The Common Ground Justice Project and The Forgiveness Project are partnering to launch a new participatory event: The Listening Ground – a guided conversation inviting people to share the stories behind their opinions on crime, justice and accountability.

Taking place at Nottingham Playhouse, this open-access gathering will bring together people from across the community- to reflect on how personal experience shapes public opinion.

The session will be led by Sandra Barefoot (Executive Director of The Forgiveness Project) Jacob Dunne (Author and Co-Founder of Common Ground Justice) and Joan Scourfield (Speaker) whose stories are portrayed in the play PUNCH at the Nottingham Playhouse. This event offers audiences and community members the opportunity to step beyond the story on stage and take part in a live, facilitated conversation.

At a time when debates about crime are polarised. The Listening Ground creates a structured and respectful space for listening and sharing stories. Rather than a panel or debate, it will be held as a circle conversation where participants are invited to speak, listen and contribute as equals.

This event marks the first Listening Ground gathering and will serve as a pilot for future events in other locations. Participants will be invited to provide anonymous feedback to help shape the next phase of the project as we work towards understanding the common ground.

The Listening Ground is open to all. No prior knowledge is required – only a willingness to engage thoughtfully and respectfully.

The Forgiveness Project is rooted in the belief that stories have the power to transform. We provide opportunities and resources for people to explore the complexities of forgiveness and have been holding a new grassroots initiative called the Forgiveness Cafes, including with the Grenfell communities. In a time when many feel unheard, divided, or alone, these offer something quietly radical: a space where people come together in meaningful conversation, to listen, to understand, and to explore the possibilities of forgiveness in everyday life.

 The Common Ground Justice Project is the only organisation dedicated to listening to the public on crime and justice, using those insights to promote bold policy change rooted in shared values. We are an independent, non-partisan organisation engaging people across divides to uncover popular and effective principles for bold justice reform, ensuring their adoption by whoever forms the next government.