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Listening guides

Templates to host a discussion on the topics raised in the Bridging Divides podcast series.

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What is Bridging Divides?

In a world that feels more divided than ever, Bridging Divides is designed to help you find clarity and connection. In our three-part podcast series, experts and practitioners help us break down what’s happening around the country, and what we can each do to build stronger, kinder and more connected communities.

That’s why we’ve created these listening guides - because one conversation can spark another, and together those moments create a ripple effect of compassion that has the power shift the world around us.

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What do the resources do?

To accompany each podcast episode, we’ve made listening guides to help you lead discussions around division, navigate disagreement and difficult topics, and find common ground.

This includes questions for group discussion, prompts for reflection and instructions for games and role-playing to help bring these ideas to life.

Who are these listening guides for?

We designed the listening guides for anyone who wants a simple, structured way to share the ideas from the podcast and have helpful conversations. There’s one guide for each episode, and they should take around 50 minutes to complete.

Perhaps you’re a teacher, looking for a way to talk about division with your students, or a community leader wanting to lead a thoughtful group discussion about difficult discussions.

We’ve developed the guides with 15–19-year-olds in mind, although you might find it helpful for other ages. Please look through the content to check if it’s suitable for your students  – and if you don’t think this works for your group but would like us to create something that does, please let us know!

How should I use these resources?

These Listening Party packs should be used by facilitators for group sessions. There are three resources, one for each episode. Instructions for the facilitator are in the slide notes.

You don’t need to have listened to the podcast episodes to run the sessions, but they might help you have better discussions with your groups.

You can find all three episodes of the Bridging Divides podcast here.

This resource isn’t what I’m looking for right now. What else can I do?

We’re glad you asked! This set of listening guides is just one part of Bridging Divides. Of course, it won’t be helpful for everyone – so we’d love to hear what would help you most. Bridging Divides is something we’re growing together, so please email any of your feedback and suggestions to bridgingdivides@redcross.org.uk.  

In the meantime, use these practical tips to help you bridge the divides in your life.

Bridging Divides resources

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    Practical tips

    Practical tips to help you bridge the divides in your life, shared by our expert guests. 

  • A graphic design with a textured red background featuring overlapping rounded rectangles in dark red, mustard yellow pale blue, beige and green. In the centre is a white rounded rectangle with a burgundy newspaper icon. The shapes create a layered, connected look that reinforces the theme of unity.

    Impartial information

    Impartial information on topical issues, including unique insight into international crises from our colleagues on the ground.

  • A graphic design with a textured mustard‑yellow background featuring overlapping rounded rectangles in red, beige, green, white, and light blue. On the right side, bold white text reads “Bridging Divides.” The shapes create a layered, connected look that reinforces the theme of unity.

    Bridging Divides toolkit

    All of our podcast episodes, tips and strategies to help you feel more equipped during divisive conversations.