Conversations on Forgiveness, Connection, and Compassion
“I wanted him to be a monster but that was the day I realised I didn’t hate him.”
IN REFLECTION: Exploring the Art and Psychology of Forgiveness at Keele University
On Saturday, January 31st our Executive Director, Sandra Barefoot, delivered the first in-person Forgiveness Café of this year at Keele University, alongside Senior Lecturer in Social and Political Psychology and long-time collaborator of The Forgiveness Project Dr. Masi Noor.
This gathering explored the art and psychology of forgiveness and invited participants to bring and discuss their own experiences and contemplations in a gently guided group environment.
Speaking after the event, an attendee shared the following:
“I am isolated, I think a lot to myself. But I have realised [here] it’s not just me thinking like this... and where people’s core strengths come from to deal with things, I realise there is no actual right way to do things. I actually don’t think anyone is not right and that gives me peace.”
Another participant shared that his experience of the Café was “very interesting, not quite what I had imagined but perhaps more valuable than what I had envisioned it might be”, and that “the collective nature and warmth of the session was gently handled”.
We are delighted that this gathering garnered such a positive response. We’re in the process of developing new in-person Café’s for different venues across England, so watch this space for updates!
ONLINE EVENT: The Forgiveness Café
Our online Forgiveness Café returns on Wednesday the 25th of February!
Join us for our first virtual gathering of 2026. Guided by storytellers, peers and members of our team, this session invites participants into a supportive space to reflect on, question and discuss forgiveness in our relationships and everyday life. You’ll also receive a set of resources to support your continued personal reflection after the event.
Date: Wednesday, 25th February 2026
Time: 4.30pm – 6pm GMT
Location: Online via Zoom
Ticket: ‘Donate what you can’ starting at £5.
We really look forward to welcoming you to this year’s first online Forgiveness Café! To book your place, please click the button below.
Help us bring forgiveness to 10 new communities
We’re excited to be growing The Forgiveness Café in 2026, and we need your support to make it possible.
Over the past year, we’ve seen how powerful it can be when people are invited into safe, non-judgemental spaces to share their experiences and explore forgiveness together. These compassionate conversations offer something many people are actively seeking: understanding, connection and hope.
Our goal is to establish 10 new Forgiveness Cafés in 10 communities worldwide, and we’re raising £10,000 to support this work. If you’re able to contribute, even a small donation will help us bring this quietly radical space to more people who need it.
With gratitude,
The Forgiveness Project Team
NEW STORY: Mari Johnson
Mari Johnson is the latest addition to our community of storytellers. In July of 2021, Mari lost her mother and stepfather in a fatal crash on the A1(M) in the north of England. Three years later, through restorative justice, she came face-to-face with the man responsible for their deaths.
“In the end I chose to forgive him because the rage was consuming me mentally and physically, and I couldn’t do it anymore. After that there was no animosity.”
Read Mari’s story by clicking the button below.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CFpUZ8K4q/?mibextid=wwXIfr
This might help some
Wonderful post. Ty!