Acorn in Scotland is a charitable organisation that believes active listening is the basis for healthy relationships and promotes it through the provision of high-quality training.

Modern technology has revolutionised personal and business communications. Individuals can speak or write to one another from the four corners of the world and accomplish in seconds what would have taken days or even months not too long ago. The 24-hour news media make a point of bringing breaking stories to huge audiences in real time even as events unfold. What has not changed at all at any time, however, is the need at the deep personal level for every individual to feel that when they need it their voice, their story, their concern is listened to.

Listening, really listening, means much more than just the mechanics of hearing words and noting information. It’s about caring for and valuing the other person, giving them the space to say what they have to say and responding in such a manner that signifies to them that they have been heard. It’s about not making assumptions neither about making judgements. It’s about an empathy that empowers people to make decisions for themselves.

Acorn in Scotland passionately believes that listening like that is fundamental to healthy relationships in every walk of life. It makes no apology that its Christian faith is at the heart of its work. It offers the benefit, however, to anyone or everyone, of any faith or none and in all cases without any conditions attached. Listening is a skill that can be learned and our aim is to develop listening people who will contribute to the creation of a listening culture within our society.

Acorn in Scotland, as part of the national and international organisation Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, has listening training available for any group in the voluntary and commercial sectors, within healthcare, schools and faith communities. We are confident of the potential impact that good listening can have for life, health and community.