Sharing a cuppa with friends is good for the soul. chichacha under a Creative Commons Licence

In Britain, where fear and anger of the ‘stranger’ next door is often promoted by politicians and the mainstream media, Friends And Neighbours (FAN) groups began as a network of people making a difference through the power of conversation.

The idea has now spread as far as Pakistan, all with the same structure and principles. Regular meetings of around an hour are held with the same opening and closing words and every attendee is given a certain amount of time to talk on a nominated topic.

Although the FAN charity, which supports these autonomously operated groups, does not consider itself an activist organization, it has brought people together and challenged perceptions within and between a diverse range of people.

This year the network celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Amy Hall speaks to FAN fans in England, Wales and Pakistan to find out what the meetings have done for them.

Download podcast.

Find out more at the FAN Charity website or follow @thefancharity on Twitter.

Thanks to Water Pageant for the music used in this podcast. Find out more about the band on their MySpace page.

Thanks also to Yuri Ferreira Nogueira and Floor Mattress whose music was used under a Creative Commons Licence.