Event Round Up
There are a lot of events going on at the moment, run both by ourselves and our members. We don't want you to miss out, so please find below a summary of the events happening over the next few months. We'll continue to update it every time someone sends in something new! (All times are in UK time unless otherwise specified)
Are you running an event? Let us know by emailing the details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Next Lapidus Events
Every Poem Breaks a Silence, October 13th, 20th, 27th
Creative Bridges International 2021, September 18th- 19th
Next Member Events
Melancholy Owl Writing for Wellbeing Sessions - where hungry ghosts meet literary ghosts
Date: Ongoing weekly sessions starting September 2021
Time: For a timetable with exact dates and times of sessions please contact Lizzy Barmak (details below.)
Where: Muswell Hill Methodist Church 28 Pages Lane London N10 1PP
Cost: £12 per session - cash on the day or £88 for 8 sessions paid in advance - bank transfer.
Description:
Reading brings you into communication with ghosts; characters from a long-gone era reveal themselves and their life stories through the words on the page. Writing gives expression to our own ghosts: regrets, longings, memories, dreams, shadows… as well as creating characters who will become ghosts to those who chance to read your work in the future.
My Writing for Wellbeing sessions bring creative writing and biblio/poetry therapy together to help participants gain insight into their inner world, explore their existence and find comfort in shared experience. I use emotive stimuli including music, aromas, images, and imaginative prompts and exercises to encourage expressive and reflective PEN AND PAPER writing in a variety of forms, e.g. poems, vignettes and letters. The sessions always begin with a mini meditation and finish with the reading of a poem for quiet contemplation and/or to open up a dialogue about our responses to the words.
No experience of creativewriting needed and remember, we needn’t be certain of a poem’s meaning to engage and be stirred by it.
Contact details: If you have any questions or would like to pay for 8 sessions at a time in advance, please email Lizzy Barmak: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Let this Poem be a hand upon your shoulder
Date: 15 + 29 Oct, 12 + 26 Nov 2021 + 10 Dec 2021
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Cost: £15 plus booking fee
Description:
In times of crisis and uncertainty, poetry can bring comfort and healing. Let this poem be a hand upon your shoulder consists of a series of workshops that can help you build your resilience as you connect with others in these challenging times.
The theme for the workshops was inspired by a poem written by Deborah Cooper. We will use carefully selected poems as a springboard for writing, reflection, and dialogue. The workshops are for anyone who wants additional resources, in these unsettling times. It is for those who enjoy creativity, journaling, writing for personal or professional development.
No prior knowledge of poetry or expressive writing is required; you simply need to be willing to share, reflect and experiment with words in a supportive environment.
With Charmaine Pollard.
Bookings via Eventbrite
Studies of the Sea in Poetry: Reading and Writing Workshop for Wellbeing – London Literary Salon
Date: 21, 28 September
Time: 4pm - 6pm
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: £15 per session
Description:
Like a fresh swim in the ocean, restore your zest, build your resilience and recharge your creativity. We’ll use the poetry of the sea — a metaphor for life with its ebbs and flows, its constant change — as our wading-in point for writing, reflection, and dialogue.
Together, we will practise shared reading and use a blend of creative, expressive, and reflective writing approaches. In this supportive, confidential space, you will have the opportunity to share your writing (though you are never obliged to do so), as well as reflect on others’ writing.
No formal experience or preparation is needed, just a willingness to dive in! Simply bring a desire to share, reflect and experiment with words (and paper and pen). This workshop is about self-development rather than literary-development.
Register through London Literary Salon: https://www.litsalon.co.uk/events/writing-for-well-being-studies-of-the-sea-in-poetry/
About the Facilitator: Alison Cable (BA, MA English Literature) was a university lecturer (writing and literature) in the US before moving to London. Alison has volunteered as a primary school librarian, written a novel for young adults, and regularly attends the London Literary Salon. She recently completed a Certificate in Counselling. She volunteers as a group leader for The Reader Organisation.
Land Speaks, Heart Writes
Date: 25th September, 2nd October
Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Where: Todmorden, West Yorkshire (11th September), Hebden Bridge Hostel, West Yorkshire (25th September), Bridport, Dorset (2nd October)
Cost: Pay As You Feel £50-£80
Description:
A one day workshop bringing together vision quest in nature with creative writing.Seeking insight and inspiration from the land, we spend time outside connecting deeply with nature. Bringing back her whispers and wisdom, there is time to write using journalling, story or poetry. Finding and articulating your vision, we complete the day with the powerful experience of sharing words in circle under the sky. Land Speaks, Heart Writes takes place 3 different beautiful locations in Autumn 2021. With experienced writer, medicine-walker and facilitator Emma Decent.
For more information and to book please see https://emmadecent.co.uk/land-speaks-heart-writes/ and email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Wheel of Nature Writing Workshop
Date: Recommences Thurs 16 Sept 2021, then weekly
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Where: Online
Cost: Pay as you feel £10 to £15
Description:
The Wheel of Nature Writing Workshop takes place online every Thursday 1pm-3pm UK time recommencing Thurs 16 Sept 2021. In this workshop we explore the Wheel of Nature using creative writing and other nature-based and healing practices. Building a stronger relationship with natural cycles and elements, we create poetry, prose, journalling and/or life story, deepening connection with ourselves and nature, and developing a nurturing and enriching writing practice. A weekly drop-in workshop with no commitment, first session free. With experienced writer, medicine-walker and facilitator Emma Decent.For more information and to book please see https://emmadecent.co.uk/wheel-of-nature/ and email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nature and Wellbeing, part of Enfield Big Green Climate Festival
Date: Friday 24th September 2021
Time: 18:30-19:30PM
Where: Online by Zoom-all registrants will be sent a Zoom link on 20th September
Cost: Find out more about the festival at https://www.encaf.org/festival-calendar
Description:
Local doctor, poet, writer and Writing for Wellbeing Facilitator (http://storiedselves.com/) Dr Roshni Beeharry will give an overview of the health benefits of being in nature and natural environments.She will invite you to share your own experiences and by writing in response to stimuli from the natural environment around you, in a guided Writing for Wellbeing exercise.Lapidus London Meet Up
Date: 25th September
Time: 1pm to 3:30pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Description:
Looking forward to catching up with our regulars and inviting any new members to join us too.
Marie Therese, one of our regulars, will share her love of journaling / capturing time.. There will be opportunities to write and optional sharing of our writing.
We always have a space at the end for members to share their news regarding work they are engaged in or planning.
Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you wish to attend. You will receive the zoom link on the Saturday morning.
An Online Writing Series for Self-Discovery and Wellness
Date: 28th September (for 6 weeks) every Tuesday
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Cost: £60 (US $85) for 6 weeks
Description:
This series offers a safe and creative space to harness and explore your nocturnal world using poetry, writing exercises and journaling, to help you to discover new insights, deepen your connection with your unconscious mind, and to understand yourself better. Notice what your dreams are signalling to you and learn to embrace and explore anxiety dreams or nightmares. Each week we will focus on a different function of sleep and dreams.
Held via Zoom. To book email me: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Love & Loss Weekend Workshop (face to face)
Date: 2nd-3rd October
Time: 10am - 5pm
Where: The Artworks London Bridge, 60A Weston St, SE1 3QP
Cost: £140 / £100 (concessionary rate)
Description:
Practitioners Residential Retreat
Date: 4th to 8th October 2021
Where: Online
Cost: £595, all inclusive of workshops, meals, drinks
Description:
For those working therapeutically in the field of Writing for Wellbeing with time to connect, reflect and re-charge. A four night fully-catered stay in the English Peak District.
- Morning meditation circles
- Three workshops each day, with free afternoons
- Evening activities as a group
- Fully catered with local produce, including afternoon tea and cake
- A range of coffees and teas, cordials and juices
- Comfortable double rooms with writing desks
- Fireglobe and cacao on final evening
Writing for Calm and Relaxation
Date: Tuesdays from 5th October 2021 6-8pm (for six weeks)
Where: Online
Cost: £55
Description:
Writing can be a powerful tool to still the mind and promote relaxation. In this course, we’ll explore different ways of using words to find calm and mindfulness. No writing experience is necessary; all you need is a pen, paper and a willingness to explore where the words take you.
The tutor is Alexandra Weston, an experienced tutor with a strong interest in writing for well-being. She runs an online mindful writing group and is a member of Lapidus.
To enrol go to: https://www.york.ac.uk/lifelonglearning/dates/202122/nonaccreditedcourses/creativewriting/autumn/writingforcalmandrelaxation/
Read Write Express - Perserverance
Date: 9th October
Time: 9:45am - 12:30pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
Cost: £27.50
Description:
Through reading, reflection, free-writing and sharing, we will contemplate the theme of "perserverance" and what this means to us. For this workshop you will need a notebook and pen.
Read Write Express offers workshops for adults who wish to explore writing as a means of improving wellbeing, gaining confidence and moving forward with life.
The workshops provide a nurturing and supportive space to experience different writing and other fun, releasing and relaxing exercises to help participants stimulate their creativity and encourage self-awareness. Writing experience is not essential, just a willingness to join in and give it a go.
Writing is optionally shared with the group and participants are encouraged to respond from their own experience of hearing it as opposed to offering a critique. This is the difference between writing for self-development and creative writing for literary development. Writing and voicing writing in this way can be therapeutic but these workshops are not group therapy and participants need to be aware of this when choosing what to write or share.
To book, click here.
Writing for Wellbeing for those in the Caring Professions
Date: Saturday 9th October,13th November, 11th December 2021, 15th January 2022
Time: 11:00-13:00PM maximum 8 places in total available per workshop (the group will only run with a minimum of 3 participants)
Where: Online (Zoom)
Cost: £35 full price, £25 undergraduate students/unwaged
Description:
Open to all who work with people in a therapeutic capacity professionally, including in all sectors of healthcare, social care, therapy counselling and voluntary sectors, those who are training in the caring professions, and all those who are involved in teaching and training them (including clinicians, academics and students at all levels).The themes of this set of four workshops, are designed to allow you to explore creative and enjoyable ways of exploring and enhancing your wellbeing through creative self-expression, and reflection, through writing and group discussion. The focus in this type of writing (also known as therapeutic writing), is on the process of writing, more so than on the final ‘product,’ in refreshing and liberating contrast to so much of our professional lives, which are often focussed on outcomes and productivity.I believe that this type of writing can provide an enjoyable adjunct to the mandatory reflective writing portfolios many of us are obliged to maintain at work.
My workshops provide a supportive,nurturing and confidential space, to engage in a range of enjoyable writing activities, using a blend of creative, expressive and reflective writing approaches, including poetry, fiction, quotes, images and other mixed media, as ‘writing prompts’; participants are then invited to share- extracts of their writing and/or reflections on the writing process and/or theme of the workshop, but are not obligated to so, and are certainly and not coerced to share anything unless they feel comfortable to do so.
No formal creative or other writing experience is needed, just a willingness to give writing a go!
Facilitating Writing for Wellbeing Groups - Taster
Date: Wednesday 13th October
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Online
Cost: £6.40
Description:
Come to a taster if you wish to join the "Facilitating Writing for Wellbeing Groups" course. Explore whether the 6 week course is right for you. Use writing ‘invitations’ and guided discussion to make a judgement. The tutor will advise.
Find out more: https://enrolonline.wea.org.uk/Online/2020/CourseInfo.aspx?r=C2423032
Facilitating Writing for Wellbeing Groups - Course
Date: Wednesday 3rd November - 8th December
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free course if you receive income-related benefit or earn less than £21,000 pa (full fee £38.40)
Description:
Short online course exploring Writing for Wellbeing for people interested in becoming practitioners. Look at what Writing for Wellbeing is and isn't, settings and situations in which it can be helpful, including for participants with physical or mental health challenges. Learn to keep the work safe and nourishing. Contribute positively to health and wellbeing. Learn to structure a session. You will need to enrol for the taster (see above) before this course – the tutor will give you the PIN to enrol.
Find out more: https://enrolonline.wea.org.uk/Online/2020/CourseInfo.aspx?r=C2422926
'The Fruiting Body' Floating Launch + Silent Eco Disco
Date: 17th October
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Where: Cascade Steps, Central Bristol
Cost: £22 / £29.50
Description:
We welcome you aboard the 'Fruiting Boaty': a three-hour river cruise on the Flower of Bristol trip boat, to launch Bristol City Poet Caleb Parkin's debut poetry collection, 'This Fruiting Body'. Sunday 17th October, 2-5pm. The book plunges us into octopus raves and Sega Megadrive oceans, in the company of Saab hermit crabs. These adventurous poems delight in human and nonhuman intimacies, teem with life, ponder bug sex and put masculinities under the microscope. With guest readers Samantha Walton and Jack Young, we willl queerly and dearly invoke drag-mother nature. After the readings, we will head out on the river for a silent eco-disco, with a carefully curated playlist from the Beatles' Blackbird, to Cerrone's 'Supernature' and everything inbetween, sailing back into the harbour to singalong classics. "Generous, monstrous and inspiring." - John McCullough, author 'Reckless Paper Birds'Age restriction: 18+
Booking/application information: https://fruitingboaty.brownpapertickets.com/
Finding the Words
Date: Wednesday 3rd November - 8th December
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free course if you receive income-related benefit or earn less than £21,000 pa (full fee £38.40)
Description:
A writing for wellbeing course you can participate in from home. Assist personal development. Nourish creative exploration and communication. Discuss techniques that bring writing alive. Convey experience accurately and vividly. Weekly Zoom sessions. You will have the opportunity to write in response to 'invitations', to share your work and to hear that of other people in a safe, friendly, non-judgemental environment.Find out more: https://enrolonline.wea.org.uk/Online/2020/CourseInfo.aspx?r=C2422927
From Feldenkrais to Improvised Movement and Writing (online and face to face)
Date: 6th November
Time: 9am - 1pm
Where: The Artworks London Bridge, 60A Weston St, SE1 3QP / Online via Zoom
Cost: £30, with concessions available
Description:
Winter Solstice: Twinkles in the coal pile
Date: Tuesday 21st December
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Online
Cost: £20/ US $28
Description:
Back by popular demand. Grab a blanket and soothing warm drink, and join me on Winter Solstice. Understand where you are in winter and how you feel about the season. Find meaning with winter poetry. Harness winter and tap into the still and wild beauty of the season, embracing the darkness and slowing down. Cultivating acceptance, creating aspirations, hopes, and gentle goals to see you through the rest of the season.After the Clock Strikes: Using poetry to find New Year Gifts
Date: Sunday 2nd January 2022
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Where: Online
Cost: £20/ US $28
Description:
Another workshop back by popular demand. Reflecting and Rebirthing: Examining the highs and lows of 2021, ways we’ve grown or adapted, things we’ve learnt. Looking at poems of re-birth, reflection, change, courage and bravery. Participants will create, not New Year’s resolutions, but sankalpas (a more positive and yogic approach to goal-setting) by using prompts from poems. Exploring what we will do with our “one wild and precious life” in 2022. Learn journaling approaches and exercises designed to support the start of your year.About the author
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