Spoon Carving for Beginners - April 2025
Don’t underestimate the humble wooden spoon, especially when it’s carved by your own fair hands.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Foundation Training
What is NVC ?
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a language for connection
It brings empathy, honesty, strength and compassion into our personal and professional relationships. It can help build bridges of connection between individuals, teams and organisations. NVC provides a structure for open and honest communication. Creating a space where individuals can express their feelings and needs without fear of judgment can be a catalyst for addressing underlying organisational issues NVC is based on the idea that conflicts and misunderstandings often arise from miscommunication and unmet needs. By using NVC principles, individuals can enhance their ability to connect with others, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships.
The ultimate goal of Nonviolent Communication is to transform communication patterns from defensive and confrontational to open, empathetic, and collaborative. It is widely used in conflict resolution, mediation, and personal and professional development, and it has been applied in diverse fields such as education, healthcare, organizational management and leadership.
Barry says, “NVC consciousness has transformed my relationship with myself, family, friends, community members and people I work with. I’m passionate about connection and collaboration that serves life – it fulfils so many needs for me.”
Prior to founding Communicating with Compassion, Barry gained over 20 years of leadership and operational experience in the public sector in children’s and adults services including Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND), Care Leavers, Children Looked After, Connexions, Programme Management, Strategy and Commissioning.
He has been part of the National Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Team, as the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber regional PfA facilitator, part of the facilitation team for the SEND national leadership training, and a proud supporter of the Time to Talk Next Steps Programme; having good conversations with young people to support good lives.
Barry also works with TSI Online co-founder and Wife Jo. They deliver Training in Systematic Instruction (TSI) to individuals and teams who support people with additional needs to lead good lives: being independent and having a good job.
For more information, please visit https://tsi-online.co.uk
About the Foundation NVC Workshop
• 2 Day workshop 9:30am – 4:30pm
• Our time together draws on the work of Dr Marshall Rosenburg and the Centre of Non-Violent Communication (CNVC) and provides a foundation in NVC.
• We will explore the steps of the NVC process, to listen with compassion to ourselves and others and discover how to express ourselves with honesty and integrity whilst caring for everyone’s needs.
• The course will enable you to start practising using NVC in your daily life, be that whilst at work, in the local community or at home. • The course is delivered in a fun, engaging and experiential way working with examples from participants’ working lives.
• Barry aims to create and maintain a learning environment where we can all learn and practise NVC together.
• Inclusion matters, Barry welcomes anyone no matter how you identify, your background, or access to financial resources. If you have any concerns around inclusion, we would be happy to hear from you.
• To explore together the four steps of the NVC process.
• Learn and practise new and effective compassionate communication skills in a fun, engaging and supportive space.
• To explore with curiosity habitual patterns of thinking, listening and expressing that are likely to be causing pain and suffering for ourselves and those around us.
• Connect compassionately with ourselves and others across our families, communities and teams.
• Support you to understand the things that really matter to you and request those things.
• Practice becoming more present and an effective communicator
This is a good fit for you if:
You are willing to come along for the whole two days.
You are wanting to develop deep listening, speaking from the heart with honesty and authenticity.
There is openness and curiosity to explore one’s own behaviour and patterns
You are keen to take away your learnings and continue practising by yourself and with others on the workshop
This is NOT a good fit for you if:
You cannot commit to the full two days of the workshop
You are not open to explore habitual patterns of thinking listening and expressing
You are not willing to participate in an engaging and interactive workshop in community with others
Day Information
This training will take place at Kith Homestead. An open, outdoor space set on a Yorkshire hillside. Whilst we have our fingers crossed for kind weather, it’s likely that it’ll be changeable. We ask that all participants come appropriately dressed for the weather with plenty of layers, a flask with a hot drink and shoes suitable for a homestead environment (walking shoes, wellies, trainers are appropriate)
We have a campfire which can be lit to huddle around in case the weather turns and a small yurt space to stay dry.
More information about the two days will be sent on booking or with a request for information at the email below.
NVC Two Day Training Costs
Limited spaces available
£150 per person - please see below for needs-based information
To make the work Barry offers available to as many people and organisations as possible, he take a needs-based approach to money, where everyone’s needs matter. If the cost of the training is a barrier for you (perhaps you would like Barry to receive more, or offer less than requested) please do get it touch. Because it matters to Barry that:
the work he offers is accessible to everyone and that yours and his (our) needs around financial sustainability are acknowledged
his energy and work contribute and supports compassionate communication, connection and collaboration
the energy and work of other NVC trainers with similar offerings is honoured and their needs for financial sustainability are also acknowledged.
To ask for more information or book a space on this training, please email lorna@kithhomestead.com.
You’ll receive a booking form and BACS details to secure a space.
Gnome Home Workshop
This annual event has become one of the highlights of the Kith year. Each December we gather all our supplies to create beautiful unique homes for our secretive little gnomey pals who take care of the homestead when we’re not around.
This workshop will begin with a reading from our favourite gnome book, then flow into a workshop suitable for the whole family.
With gathered supplies and a special treasure, each child (or grown up) will be able to design and craft a home fit for a gnome.
For ages 2+
£18 per gnome home
£12 for additional homes
You can either make a family gnome home (£18) or individual gnome homes (£18 then £12 for additional gnome homes)
Please make sure to pay accordingly when you book so we know how many resources we need to provide.
What to bring:
Warm clothes suitable for the weather with plenty more layers just in case
Wellies/walking boots
Drinks/snacks for your family (please no nuts)
Grand ideas for your own gnome home
What to expect:
This workshop is very hands on, using natural resources of all different textures. Each individual is invited to create a unique home from clay, wood, moss, leaves, sticks, pine cones, acorns, beech nuts and the like. This is a low-demand environment with options to create and craft around the homestead in a space which suits the individual(s). We’re very dependant on the weather so please keep that in mind when booking.
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Kith Homestead Workshop Cancellation Policy
At Kith Homestead, the safety and well-being of our families are our top priority. Due to the nature of our outdoor workshops, we may occasionally need to cancel a session in the event of extreme weather conditions (e.g., severe storms, heavy rain, high winds, or extreme heat).
Cancellation by Kith Homestead: In the event of extreme weather, we will notify participants by 8:00 am on the day of the workshop, or in certain circumstances, the day before. If a session is cancelled, we will offer options to rearrange for a future date or apply the session toward another event.
Cancellation by Participants: If a family chooses to cancel their attendance, please note that no refunds will be issued. However, you may transfer your spot to another family or friend for that session, provided we are notified in advance.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all!
Spoon Carving for Beginners - September 2024 - FULLY BOOKED
Don’t underestimate the humble wooden spoon, especially when it’s carved by your own fair hands.
Spoon Carving for Beginners
Don’t underestimate the humble wooden spoon, especially when it’s carved by your own fair hands.
Garden Gathering
Join us in the garden, a chance to get hands in the earth, together with the wonderful Kith community.
Homestead Connections - Feb FULLY BOOKED
For adults
A monthly gathering designed to awaken and deepen our practises in the natural world.
Knitting Together
From beginners to experts, these gatherings offer a space to engage with fellow enthusiasts, acquire new techniques, and develop your knitting craft all whilst in the safe supportive homestead environment.
Work Day - Oct
Our first work day of the season - bringing our beloved spiral back to life.
Lunch and all tools provided
The Seasonal Tablescape Adventure
Exploring the magic of seasonal tablescaping as you create a beautiful centrepiece handmade by you and your family.
Homestead Family Series
We’ve created this Homestead Family Series of workshops especially for parents wanting to spend time together with their children in the beautiful outdoor environment of Kith, learning and playing together.
Family Bushcraft morning
Join us at Kith with the brilliant John from Bozz Bushcraft for a special time together with your children. Under John’s expert guidance, you’ll head out around the homestead for an outdoor adventure.
This bushcraft morning workshop is designed to give you as a parent with your kid(s) time together to strengthen your relationships and learn new skills. You’ll gain confidence for all your family adventures and new skills to last a lifetime.
Natural Pottery Workshop - FULLY BOOKED
Rachel of 'Rachel in the Dales Pottery' will be leading a natural pottery workshop using stoneware clay to make either a hand-built bowl, jug or plate.
Homestead Family Series
We’ve created this Homestead Family Series of workshops especially for parents wanting to spend time together with their children in the beautiful outdoor environment of Kith, learning and enjoying a couple of hours of crafting and activities. Working with your hands you’ll craft something special to take home with you.
Men’s Bushcraft Day
Come and join us at Kith for our first mens day with the brilliant John from Bozz Bushcraft.
Take time to join like minded men for the day, as John leads you into the wild, learning bushcraft and survival skills.
Father and Child Bushcraft Workshop
This bushcraft morning workshop is designed to give fathers and children an outdoor adventure; taking time together to strengthen relationships and learn new skills. You’ll gain confidence for all your family adventures and new skills to last a lifetime. In the comfort of likeminded men, you’ll leave with a whole range of skills ready to put into practice.
Family Bushcraft morning
Join us at Kith with the brilliant John from Bozz Bushcraft for a special time together with your children. Under John’s expert guidance, you’ll head out around the homestead for an outdoor adventure.
This bushcraft morning workshop is designed to give you as a parent with your kid(s) time together to strengthen your relationships and learn new skills. You’ll gain confidence for all your family adventures and new skills to last a lifetime.
Stitches and Stories - Postponed - new date tbc
Weaving webs of stitches and stories to rejuvenate your clothes and recharge your soul. Bring garments to repair, learn sewing skills and listen to Carmel weaving stories as we share yarns.
Knitted headband workshop - postponed - new date tbc
Join Anthea Stock for a relaxing few hours in the yurt at Kith as she leads this workshop to make a knitted headband.
This workshop is for anyone whether you’re just starting out on your knitting journey, or you are more experienced. You will be provided with a pattern designed for your knitting competence, wool and needles, and under Anthea’s expert guidance you’ll knit a cosy headband to take away with you.
Fire Ceremony - January
Join us at Kith journeying with the sacred fire.
Time of the January Fire circle to be confirmed. Please contact us for times and booking.
Yule Family Event
We invite you to join us this winter for a special family event at Kith to celebrate this magical time of year; the festival of yule and the winter solstice.
Come and join with other families as we share seasonal treats, connect with each other around the fire, and explore the mystery and surprises this season brings.
Candle holder & wreath making workshop
We’re so excited to welcome Catherine Edwards to Kith to teach us how to make a beautiful leather candle holder and wreath perfect for your table or as a gift.
This is an outdoor workshop, a morning spent at Kith working to make your own unique natural leather and reclaimed wood candle holder and willow wreath creation, amazing!
Autumn Family Event - FULLY BOOKED
We invite you to join us this autumn half term for a special family event at Kith to celebrate this magical time of year; the festival of autumns end and the beginning of winter.
Come and join with other families as we share seasonal treats, connect with each other around the fire, and explore the mystery and surprises this season brings. Think apple bobbing, toasting marshmallows and pumpkins, intermingled with opportunities to reflect on the seasons passed, turning inwards and setting intentions for the coming season of winter.
Fire Ceremony - October
Join us at Kith for an evening journeying with the sacred fire.
Knitting Workshop
If you’ve ever wished you could knit OR teach your child how to knit, this is the perfect course to help you learn the basics. For adults, this workshop will give you the confidence and skills to start you on your knitting journey. Led by Anthea Stock
Wooden Spoon Carving - June
We’re so lucky to be welcoming Steve Tomlin back to Kith. Learn how to work with wood and specialist wood carving tools to create your very own wooden spoon. This is a day course with full instruction and guidance especially for beginners.
Click for more information
Natural Pottery Workshop
Rachel of 'Rachel in the Dales Pottery' will be leading a natural pottery workshop using stoneware clay to make hand-built bowls.