Module title: Personas

Activity 1

a) This is a quick understanding check. Ask the group to vote on the statement they agree with. If anyone chooses Statement 1, ask them to explain their choice. Check that everyone is happy with the correct answer before moving on.

b) Ask the group to work in pairs to discuss and capture their ideas and report back to plenary, when you can manage the discussion to draw out the key points.

Activity 2

It’s not a good idea to ask people to do this exercise on each other when they’re in the same room, as it may feel too personal and invasive. Instead, pick someone that the group will know who is significantly removed, perhaps even famous. As them to work in pairs to make two lists, one of ‘Facts’ and one of ‘Feelings’ (reflecting the empathy-based approach), and bring back into plenary to discuss.

Activity 3

This could be a discussion activity or you could create two groups and ask one group to prepare arguments for responding to the Doris persona while the other group argues for further research to be conducted. Make sure that all the key teaching points come out in the debate.

Activity 4

Depending on the needs of your group, this could be an individual activity where individuals work on action plans that you have provided in template form. Alternatively, you could do it as a group and fill in a plan on a flipchart together. Either way, make it as practical as possible and, if appropriate, follow up with people after the workshop to make sure that actions have taken place.