Why writing can help us feel better…
Writing down thoughts and feelings can be very therapeutic. However, for many people the word ‘writing’ is loaded with connotations. Some people believe it’s an inborn talent, Pen and Tonic believes it can be learned.
Using techniques and triggers enables people, however limited their literacy skills or creative writing experience, to produce writing that can give shape and voice to ideas and emotions we didn’t know existed. Some of us find it difficult to verbalise our problems but writing about them can help reduce anxiety and depression. Put simply; it makes us feel better.
What we do
Pen and Tonic provides workshops for community groups and staff teams including 1:1 support to enhance staff wellbeing. Training sessions are also popular with community practitioners who would like to use writing as part of their work with individuals and groups.
Examples of work include:
Supervision and Mentoring for people who use or would like to use therapeutic writing in their work. This includes community workers, occupational therapists, social workers, nurses, counsellors and managers responsible for staff development and wellbeing.
A creative evaluation for Age Concern Newcastle to find out from older people what wellbeing means in general and in relation to the activities they are involved in at the Healthy Living Centre at Mea House.
Writing for Health training day for Newcastle City Libraries for staff and other agencies who work closely with the library service.
A series of health and wellbeing sessions for mums at Longbenton Children’s Centre, supported by the Grassroots Community Fund.
A theatre/dance collaboration at Gateshead College, with Dora Frankel Dance, Pen and Tonic and musician Penny Callow. Using the work of Edgar Allen Poe as a starting point, the performance explored the dark side of our personalities and the inner rage and angst that many teenagers feel as they search for an identity. The project ended with a 90-minute performance developed with drama and dance students at Gateshead College.
My Word! - writing for health and wellbeing project for carers based at Newcastle Carers Centre and North Tyneside Carers Centre funded by the Northern Rock Foundation.
Recommendations
"Thought it might have been limiting and intimidating but found it a freeing and fun experience. I could instantly see the benefits for anybody."
Volunteer from Care Homes Project Taster session
"It’s been a way for me being able to see what goes on in my head. To see how it takes shape and become a poem, story or even a song. I enjoyed the feeling of creating something I wouldn’t have thought possible."
Member of Gateshead Tyneside Rape Crisis
"Published poem
– makes me feel proud and excited to do more.
Lesbian group
– makes me feel comfortable so I can write freely.
Express myself
– gives me the opportunity to get feelings and emotions out I didn’t know I could.
Friends
– meet new people and start to build self confidence."
Member of Outwrite