A new kind of conversation is taking place in Twickenham this Thursday, aimed at people who would like to go a little deeper than the usual small talk.

Tickets here: www.circleofmeaning.com/nextevent

Circle of Meaning: Deep Conversations is a fortnightly in-person discussion group bringing together local people for thoughtful, structured conversations about subjects such as relationships, identity, purpose, change, belonging and what gives life meaning.

The next gathering takes place on Thursday 13 August at The Hare and the Moon on Twickenham Green.

Rather than being a lecture, networking event or therapy group, Circle of Meaning is designed as a conversation between equals.

Each 90-minute session centres around one carefully chosen theme. The evening begins with a short grounding exercise, followed by a question or idea for participants to reflect on. People then have time to talk in pairs or small groups before coming together for a wider group conversation.

The structure is intended to make it easier for everyone to take part, including people who might find a completely unstructured group discussion intimidating.

Organiser Andy Rohkraehmer created Circle of Meaning in response to something many people experience despite living in a busy city: plenty of contact with other people, but relatively few opportunities for genuinely meaningful conversation.

"There are lots of places where we can socialise, but surprisingly few where we can simply sit with other people and talk about the things that really matter to us.

"I wanted to create a space where people can slow down, listen properly and explore ideas together without anyone needing to have the right answer."

No previous knowledge of psychology, philosophy or spirituality is required.

The emphasis is instead on curiosity, listening and hearing different perspectives.

The group attracts people interested in personal development and the human experience, but Andy stresses that the meetings are deliberately different from therapy or self-help workshops.

You don't come to be taught or fixed, you come to have a good conversation.

The setting also forms an important part of the experience. Sessions take place at The Hare and the Moon, 24 The Green, Twickenham, with the current event format running for around 90 minutes.

For people who have found themselves missing the kind of conversations that happen naturally between old friends — or who simply want to meet other thoughtful and curious people locally — the organisers hope Circle of Meaning can become a regular part of community life in Twickenham.

Circle of Meaning: Deep Conversations takes place on Thursday 13 August in Twickenham.

Places can be booked through Eventbrite here: www.circleofmeaning.com/nextevent