Session #5: Building Better Connections: The Power of the Prosocial Matrix
Date: Thursday 3rd April
Time: 9.30am - 11.30am (venue open from 9am - 12noon for extra coffee/networking)
Location: Oasis Centre, Arundel Street, Portsmouth, PO1 1NP
In today’s fast-moving and interconnected world, strong and healthy relationships are key, whether in work, community, or personal life. This workshop, led by Sue Knight introduces the Prosocial Matrix, a down-to-earth, practical tool rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), designed to help people communicate better, navigate challenges, and build stronger connections.
Whether you're working in a team, managing difficult conversations, or just wanting to understand human behaviour a little better, the Prosocial Matrix offers a simple yet powerful way to make sense of interactions, foster empathy, and encourage collaboration.
What to Expect
Through interactive exercises and real-life examples, this session will guide participants through:
- The ACT Matrix, a framework for self-awareness, helping us recognise how our actions align (or don’t) with what really matters to us.
- The Prosocial Matrix, an expansion of this that helps groups collaborate more effectively by making shared values and common obstacles visible.
- How to spot patterns of connection and disconnection in relationships and use the Matrix to build understanding and trust.
- Practical ways to apply the Prosocial Matrix in day-to-day life—whether in difficult conversations, team dynamics, or community work.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explore the basics of the Prosocial Matrix and how it connects to ACT.
- Recognise how personal values and behaviours shape relationships and group dynamics.
- Identify actions that either strengthen or weaken connection with others.
- Apply the Prosocial Matrix in everyday situations to improve communication, teamwork, and understanding.
- Discover practical ways to build better relationships in personal, work, and community settings.
Who Should Attend?
This session is for anyone who wants to communicate better, work more effectively with others, or build stronger relationships, whether at work, in the community, or in personal life. If you're looking for ways to handle tricky conversations, strengthen teamwork, and create positive connections, this workshop will give you hands-on tools to do just that.
Portsmouth Mediation Service are supporting us with discounted use of their facilities, tea and coffee, and an excellent snack selection!
If you have any questions about this event, please contact civicuniversity@port.ac.uk
This seminar is hosted by the Relational and Restorative Practice Community of Inquiry Group. There are always a variety of interesting people attending and it's a great way to connect with others.
Accessibility and special requirements: We will endeavour to provide particular access requirements on request. If you have any access requirements, e.g. wheelchair access, hearing loops or specific neurodiverse requirements, please get in touch by Tuesday 25th March.
Parking: Parking in Portsmouth is extremely limited, we encourage you to use the train, bus, cycle routes, or the city’s Park ‘n’ Ride facility.