Empathy without agency can leave us standing on the sidelines (I said that, 2026) We often talk about empathy as though it is the answer. If we could only understand what another person was feeling, we assume, we would treat them differently. We would notice their discomfort. We would recognise when something was wrong. We … Continue reading Strategic Empathy: The Missing Link Between Understanding and Action
Why Picasso may have accidentally explained the psychology of active bystandership.
“We don’t grow older. We grow riper.” — Pablo Picasso I was wandering around a bookshop recently with my book-mad wife. I stumbled across this quote from Pablo Picasso. In my work, I often talk about the transitions in our lives. From our early years to our teenage years. From our teens into our 20’s … Continue reading Why Picasso may have accidentally explained the psychology of active bystandership.
We Know What Works. So Why Don’t We Do What Works?
When we talk about preventing sexual violence, there is a question we often return to: What works? It is an important question. We need good evidence. We need interventions that have been properly evaluated. We need to understand what changes behaviour, challenges harmful social norms and creates environments in which sexual violence is less likely … Continue reading We Know What Works. So Why Don’t We Do What Works?
When We Pull ASOne, There Is Nothing We Can’t Achieve – Why cultures of support bring out the best in all of us
Andy Burnham's words at the Labour conference yesterday are powerful: “When we pull as one, there is nothing we can’t achieve.” For me, these words capture something fundamental about the purpose of my ASOne active bystandership programme with Policing, Fire & Rescue and military settings. They speak to the potential of people who look out … Continue reading When We Pull ASOne, There Is Nothing We Can’t Achieve – Why cultures of support bring out the best in all of us
What If We Stockpiled Human Connection?
We are very good at stockpiling things. We fill our cupboards with food, our garages with possessions, and our bank accounts with money. We prepare for uncertain times by accumulating resources, hoping that when we need something, it will be there. We understand the importance of preparing for scarcity. But what if there is another … Continue reading What If We Stockpiled Human Connection?
