Kenton Wellness Festival 2026: Conversations about forgiveness

Workshop title: Conversations about forgiveness

Name: Dr Kim Barker | [email protected]

Date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026

Time: 14h30 – 16h30

Venue: Bushmans Town Hall

Price: R 200 pp

Workshop info:

Exploring Forgiveness: A gentle, honest conversation

Forgiveness is something most of us have heard about, but it can mean very different things depending on our experiences. All of us know what it’s like to be hurt, sometimes in small ways, and sometimes in ways that stay with us for a long time. We also know that, at times, we have hurt others.

This workshop offers a space to reflect on these shared human experiences. Rather than presenting forgiveness as something you should do, we will explore it as one possible way of responding to harm, one that may or may not feel right, depending on your situation.

Together, we will consider what forgiveness can mean, when it might be helpful, and how to approach it with care, honesty, and respect for the complexity of our lives.

Participants can expect to gain greater clarity, a sense of space around difficult experiences, and a deeper sense of choice in how they respond to hurt.

What to bring: Notebook and pen

Short bio:

Kim is a pastoral therapist, facilitator, researcher and writer– she still hasn’t decided what she wants to be when she grows up! Much of her work has been in the area of abuse and sexual violence and she now helps international organisations to put measures in place to protect those who are vulnerable and prevent abuse and harm. She finds joy in beach walks, dancing in the kitchen, honest connection and her two grown-up daughters.