Sant'Egidio Presents: Bridges (of Peace)
About this event
Bridges, an event making space for transformation towards peace.
A spring gathering making space for transformation towards peace.
This event is for all members and helpers of Sant’Egidio at every level—whether you are new, growing in your journey, or have been part of the community for many years. Bridges (of Peace) is an invitation to come together as one community, to deepen our shared spirit, and to grow in our mission of friendship and service.
Have you ever felt called to bring more kindness and peace into the world? Join us in London for this free half-day workshop, running from 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm, with an early shared dinner from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Inspired by the Sant’Egidio way of living and serving, this new edition builds on Bridges (of Community) and invites us to go further into peace as a daily practice and a transformative force.
Together, we will explore practical expressions of friendship, listening, and inclusion, rooted in Gospel values and a shared commitment to the Community. In a time marked by loneliness and fragmentation, this gathering offers a space to deepen faith and rediscover the spirit of Peace, especially in places where it is most needed.
Through storytelling, shared experience, and interactive sessions, we will learn how to build bridges that connect people across differences, fostering unity, dignity, and hope. You will also have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of Sant’Egidio’s policies and ways of working (including the Sant’Egidio way itself) while growing in confidence to serve responsibly and compassionately.
This workshop also creates space to:
Learn more about safeguarding
Register interest in training to become a lead for the Wednesday rounds
Deepen awareness of mental health in the context of today's world and Christian values
We welcome all who desire to live out a Gospel of peace, kindness, and solidarity and who seek to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Come and join us in this journey of encounter, formation, and mission.
🌱 Skills You Will Have Developed
Active listening & empathy – especially through inclusion and conflict workshops.
Constructive communication – including how to handle difficult conversations with kindness and confidence.
Storytelling for connection – learning how to share and listen to stories that build bridges within and beyond the Community.
Conflict resolution – techniques for de-escalating tense situations while preserving dignity and safety.
Feedback & self-reflection – how to give and receive feedback in a respectful, helpful way.
Team collaboration – through group workshops and activities designed to foster unity and synergy.
Welcoming others – practical skills for hospitality and inclusion, particularly for newer or different voices.
Cultural sensitivity – an increased ability to navigate differences with curiosity and care.
Mental health awareness – understanding basic principles of first aid and practices for sustaining all our own wellbeing while serving others.
📚 Knowledge You Will Have Gained
A deeper understanding of the Sant’Egidio way – its origins, principles, and how it applies in the UK context.
Deeper knowledge of Sant’Egidio policies and ways of working – including safeguarding practices and responsibilities.
The role of inclusion in our mission – and the principles that guide it.
The importance of encounter and story-sharing – drawing from figures like Floribert and William Quijano.
How to stay safe while serving – how we handle DBS checks, procedures, and practical resources for handling difficult situations.
The spiritual foundation of our community life – inspired by Scripture, Andrea Riccardi, and the saints.
Tools to grow in unity – including concrete steps for collaboration, friendship, and shared mission.
Ways to take responsibility in service – including how to register and train to become a lead for the Wednesday rounds.
How to access and use Sant’Egidio resources – such as training materials, the website, and the Spaces App.
Bridges (of Peace) is not just an event: it is an opportunity to grow, to serve, and to become artisans of peace in everyday life.
🕰️ Schedule
Welcome 1.30 pm - 2.30 pm
Welcome, nibbles, treats - Aula Magna
Session 1
Choose from Session 1a or 1b, depending whether it is your first time in Sant'Egidio or you are a veteran helper. These will be in breakout rooms.
Break 3.15 pm
A time to mingle and have some snacks and drinks - Aula Magna
Sessions 2 & 3
All-participants interactive sessions - Aula Magna
Conclusions and Dinner 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm
A time to socialise whilst eating together - Aula Magna