Small Worlds

Café-style workshops changing hearts and minds

Small Worlds workshop - Gee - with secondary school students

Get a glimpse into real lives from around the world

‘Heart-warming, hard-hitting, genuine and touching experience.’

Small Worlds Workshop - youth group

What is a Small Worlds workshop?

Small Worlds® are café-style events hosted by members of Belfast  Friendship Club, a meeting space for people from around the world (and locals too).

The workshops provide a safe space for participants to encounter people from different backgrounds and parts of the world.

They are carefully managed by an experienced facilitator.

‘We heard today what the news doesn’t show.’

A glimpse into real lives

  • growing up in a different part of the world, a different culture or religious background, a different environment or climate
  • living far away from your family and friends
  • challenges of being new to Northern Ireland
  • different reasons for moving to NI

Small Worlds workshop - teenagers

A fresh perspective

  • helps overcome fear and mistrust of those seen as ‘different’
  • addresses misunderstandings and myths
  • fosters respect, trust and empathy
  • brings similarities between people to light

Small worlds workshop - multicultural event

‘Really interesting conversations with some beautiful people.’

How does it work?

Small groups (4 to 6 people) meet hosts from different countries for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

The hosts introduce themselves and answer questions about their life stories and their reasons for coming to Northern Ireland.

Participants then move on to visit another ‘Small World’ until they have met most of the hosts.

Typical Small Worlds® workshops last 1.5 to 2 hours, with 20 to 24 participants and 4 hosts.

Small Worlds workshop - primary school children

Where does it happen?

Small Worlds® workshops run across Northern Ireland. We bring the workshop to you.

Your group provides the setting, the participants and any refreshments.  We do the rest!

Small Worlds workshop - Mariama - for district borough council

How much does it cost?

Prices vary depending on the number of participants and the location. Occasionally, we can offer workshops for free.

Contact us to explore the possibilities.

Small Worlds workshop - Norma - workshop with adults

Who is it for?

Small Worlds® workshops have run across Northern Ireland since  2009 with many different audiences, including:

  • community and youth groups
  • faith-based groups
  • business and community leaders
  • youth workers and teachers
  • school children at both primary and post-primary level.

‘Near cried, learnt more than I have in six years in school.’

Smal Worlds - Gobi - Workshop for Borough Council

Bring Small Worlds® to your group

Contact Stephanie Mitchell:

s.mitchell@together-cic.org

07548 938508

www.belfastfriendshipclub.org

@BelongInBelfast

Download a Small Worlds Leaflet