Our workshop on New Beginnings early in January attracted a full house on a rainy Saturday.
Activities included collage, free writing and writing inspired by poems including Mary Oliver's The Journey, Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken, and To The New Year by W S Mervin.
These are some of the comments from participants afterwards:
"I find writing like this joyful and therapeutic and can't motivate myself to do it alone."
"Stimulating activities and discussion e.g. using words, visual images and listening skills."
"I feel encouraged and inspired to give myself more time and space to play and to look within, and to express myself through words and pictures."
"The exercises helped to stimulate thoughts and you were both very encouraging and positive."
"I have really enjoyed the opportunities offered through the different exercises and the welcoming and generous attitude of you and the other group members."
"The exercises allowed me to freely write without pressure to achieve a certain standard. I didn't feel judged by myself or others."
"I was curious whether or not I could write. I've always written pretty factual and this was a good taster to explore my creative skills and write my first ever poem."
"Your way of introducing the writing gradually, easily do-able exercises and telling us we didn't have to share helped create a non invasive, friendly climate."
