Story exchange: a new approach to fostering empathy

A chance for students, patients and medical professionals to take part in an empathy-building exercise known as the ‘story exchange’.

Devised by the global empathy-building charity Narrative 4, the ‘story exchange’ methodology breaks down barriers by inviting diverse participants to step into one another’s shoes. Now working in thirty-five countries across the world, Narrative 4’s research shows that ‘story exchange’ participants come away feeling empowered and better able to understand others – all of which is key to achieving empathetic healthcare.

This two-hour workshop will bring together students, patients and medical professionals to experience the ‘story exchange’ first hand. The session will be co-facilitated by Professor Ruth Gilligan (University of Birmingham), and Erin Gilbey (National Literacy Trust). It will conclude with a reflection about how this methodology could be rolled out in healthcare settings more widely going forward.

• This event is free to attend, but please register using the link above