Monday, August 15, 2011


I have reflected much
on the UK Riots
and the aftermath.

I strive to understand.

Those that teach me
my educators
those I love too
are the young humans
from the street.

Those on the edge
those who I love.
It is those that I learn from.

I have had many responses
following my words.
Words reflected from feelings
and a life times experiences.

(I never intended to be this age
It just came with experience)

One email to me
I want to share with you.
It bites into me.
I love it.

Love the tone
the considerations
the yearn to learn

Dear Pip,
You probably do not know me. I read your thought and heartful postings regularly in the Social and Emotional Forum and I resonate with what you say. I admire your own courage for speaking from the heart – sometimes I find this difficult to do in educational settings myself for fear of being shot down by cynicism.

I have no easy answers to what has been happening so I turn to my anchor – the restorative framework I have developed to understand people better and , sometimes, support them in finding ways forward either as an individual or in groups - a framework based on five themes that inform my own life and work:

1) I wonder what is happening from the perspective of each of those involved. I’d like a chance to ask and listen.

2) I wonder what each one was thinking as they experienced the rioting, from inside or from the outside looking in. I wonder what impact these thoughts had on how each was feeling at the time. I’d like to understand.

3) I wonder if there was any realisation at the time of who was being affected by what was happening – and how.

4) I wonder what each one of these people was needing – and what needs were being met by what they were choosing to do, or indeed if their unmet needs were in fact met by what they were doing. I care about this.

5) I wonder how , if given a chance, these people could do to put right what has happened and repair the harm to property but also, and most importantly, to the connections with their friends, family and community.

I believe many of these people may be reflecting on what has happened and feeling some shame and regret – this could be toxic if it does not find a healing expression. Of course being held to account is important – but so is being given a chance to put things right – which is, for me, true accountability.


Could community healing circles be facilitated based around these five themes?
Could face to face restorative meetings between ruined shopkeepers/neighbours and the representatives from the young people be convened in a ‘no blame’ atmosphere?
Could schools look to how young people could be involved so much more from very young in learning how to care for and consider each other along the lines of your work and my work in this field?

Belinda Hopkins
www.transformingconflict.org