taster session: wellbeing facilitators' Action Learning Set

This is a one-off taster session for a monthly in-person peer-facilitated Action Learning Set (ALS) starting in early 2026 in central Hove (BN3 3ED).

What is an ALS?:
An ALS is a practical, action-based set of group sessions, where people in similar circumstances support each other, using a simple, clear, and powerful reflective structure, held by an experienced facilitator. The Set contains the same small group of people and meets monthly for an arranged amount of time.

Central to the ALS is the format: a structured space where people develop asking open questions of each other, offering thoughtful curiosity-based support for discovery and exploration of own solutions rather than giving advice. It's an empowering format as it recognises that every person's journey is unique and supports their development - which in turn strengthens the community.

Who is offering this and why?:
The sessions are being offered by me, Bela Emerson: a qualified and experienced ALS facilitator who also facilitates workshops and sessions to support people's wellbeing, personal development, and connection with themselves and others. I'm founder of Brighton & Hove Music for Connection & Brighton Cuddle Space.

I'm offering this space because ALSs I've participated in have helped me so much with the part of the work I find more challenging: the business / admin side. What's valuable to me (and others) in an ALS includes exploring issues, hearing myself say things out loud to empathetic peers in a non-judgemental space, accountability, developing networks, supporting and being supported, trying new things. The skill of asking open questions has also helped me with spaceholding and being present for others outside of sessions.

The monthly group:

I'm gathering 6 people to do this monthly in-person with me for an initial four months. I’ll be participating in the Set rather than doing this as a commercial venture, so this means the cost will be low: £10 per 2.5hr session, to cover basic costs (room hire etc). It's the same people at each session, to create a strong group, where we develop trust and safety.

Who it's for:

This ALS is specifically for people who are self-employed / small business owners who facilitate groups for people's wellbeing, personal development, and connection (eg: yoga, voicework, breathwork, sensuality gatherings, mindfulness sessions etc etc).

What this isn't:

Though emotions can arise in the ALS - and all of you is welcome - this isn't a space to replace personal therapy or clinical supervision. This Set is focused on the business elements of this field of work.

This taster session:

This session is a taster for people to find out more about the sessions (which will start in the new year)- we'll be doing a mini-ALS, practising open questioning, discussing practicalities and the format. Coming to the taster doesn't mean you need to join the ALS - though if you want to join the ALS you need to attend the taster.

More info about ALSs here: www.actionlearningbrighton.com