Portsmouth Community Schwartz Round - 'Why I volunteer'

Join us for our fourth Community Schwartz round in 2026

Schwartz Rounds offer a safe, confidential space to explore the human side of our worlds and work. Evidence shows they can help reduce stress and isolation, build empathy across roles, and strengthen team connection by breaking down hierarchies.

Originally developed for healthcare settings, Schwartz Rounds are now widely used in other areas, our programme focuses on people who volunteer or work in our communities or anyone that helps and supports people more generally.

Rounds are built on a simple idea: when people or staff feel supported, they’re better able to show care and compassion to others—and that can make a real difference to people’s experience.

For more information on the history of Schwartz rounds follow this link to the Point of Care Foundation

About Schwartz Rounds - Point of Care Foundation

What to expect

A Round can focus on different perspectives from a particular situation, or explore a theme such as “when things go wrong” or “a person I’ll never forget.” Experiences are shared from the panel member’s perspective—not the person involved—and the focus is on the emotional impact.

The rest of the session is led by trained facilitators, who guide an open discussion. They invite participants to share their thoughts and reflections on the stories. Their key role is to keep the conversation reflective, rather than turning it into a space for problem‑solving.

Facilitators also remind participants that Rounds are a confidential space, where the identities of both people and staff are protected.

Before and after the rounds we will serve hot drinks and cakes and encourage informal networking, reflection and conversation.

Info: Our three storytellers explore our theme in short stories, followed by reflection from the audience.

Info: A chance to chat with fellow audience members and informally network with refreshments.

Event venue & nearby stays

To be confirmed (Portsmouth), TBC, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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