Starting on 5th February 2026 we will be running an Alpha Course here in Rural Ainsty.
Priscilla Smith interviewed one of those who took part in our last course to help explain what it is and what it’s like:
Hi Natalie, would you tell me about your experience on the Alpha course which you attended in 2020 I believe.
Why did you do Alpha?
I was invited by a friend you in fact! I was going through personal family struggles. You invited me along to do the course. I am very, very grateful for that; it was uplifting, mind opening, but it was very thought freeing and one of the main things I have learnt from it which was a bit of a struggle was forgiveness. I have learnt how to forgive. The power to be able to forgive really frees a trapped mind and maybe a trapped soul. It gives you the tools to be able to move forward in life and accept that forgiveness isn’t a sign of weakness or just throwing in the towel; it leads onto a better life. You are not carrying the weight of not being able to forgive. You don’t realise how much it really does weigh you down and affect your daily life.
It also gives you a different perspective on other people, be more sympathetic, empathetic to them as a person because you don’t know what people are struggling with; to be able to move forward and leave your baggage behind and live a better life.
It has totally changed my life. It has given me more tools to use I am so grateful for it – to be aware of things and people.
Could you describe the alpha course each week - what did you do?
We all met up in the dining room of your house (in Healaugh)
There was a TV screen which we sat and watched.
The Alpha course is divided up into little parts which we then discussed
It is a great way to socialise with people especially with people who aren’t in your circle.
Did you eat together?
Oh! the food! I have tasted things I have never had before! It opened up a new way of life with food!
It was like feeding the soul as well as feeding the mind!
It was just so nice like a big family, just sat chatting enjoying the meal together discussing the course that we have just started.
We split off into different groups and chatted about the things that we had heard and seen on the video. … [we listened to] people’s opinions. [It was a] nice community gathering of different people.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely.
I have always said Alpha courses should be accessed literally everywhere, schools, workplaces if it is doable, even hospitals. It helps get rid of the anger when people are sick. Should be taught everywhere possible.
I smile to myself when I see the Alpha course question mark – I think yes – yes to the Alpha course.
Natalie Kelly interviewed by Priscilla Wednesday 17th December 2025
To find out more and get involved: