Mr Sturrock will discuss with participants include how to have better conversations about local issues; how to improve personal relationships and ways of working together; how to discuss difficult matters in constructive ways and find common ground; how to better understand what is going on in your local community; and how to take opportunities and achieve better outcomes.
A spokesperson for Voluntary Groups Sutherland (VGS), which is helping organise the event, said the sessions would be particularly useful for those involved in local clubs and organisations, including sports groups, development trusts, community councils, community centres and halls , transport groups, charities, third-sector organisations and volunteer organisations.
However, the spokesperson added: “You don’t have to run a local community group or club to take part. Anyone with an interest in their local community is welcome to come along to any of the four sessions taking place.”
Mr Sturrock has over 25 years’ experience working with people, organisations, government, and others to enable them to have conversations about difficult issues and to explore options for moving forward in ways that benefit everyone.
In 2017, he led the ‘Better Conversations Bus Tour’, hosting meetings in a range of local communities.
He has travelled regularly to the north of Scotland for over 40 years since meeting his wife whose family live in Caithness.
The free sessions have been made possible by funding and support from the North Highland Initiative, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, SSE Renewables and Voluntary Groups Sutherland.
They will be held at Lairg Community Centre on Monday, March 17; Golspie Community Lounge on Tuesday, March 18; Armadale Hall on Wednesday, March 19; and Kinlochbervie Hall on Thursday, March 20.
Events will run from 6pm-9pm and refreshments will be provided.
To find out more and to sign up for one of the four sessions, email: contact@vgs.scot or ring 01408 633001.
