You're welcome here. Find your voice. Be heard.
Welcome Voices runs friendly, playful workshops that help people speak up with confidence — in a new language, a new country, or a room where they have not felt heard before.
Come as you are. It's free, it's friendly and there's tea.
Move, play, tell, be heard
Every session is hands-on. You will not sit and listen to a lecture — you will stand up, have a go and laugh a lot.
Warm up
We move, stretch and breathe together. It shakes off the nerves and wakes up your voice.
Play
Games from the theatre rehearsal room. They are fun, and they build real speaking skills without you noticing.
Tell
You already have a story worth telling. We help you shape it and share it — in your own words.
Be heard
Step by step, you speak to the group with more confidence. Nervous? Good — that means it matters to you.
For people who have been left out of the conversation
Our workshops are for adults who want to feel more confident speaking up — at work, at college, at the doctor's, at the school gate or in their community.
- People new to Scotland, including people seeking asylum and refugees
- People building confidence in English
- People getting back into work or study
- Anyone who has felt they could not be heard
You do not need perfect English. You do not need any experience. You just need to come along.
“It's free, friendly and there's tea.”
- Free for everyone who takes part
- Small groups so everyone gets a turn
- With partners you already know and trust
- In person at community venues across Scotland
Three simple steps
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We team up with a local group
We work with charities, colleges and community groups. They know their people — we bring the workshop.
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You come along
Sessions happen somewhere familiar, at a time that works. Bring a friend if you like.
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Your voice grows
Over a few weeks you practise, play and share. Small steps count — and they add up.
Practical, playful confidence — grounded in real acting technique
Welcome Voices was founded by Karsten Huttenhain, an Edinburgh actor and coach with nearly 20 years' experience in theatre, film and education.
Actors learn to use their body, breath and voice to stay calm and be heard under pressure. We share those same tools in a simple, friendly way — so anyone can use them.
We do not try to “fix” anyone. People bring skills and stories. We help them be heard.
About usBring Welcome Voices to your group
Do you support people who would benefit from more confidence speaking up? We can run workshops with your group, in your space.
How partnering worksHelp more voices be heard
Our workshops are free for participants. Find out about our aims, how we measure change and how we are set up.
Information for fundersCome as you are. Bring your voice — we'll help it grow.
Want to join a workshop, or bring one to your group? Drop us a line. We'll reply within a few working days.