Introduction
Come prepared to be radical, open, creative, and thoughtful. We will imagine what our Quaker communities could look like into the 2030s and beyond. What support will help us to get there? What is already happening across the country to help us flourish and grow?
These events are open to Quaker connected people of all ages. A full programme for age 3–103+ will be available, and 0–2s are very welcome with their adult companion.
Places are limited, and priority will be given to Quaker Life Representative Council, children, young people, young adults and families.
Each event costs £25 for age 26 and above. Your area meeting should support you to come. Age 0–25 are free. Please contact us on supportmeetings@quaker.org.uk if you are not part of an area meeting, or you have another financial difficulty.
The events are being run by Quakers in Britain, Woodbrooke Learning and Research, and Quaker Life Representative Council. They form part of the consultation on “Approaches for the Future: Faith, Inclusion and Growth - the Integrated Strategy for Supporting Quaker Communities 2026–2030". You can find out more about the consultation, and the strategy.
These events are about the support which is already offered to Quaker Communities. This includes local development workers, Woodbrooke learning, resources, events and networks which support role holders and other people to run our local Quaker communities.
Why should I come?
- You'll have an interesting day exploring how Quakers in Britain can thrive over the next few years
- You'll meet lots of interesting Quakers and can share ideas and experience
- You can offer your ideas and opinions as part of the wider consultation process
- You can find out what is going on in other Quaker communities, and take those ideas to your home community
- The biscuits will definitely be good, and we intend that the lunch, tea and coffee will be too.
Event programme
The same programme will be run at every event.
The events will run from 10am to 4pm.
Children and Young people (aged 3+) will have different options and choices during the day supported by Quakers in Britain staff. Young People (born before 01/09/2014) may attend without an accompanying adult with permission of their parent/guardian.
We will have three main sessions. The sessions will use a mixture of ways of working together. This will include being in pairs, small groups, large groups and individual reflection. We will talk, write things down as groups and individuals, and create a giant allotment from an exciting variety of art and craft materials.
We will also have time for meeting and greeting, eating, worship, chat, and being quiet.
Full event programme and extra information (PDF)
Dates and places
All events will take place from 10am–4pm. Arrivals from 9.30am. All dates are 2025.
- 13 September, Friends House, 173, Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ
- 27 September, Friends' Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS
- 27 September, Central Quaker Meeting House Champion Square, Bristol BS2 9DB
- 25 October, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2JL
- 8 November, The Priory Rooms, Quaker Meeting House, 40 Bull Street, Birmingham B4 6AF
- 15 November, Friends Meeting House, 6 Skinnergate, Darlington DL3 7NB
- 22 November, online (using Zoom)
Who should come?
These events are part of the consultation process about how Quaker communities are supported by Quakers in Britain, Woodbrooke and other Quaker groups.
It is important that we hear from a wide variety of people in and around our Quaker communities.
We hope to have someone from every area meeting in Britain attending one of these events. We are also keen to get a wide spread of ages. We also hope that people will come who are involved with Quakers, but in communities which are not part of our current formal structures. This might include online meetings for worship, people involved in young adult groups or Quaker camping groups.
How to apply
Please apply using the form which you can find at the links below.
Please note, you are applying to say that you are interested. We will then reply to say if you have a place, or will be on a waiting list while we make sure that we have covered our priority groups.
You do not have to go to the event which is close to home. There are advantages in people being from a similar area at the venue. But we know that dates don't work for everyone, and going somewhere further away might work better for you.
Here are the links to apply.
- 13 September, London
- 27 September, Manchester
- 27 September, Bristol
- 25 October, Edinburgh
- 8 November, Birmingham
- 15 November, Darlington
- 22 November, online
What does it cost?
Each event costs £25 for age 26 and above. Your area meeting should pay for you to come.
Age 0–25 are free.
Please contact us on supportmeetings@quaker.org.uk if you are not part of an Area Meeting, or you have another financial difficulty.
Lunch and refreshments are provided
We will be providing a vegetarian lunch for all participants. This will vary at different venues, as we will be using local suppliers.
We will ask for information about individual dietary requirements as part of the booking process.
Companions of age 0 – 2 are probably wise to bring suitable food.
We will have a range of drinks and snacks available, including biscuits and fruit.
Who is organising this?
The events are being organised by three groups working together.
Quakers in Britain staff members who are part of the Supporting Quaker Communities team (Quaker Life). This includes Local Development Workers, Youth Development Workers and our topic support staff. For more about the support we provide, visit the Quaker Communities page.
Our Youth, Children and Families team will be running the sessions for children and young people at this event. They will be supported by volunteers from our training team, and from our Youth Development Work patches.
Woodbrooke Learning and Development staff and associate tutors. Woodbrooke's learning programmes seek to support, inform and transform Quakers and others as individuals and communities. Through our learning we hope to nourish spiritual development, strengthen the Quaker community and enable and encourage work for a peaceful and just world.
Quaker Life Representative Council (QLRC). Quaker Life has a Representative Council which is made up of representatives from every area meeting. The Council provides a two-way channel of communication between Friends in their meetings, and the work which Quaker Life Central Committee and the Quaker Life staff team do.
The main purposes of QLRC are educational, inspirational and consultative. In 2025, we're focusing on the “consultative" aspect. QLRC have been part of developing these events, and their planning group are running one of the sessions.
What if I don't get a place?
There are other ways to take part in the consultation. You can find out about these on the Approaches for the Future 2026–2030 page.
The survey will be available for everyone in the autumn.
There will be opportunities for people who are part of some Quaker Recognised Bodies, committees and groups to take part in online consultation events. If you are interested in this for your group please contact supportmeetings@quaker.org.uk.