In a nutshell
Participants imagine they are guardian angels meeting in a pub to discuss their humans. It supports self-reflection and deeper integration of learning – and it can be a bit of a tear jerker.

Set up

• Best for groups who’ve already spent some time together.

• Works well in pairs or small trios.

• Quiet, comfortable space where people can talk undisturbed.

• Optional: bring or draw a pub sign for a playful visual cue.

Activity flow

1. Pub Scene Setup
   Participants are told:
   “Your guardian angels have popped to the pub for a pint. They’re here to talk about you – using your name or pronouns – with warmth, pride, and honesty. They only see the good in you, and the potential in you – and they speak about both your strengths, successes and struggles.”

   Background pub noise is a nice touch.

2. Angel Dialogue
   Pairs or trios take turns talking about their ‘humans’ in the third person.
   Examples:

   “Alex has really stretched himself lately. He took a risk asking for help, and that’s been a big shift.”
   “Jess been juggling a lot, but still showed up enthusiastically and thoughtfully throughout the project.”

3. Crown Moment (optional variation)
   After the initial chat, each angel is invited to offer their human a symbolic crown — for effort, growth, resilience, or something quietly powerful. Participants can draw their crown and write what it’s for. Works brilliantly with some groups but there needs to be a lot of trust and safety in the room.

4. Note-taking pause
   Time to jot down what stood out—either what they heard, or what they’d like to remember.

5. Debrief
   Gentle facilitated discussion:

   • What did you notice about speaking or hearing in the third person?

   • What did your angel see or say that surprised or moved you?

   • What crown did you give yourself—and why? (optional)

Results

• Helps participants integrate learning with self-kindness

• Encourages reflection on growth and effort, not just outcomes

• Makes vulnerability feel safer and more playful

• Especially resonant in multi-session programmes or milestone moments

• Steps out of critical and judgemental frames

Things to flag up

• Third-person language can help people be kinder to themselves

• Normalise emotional responses—this activity often touches people.

• Angels just talk about their human – not each other.

Riffs & variations

• BFF Version: “Your best friend is in the pub talking about you.”

• Team Tribute: Do it as a group, speaking about one person at a time.