Writing for Wellbeing
Use creative writing as a tool to feel better, increase understanding, connect with others and reduce stress
Writing for Wellbeing
Writing for Wellbeing is a creative and therapeutic practice to help us feel better. I run a series of workshops for groups, using writing as a tool to support emotional, mental, and physical health.
There is no pressure to be ‘good’ at writing; it is suitable for any ability.
We use structured writing exercises and prompts to express feelings and share experiences. This might include descriptions, journaling, creating metaphors, very short stories, poems, rhymes and other methods.
Participants usually find it fun, insightful, connecting and uplifting. Past group members have felt more confident both in their writing and in themselves, and forged strong bonds with other participants.
A creative writing for wellbeing group is not at all intimidating, or academic, and it requires no previous skills or experience. The tasks are always optional, and the joy of it is in coming together, sharing experiences, getting to know other people and ourselves better, and having fun trying something new.
Who is it for?
I run Writing for Wellbeing sessions for community groups. For example, for older people at The Churn Project in Cirencester, for people affected by cancer at Charlie’s Community Support in Gloucester, for people with mental health challenges, for new parents, for people bereaved.
How does it work?
If you have a group that you think might enjoy and benefit from trying this approach, please contact me.
I can run regular therapeutic writing groups or one-off sessions. To date, I have been commissioned by a charity to run a group, and the charity has found the participants. I am very open to working this way with more organisations, or to developing it in other ways.
A group runs well with 6-10 people, though there is some flexibility on this. If any adaptations are needed for your group, I am happy to discuss this. For example, if someone may need a scribe, or English isn’t their first language, or concentration may be difficult, we can usually find a way.
Please contact me to discuss your requirements.
“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”
Anne Frank
Client Testimonials
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"Wonderful group listening to every one’s experiences. Felt good each week and went away with a smile on my face."
Participant, The Churn Project
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"I enjoyed seeing everyone, listening to the poets and the non-poets, and the fun we had laughing at ourselves!"
Participant, Ageing Well
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"Made new friends and able to express myself openly."
Participant, The Churn Project
