Listening Exchanges

A research team from the GCHU and Primary Care was awarded funding from the University’s OPEN Network to explore a new community engagement method developed in Oxford, called “Listening Exchanges”. The aim of the Listening Exchanges approach is to bring together citizens with different views on specific policy approaches, to encourage mutual understanding, reduce polarisation and support community cohesion and resilience.

To hear more about the project, listen to a BBC interview broadcast on Tuesday 5th March 2024.

Full Report

Summary Report

Info Flyer

Listening Exchanges – listening to opposing perspectives on a contentious community issue

As the final report of the recent GCHU “Listening Exchanges” pilot project is published, Becks Sutton, a mediator on the project, describes the experience of working locally to explore ways of staying in respectful connection with our neighbours when we disagree.

Read the full blog

Can polarisation be addressed through community dialogue?

On 22nd January 2025, as part of the GCHU Public Seminar series, the Listening Exchanges was highlighted in the seminar: "Can polarisation be addressed through community dialogue?"

Chair: Dr Astrid Krisch
Speakers: Rebecca Sutton, Dr Caesar Atuire, Ed Hodgson, Kate Pumphrey

Watch the full seminar