Workshops and Courses
Learn more
What is this?
Workshops and courses are part of the Befriend Co-Learning Network, creating opportunities to explore community-building approaches, grow relational skills, and practise building connection together.
We offer a mix of short sessions and multi-week courses throughout the year for anyone curious about connection and belonging. Each one creates a rich mutual learning environment, working alongside our experienced facilitators and fellow travellers. Every listing shares more detail to help you sense whether an offering feels right for you.
Our signature offerings
We run a range of these throughout the year. Click on each one below to find out more and register your interest.
- The Possibility Fellowship
- Core Gift Master Facilitator Training
- Befriending Within
- Kickstart Your Community
What's on
Events in November 2026
| MonMonday | TueTuesday | WedWednesday | ThuThursday | FriFriday | SatSaturday | SunSunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
October 26, 2026 | October 27, 2026 | October 28, 2026 | October 29, 2026 | October 30, 2026 | October 31, 2026 (2 events) – “There will be no community without first communing.” — Nora Bateson We invite you to gather with folk in a spirit of radical hospitality and appreciative inquiry, where personal stories and ideas are shared.Because we are social creatures, feeling seen, heard and appreciated is vital to our health and wellbeing. In this space you can be your authentic self, be seen and heard without judgement, and explore personal and global questions from your lived experience. We practice a form of radical hospitality, being warm and friendly to those we know and those we don’t, by generously giving our attention and appreciation to others. Participants often leave feeling more alive, more connected, and more motivated. Some go on to take on meaningful projects, study, or community work. Others return to everyday life with fresh eyes and softer hearts. Sessions include storytelling, gift discovery, warm data labs, and much more. Come to all sessions or as many as you want. Dates: 8 and 22 August, 5 and 19 September, 3, 17 and 31 October, 14 November 2026 Eight fortnightly gatherings in Wellard where personal stories, radical hospitality and appreciative inquiry come together. Come to all sessions or as many as you want. August to November 2026, Wellard Community Centre. – A somatic listening practice for changemakers, community connectors, and kind-hearted humans. Befriending Within is a 10-week online course in focusing, a gentle, body-based practice of deep listening that helps you grow trust in your inner knowing and show up more fully in your relationships, from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a community connector, peer support worker, facilitator, or simply seeking a more grounded, compassionate way of being, this course offers tools for listening to the body’s felt sense, meeting complexity with care, and uncovering your own gifts and ways of contributing. Date: Saturdays A 10-week online course in focusing, a gentle, body-based practice of deep listening that helps you grow trust in your inner knowing and show up more fully in your relationships. Online event | November 1, 2026 (1 event) – An annual community event with stallholders, fun, games and activities. Befriend’s Thinking Partner, Peter, will be joining a Growing Connections Panel with two other speakers—Elizabeth Newnham, a disaster resilience researcher from Curtin University and Maureen Maher, 2022 City of Fremantle Citizen of the Year, for her work in community building. The panel is scheduled for 11.30am. Piney Lakes Reserve, Winthrop |
November 2, 2026 | November 3, 2026 (2 events) – “All significant change in the world has one deep root: the desire to belong” – Bruce Anderson For those of us working and volunteering in communities, belonging is often at the heart of what we’re trying to nurture, for ourselves and others. We create groups, programs, places and opportunities for people to connect. We welcome people in. We try to build communities where people feel seen, valued and able to contribute. That question of what each of us uniquely brings sits at the heart of how Befriend works. We call it a gift ethos and it’s infused in how we companion volunteers, walk alongside community members and support each other in our community practice. We invite you to join us for a rare and deeply engaging day exploring the practice of belonging: in our communities, in our work, in nature and in our own lives. We’ll be joined by internationally recognised community leader, storyteller and facilitator Bruce Anderson, who opens the day live from the United States and appears throughout in conversations recorded especially for us. Bruce is the Founder and Executive Director of the Core Gift Institute and a Faculty Fellow with the Asset-Based Community Development Institute at DePaul University in Chicago. For more than 30 years, he has worked internationally with communities, organisations and leaders, helping people uncover the gifts they carry, and tending the conditions in which hope and belonging can thrive. Bruce invites us, “Join us this day as we take a well-earned pause to learn about the action each of us can take to increase our own and others’ belonging. It seems simple and obvious on the surface, but there is much to learn when we make a commitment to encourage belonging in our work, in our community and in ourselves.” Bruce brings a unique combination of deep wisdom, soulful storytelling, warmth, humour and practical insight. The processes we’ll be working with are his, designed to help us discover the deeper wisdom, gifts and experiences we carry and how we might use them to unlock new possibilities. Across the day, members of the Befriend team will guide us on a co-learning journey through individual reflection, small group conversation and whole group activities, with Bruce alongside us on screen. We’ll explore the wisdom hidden in our own stories, including what our experiences of belonging and not belonging have taught us about belonging to ourselves, to others, to nature and to something bigger than us all. We’ll each uncover the unique abilities we naturally draw upon to help others feel welcomed, valued and connected… and notice what new capacities might be emerging in us. We’ll look at hope as a practice, including Bruce’s distinctive approach to three different kinds of hope—and how they can sustain us when the work of creating change becomes difficult or exhausting. And we’ll consider how to carry forward what matters, translating insights from the day into practical changes in our work, communities and everyday lives. Bruce’s stories and ideas open the ground, and we’ll learn as much from our own lives and from one another as we do from him. If you’re curious about what helps people belong, if you spend your time creating spaces where people can connect or if you could use some renewed energy, hope and perspective for what you give to others, this day is for you. You don’t need any background in this work. Whether you do it for a living, as a volunteer or simply because you’re the person who notices when someone’s on the edge of things – you’ll find a place here. Morning tea and lunch are provided as part of your registration. Please let us know of any dietary needs and accessibility requirements during the booking process. This event is organised by Befriend, as part of the Community Building Co-Learning Network. Supported by Lotterywest. A rare day exploring the practice of belonging in our communities, our work and our own lives. Hosted by the Befriend team, with Bruce Anderson joining live. – “When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.” — Kate DiCamillo If C.S. Lewis’s remark, “We read to know we are not alone,” resonates with you, this might be just the thing. Reading together invites sharing thoughts, feelings and personal stories. By reading slowly, we make the salon a place of contemplation, conversation and conviviality. We read not to master the reading, but to question what we know and believe. Reading together on personal and existential questions can help to connect, empower and calm us. It is also a form of radical hospitality, being warm and friendly to those we know and those we don’t, and generously giving our attention and appreciation to others. The salon is a loosely structured refuge for meaning-making. We read aloud, with anyone who wants to read a paragraph or so from the piece. Pre-reading before sessions is not necessary. Come to all sessions or as many as you want. Dates: Tuesdays 11 and 25 August, 8 and 22 September, 6 and 20 October, 3 and 17 November 2026 Eight fortnightly online gatherings for people who love reading and the conversations it sparks. A loosely structured salon for contemplation, connection and conviviality. Come to all sessions or as many as you want. Tuesdays, August to November 2026, via Zoom. | November 4, 2026 | November 5, 2026 | November 6, 2026 | November 7, 2026 (2 events) – ● A cozy get together for people who are making community happen (or are curious about Scones provided. The community welcomes you Sign up: Dome, Manning – A somatic listening practice for changemakers, community connectors, and kind-hearted humans. Befriending Within is a 10-week online course in focusing, a gentle, body-based practice of deep listening that helps you grow trust in your inner knowing and show up more fully in your relationships, from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a community connector, peer support worker, facilitator, or simply seeking a more grounded, compassionate way of being, this course offers tools for listening to the body’s felt sense, meeting complexity with care, and uncovering your own gifts and ways of contributing. Date: Saturdays A 10-week online course in focusing, a gentle, body-based practice of deep listening that helps you grow trust in your inner knowing and show up more fully in your relationships. Online event | November 8, 2026 |
November 9, 2026 | November 10, 2026 | November 11, 2026 | November 12, 2026 (2 events) – What if there is something about us all that goes deeper than what we’re good at? Your Core Gift isn’t a skill, a role or a personality trait. It’s the particular quality of contribution you naturally bring through who you are and the way you show up with others. It is revealed through your life experiences, including the challenges and moments that have changed you, and often becomes clearer when you look back at the difference you’ve made in other people’s Naming that gift can give us a different way of understanding ourselves and making choices about where and how we want to contribute. For many of us drawn to work that supports others, it can also illuminate something of why we do the work we do. This two-day training introduces you to the Core Gift Discovery® process, a guided conversation that helps people discover and name their Core Gift. You’ll experience the process yourself, learn how to facilitate it with others, and leave with a practical, structured process you can begin using straight away. The training also prepares you to become a certified Core Gift Master Facilitator, with a short period of practice and review afterwards to complete your certification. Sign up: Online event – Together We Bloom is a three part gathering series designed for female founders, entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, who want to nurture their resilience, deepen meaningful connections, explore how they can contribute to stronger communities and build businesses for social impact. In the fast pace of leadership, business and innovation, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, isolated or disconnected from purpose. This series offers a welcoming space to slow down, reflect and connect with other women who care about staying nourished, looking after self while increasing their contribution to community. Facilitated through a partnership between No Place for Poverty and Befriend, each gathering combines wellbeing practices, facilitated conversations, storytelling, mindfulness and creative activities to build supportive relationships with like minded women, and discover your potential as business leaders in doing good. What you’ll learn
Information about the gatherings Registering for the series gives you access to all three gatherings. Lunch, snacks and workshop materials are included. These sessions are less about a workshop in nature, and more about connecting, learning, slowing and creating together. Gathering 1: Developing inner and collective resilience 15 October 2026, 10am to 2pm This session offers space to pause, reflect and reconnect through practices including deep listening and storytelling. Participants will discover their unique gifts, explore what gives their lives and business meaning and experience how belonging grows when we recognise the gifts each female leader brings. Through a shared craft-ism activity, we’ll create a tangible reminder of how to build resilience together, and we’ll learn about the power of creating impact through social initiatives. Gathering 2: Connecting resilience to social good and business purpose 12 November 2026, 10am to 2pm This session explores the art of powerful questions and helps you build strong facilitation skills. You’ll learn why these skills help build authentic business relationships, foster meaningful partnerships and create impactful communities around your work. We’ll also explore the social issues you’re passionate about, discover practical pathways for local action and advocacy, and learn how you and your business can become powerful contributors to a thriving community and a purpose powered economy. Gathering 3: Turning gifts into action for your business and community 10 December 2026, 10am to 2pm In this final session, you’ll put all the learning from the previous gatherings into practice through a collaborative problem solving scenario. Working alongside other founders, we’ll identify how to turn your gifts into practical actions for greater social good. You’ll leave with fresh ideas and the confidence to take steps in fulfilling your purpose and creating positive community impact through your business. Who should attend Women who are:
Meet your hosts Tarsha Lucas (No Place for Poverty) is a passionate changemaker and community engager, inspiring civic participation and supporting people to take meaningful action. Elaine Olsen (Befriend) is a seasoned learning facilitator with expertise in Compassionate Systems Framework, Theory U, Warm Data Labs and Core Gift Discovery. More about No Place for Poverty and Befriend No Place for Poverty is building a movement for a Western Australia without poverty by strengthening civic participation, community connection and collective action. Befriend is a community building organisation dedicated to creating more inclusion and social connections in the world. Where Victoria Park Community Centre, 248 Gloucester St, East Victoria Park WA 6101 Ready to join us? You’ll receive prep information about a week before the first gathering. Got questions? Reach out any time. Tarsha: connect@noplaceforpoverty.org.au Elaine: elaine@befriend.org.au A three part gathering series for female founders, entrepreneurs and changemakers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, designed to nurture resilience, build meaningful connection and explore business for social good. Runs 15 October, 12 November and 10 December 2026, 10am to 2pm at Victoria Park Community Centre. | November 13, 2026 (1 event) – What if there is something about us all that goes deeper than what we’re good at? Your Core Gift isn’t a skill, a role or a personality trait. It’s the particular quality of contribution you naturally bring through who you are and the way you show up with others. It is revealed through your life experiences, including the challenges and moments that have changed you, and often becomes clearer when you look back at the difference you’ve made in other people’s Naming that gift can give us a different way of understanding ourselves and making choices about where and how we want to contribute. For many of us drawn to work that supports others, it can also illuminate something of why we do the work we do. This two-day training introduces you to the Core Gift Discovery® process, a guided conversation that helps people discover and name their Core Gift. You’ll experience the process yourself, learn how to facilitate it with others, and leave with a practical, structured process you can begin using straight away. The training also prepares you to become a certified Core Gift Master Facilitator, with a short period of practice and review afterwards to complete your certification. Sign up: Online event | November 14, 2026 (3 events) – A relaxed, community-led gathering bringing people together through books, shared food and Participants are invited to bring a pre-loved book to swap, contribute to a community potluck if ● Book Swap: Exchange pre-loved books and connect through shared interests. Sign up: https://events.humanitix.com/book-swap-and-potluck-sharing-books-food-and-community Vic Park Community Centre – “There will be no community without first communing.” — Nora Bateson We invite you to gather with folk in a spirit of radical hospitality and appreciative inquiry, where personal stories and ideas are shared.Because we are social creatures, feeling seen, heard and appreciated is vital to our health and wellbeing. In this space you can be your authentic self, be seen and heard without judgement, and explore personal and global questions from your lived experience. We practice a form of radical hospitality, being warm and friendly to those we know and those we don’t, by generously giving our attention and appreciation to others. Participants often leave feeling more alive, more connected, and more motivated. Some go on to take on meaningful projects, study, or community work. Others return to everyday life with fresh eyes and softer hearts. Sessions include storytelling, gift discovery, warm data labs, and much more. Come to all sessions or as many as you want. Dates: 8 and 22 August, 5 and 19 September, 3, 17 and 31 October, 14 November 2026 Eight fortnightly gatherings in Wellard where personal stories, radical hospitality and appreciative inquiry come together. Come to all sessions or as many as you want. August to November 2026, Wellard Community Centre. – A somatic listening practice for changemakers, community connectors, and kind-hearted humans. Befriending Within is a 10-week online course in focusing, a gentle, body-based practice of deep listening that helps you grow trust in your inner knowing and show up more fully in your relationships, from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a community connector, peer support worker, facilitator, or simply seeking a more grounded, compassionate way of being, this course offers tools for listening to the body’s felt sense, meeting complexity with care, and uncovering your own gifts and ways of contributing. Date: Saturdays A 10-week online course in focusing, a gentle, body-based practice of deep listening that helps you grow trust in your inner knowing and show up more fully in your relationships. Online event | November 15, 2026 |
November 16, 2026 | November 17, 2026 (1 event) – “When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.” — Kate DiCamillo If C.S. Lewis’s remark, “We read to know we are not alone,” resonates with you, this might be just the thing. Reading together invites sharing thoughts, feelings and personal stories. By reading slowly, we make the salon a place of contemplation, conversation and conviviality. We read not to master the reading, but to question what we know and believe. Reading together on personal and existential questions can help to connect, empower and calm us. It is also a form of radical hospitality, being warm and friendly to those we know and those we don’t, and generously giving our attention and appreciation to others. The salon is a loosely structured refuge for meaning-making. We read aloud, with anyone who wants to read a paragraph or so from the piece. Pre-reading before sessions is not necessary. Come to all sessions or as many as you want. Dates: Tuesdays 11 and 25 August, 8 and 22 September, 6 and 20 October, 3 and 17 November 2026 Eight fortnightly online gatherings for people who love reading and the conversations it sparks. A loosely structured salon for contemplation, connection and conviviality. Come to all sessions or as many as you want. Tuesdays, August to November 2026, via Zoom. | November 18, 2026 | November 19, 2026 | November 20, 2026 | November 21, 2026 (1 event) – A somatic listening practice for changemakers, community connectors, and kind-hearted humans. Befriending Within is a 10-week online course in focusing, a gentle, body-based practice of deep listening that helps you grow trust in your inner knowing and show up more fully in your relationships, from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a community connector, peer support worker, facilitator, or simply seeking a more grounded, compassionate way of being, this course offers tools for listening to the body’s felt sense, meeting complexity with care, and uncovering your own gifts and ways of contributing. Date: Saturdays A 10-week online course in focusing, a gentle, body-based practice of deep listening that helps you grow trust in your inner knowing and show up more fully in your relationships. Online event | November 22, 2026 |
November 23, 2026 | November 24, 2026 | November 25, 2026 | November 26, 2026 | November 27, 2026 | November 28, 2026 | November 29, 2026 |
November 30, 2026 | December 1, 2026 | December 2, 2026 | December 3, 2026 | December 4, 2026 | December 5, 2026 | December 6, 2026 |
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