2025 marks five years since the Covid pandemic led to a global lockdown. Which - at a time when we most needed connection - cut us off from those closest to us, and left many people fending for themselves. We're only just starting to understand the seismic changes to our lives, our relationships, and our society caused by the pandemic. But it's clear that these have been significant and long lasting.
In this session, we'll look at the impact on our friendships, and other close relationships in particular. Why did the pandemic have such a profound affect on these relationships? Is the damage that was done reversible? Have we really moved on - and what do we need to do to regain a sense of safety, control and connectedness - to ourselves, to other people, and to the world around us?
If you're someone who feels as though 'doing life' has felt harder since the pandemic, that your friendships & other close relationships were affected and haven't been the same since, and / or that you just don't have the energy any more to socialise in the way you did prior to 2020, then this impactful session will shed new light
We are expecting this event to be very popular, and we would ask all attendees to please respect the facilitators' instructions, so that we can ensure the event runs smoothly for all.
What is a Friendshift Open Event?
Friendshift by friendship coach Hannah Carmichael OBE is a small business offering courses, workshops, programmes and coaching services for thoughtful, reflective types (think friendly introverts!) who want more from their friendships.
Part of the Friendshift mission is to make it normal to talk about friendship, and our Open Events are a part of that mission! Open Events are completely free to attend, and are held every two weeks on a Wednesday lunchtime (UK time / GMT). Each Open Event covers a different aspect of modern friendship, and topics are usually prompted by conversations between Hannah and her clients, or previous attendees!
PLEASE NOTE that all sessions are recorded, and AI transcripted.
Slides and / or recordings are shared afterwards by email, and extracts may be used on social media and elsewhere. We will seek permission from those who feature where possible, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Who is it for?
Hannah's events tend attract thoughtful, reflective, independent types - most of whom are aged over 30 and prefer to connect in more stereotypically introverted / lower-key ways. But you don't have to be this demographic to attend - if the topic sounds interesting and useful to you, and you want to find out more about building better friendships in a safe, supportive space, then you are very welcome to join.
Why should I attend?
- A chance to hear from other people who are on the same learning journey as you.
- Walk away with practical, evidence-based advice
- Opportunity to seek advice and support on friendship issues that you're facing
- Safe, welcoming, introvert-friendly spaces
What if I'm worried about talking on camera / taking part?
It's absolutely fine to get involved in Friendshift Open Events in whatever way feels most comfortable for you. We're very introvert-friendly! Sessions are interactive, with plenty of opportunities to contribute and ask questions via the chat, and by coming on camera. And because we deal with real life issues, everyone benefits when ideas and experiences are shared. But if you'd prefer to listen in with your camera off, that's absolutely fine too. Participants are sometimes offered the chance to breakout into smaller groups to aid learning - if this is part of the session plan, it will be mentioned at the start to give you time to decide if you would like to take part.
Your Facilitator
Hannah Carmichael OBE is a mum-of-one with ADHD and a serious coffee addiction. She is also a leading expert and sought-after coach specialising in friendship & connection, and is regularly featured in publications such as Stylist, Psychology Today, The Guardian, and BBC World Service. She is an expert panellist for BBC Radios Oxford & Berkshire. As a reformed 'awkward type,' Hannah loves nothing more than to see her clients recognising their worth and value, finding the confidence to show up fully as themselves, transforming their friendships, and building deep, authentic, wholehearted connections in all aspects of their lives.
