Ucheldre

The first of two afternoon workshops. Part 2 to take place on Friday 16 August from 1pm – 3pm.

In this workshop for writing and wellbeing, we will use eco-therapeutic techniques developed from our connection with nature which have been proven to ease anxiety and depression, and promote our wellbeing, whilst enriching and informing our writing. We will use objects found in nature and sound recordings such as birdsong, running water, wind and rain, to promote responses through the senses, while engaging in writing exercises as building blocks for poetry and prose development.

We will also explore the benefits of keeping a journal. Research has currently shown that writing about  ‘what hurts’ can help improve our mental health. Bottling up emotions can lead to psychological distress. It stands to reason that writing might increase mental health, because it offers a safe, confidential and free way to disclose emotions that were previously bottled up.

Elaine Marianne Hughes MA  ( BACP ) is a published short story writer & bi-lingual poet from Ynys Mon. She is also a qualified therapeutic counsellor with a background in mental health advocacy and as a research facilitator for wellbeing ( Sheffield & Bangor universities).

Putting our thoughts on paper can do more than just create novel worthy prose – it can also give us a deeper insight into our very thoughts and emotions  – Christina Thatcher, ‘ The Independent, June 22 2021

‘ Writers Should Write Hard and Clear about what hurts’ Ernest Hemingway