Welcome to Lapidus International
The Words and Writing For Wellbeing Community
Lapidus International is a membership organisation open to everyone with an interest in words for wellbeing.
We support and champion words and writing for wellbeing through development opportunities, exclusive member events, access to the latest research, and more.
We offer a supportive network to enhance both personal and professional wellbeing practice.
What Is Words and Writing For Wellbeing?
Words and writing for wellbeing is the use of words to explore thoughts, express emotions, and support personal growth. It’s not about perfect grammar or literary skill, it’s about connecting with yourself through journalling, poetry, storytelling, or reflective writing. Whether used in a group setting or privately, writing can be a powerful tool to process experiences, build resilience, and find clarity.
At Lapidus, we celebrate writing in all its forms as a gentle, creative way to nurture emotional, mental, and social wellbeing. Find out more in our handy guide to writing for wellbeing.
Upcoming Events
“A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom” says Robert Frost.
Join us for an inspiring and experiential online workshop designed to uplift your spirit through the power of poetry, expressive writing and meaningful dialogue.
Writing Coffee & Conversation is a refreshing online gathering that helps busy minds slow down. This unique session invites you to experience poetry as a gentle, supportive hand on your shoulder, offering insight and tools for resilience and connection.
Our series of monthly workshops are attended by people from all over the world. It’s become a community of people who share, write, and explore without worrying about spelling, grammar, or style.
To join, simply bring your favourite coffee or tea, pen and paper and an openness to share space with others.
Charmaine Pollard is an experienced certified poetry therapist, accredited by the International Federation for Biblio Poetry Therapy (USA), a counsellor and a coach with a passion for leading therapeutic writing workshops to promote health and wellbeing.
“A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom” says Robert Frost.
Join us for an inspiring and experiential online workshop designed to uplift your spirit through the power of poetry, expressive writing and meaningful dialogue.
Writing Coffee & Conversation is a refreshing online gathering that helps busy minds slow down. This unique session invites you to experience poetry as a gentle, supportive hand on your shoulder, offering insight and tools for resilience and connection.
Our series of monthly workshops are attended by people from all over the world. It’s become a community of people who share, write, and explore without worrying about spelling, grammar, or style.
To join, simply bring your favourite coffee or tea, pen and paper and an openness to share space with others.
“A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom” says Robert Frost.
Join us for an inspiring and experiential online workshop designed to uplift your spirit through the power of poetry, expressive writing and meaningful dialogue.
Writing Coffee & Conversation is a refreshing online gathering that helps busy minds slow down. This unique session invites you to experience poetry as a gentle, supportive hand on your shoulder, offering insight and tools for resilience and connection.
Our series of monthly workshops are attended by people from all over the world. It’s become a community of people who share, write, and explore without worrying about spelling, grammar, or style.
To join, simply bring your favourite coffee or tea, pen and paper and an openness to share space with others.
An informal, friendly, online therapeutic creative writing group (of no more than 8 participants).
Theme: Keeping the fire burning – exploring passion, purpose and what makes us feel alive
This ongoing monthly therapeutic/expressive writing group is for anyone who enjoys (or thinks they might enjoy) writing for pleasure or to develop self-awareness, self-understanding and self-connection. Using prose excerpts, poetry, images and other prompts, this group invites you to explore your inner and outer worlds through writing. Sharing your writing is always optional but the invitation is there to share and discuss your writing or discoveries with others.
A training event for Counsellors, Psychotherapists or other Helping Professionals
Join us to explore the many different ways in which reflective writing practices can be used for therapeutic purposes, including journalling, unsent letter writing, free writing, dialoguing, writing from images and the use of poetry. This training will support professionals to safely and effectively use reflective writing in their work. Certificates provided for 6hrs of CPD.
Concessionary rate for students/low income.
Neuro Scribbly (Monthly): Welcome to the Unmasked Pages
Sundays: 15 Nov | 13 Dec | Jan date TBC | 4-6pm (BST) £25
A monthly writing for wellbeing space for the neurodivergent community, and open to all.
Spend two hours engaging in gentle writing prompts and journalling activities. I’ll also share a poem, piece of writing or image/photography in each session for us to explore.
The format:
The first hour includes a short introduction, a warm-up writing prompt, and a shared poem. We’ll explore our emotional responses to it rather than literary analysis.
After a short 5-minute break, the final 55 minutes will offer a range of journalling prompts, with space to write, reflect, and (if you wish) share and explore what’s arisen.
I’m hoping this will become a monthly group. This first session is a chance to begin and see what unfolds.
Two free spaces are available for unwaged individuals. Please email for details.
Come as you are…
• Keep your camera off if that feels more comfortable
• No expectation to share anything you write
• You’re free to step away or leave early if needed (prompts can be sent after)
• Take breaks whenever your body or attention needs them
• Come as you are – fidgeting, moving, doodling, lying down all welcome
• Gentle, flexible pacing (nothing timed too tightly)
• You can engage in your own way – writing, thinking, or simply being there
Join Lapidus International...
…from as little as £6.30 per month.
As a Lapidus Member, you are part of a supportive, international community who believe in the power of using words to enhance and transform.
You’ll receive a monthly newsletter, get discounts on events and training, have access to our online library of Lapidus journals and more. All for as little as £6.30 per month!
Lapidus News
Our vision
In these times of global upheaval, where words can be debased, Lapidus International will not compromise.
We know that writing endures as a way to express suffering and joy, healing and belonging in the intersection of personal circumstances and social conditions.
Through practice, research, publishing, and partnerships, we recognise words and writing as an accessible force for wellbeing, activism and therapy.
Our membership reflects the voices of all communities, including those who have been discounted, prohibited, displaced and under-served.