creative writing
Creative Writing at Yeldall Manor Drug Rehabilitation Centre
Pilgrim Hearts obtained a grant from the European Social Fund to help disadvantaged ex-drug addicts through a course in creative writing at Yeldall Manor (a Christian run rehabilitation centre).
The aim was to enhance communication skills in writing and also in spoken communication. Creative writing courses offer many opportunities for self developing including:
-
improving the use of language to communicate
-
breaking down barriers to reading & the use of language
-
developing self-confidence
-
providing a first step to improving interview skills
-
improving relationships with employers
-
encouraging a wider use of language both verbal & non verbal
-
helping unlock burdens and hurts from the past to allow healing to take place
Sarah de Nordwall, a Bard (Professional Poet and Story Teller) with experience of delivering creative writing workshops, together with Elaine Chalmers-Brown devised a bespoke course of half day writing workshops over 6 weeks. The participants were inspired by Sarah’s performance and encouraged to write their personal stories and poems in a safe environment. Exercises were used to unlock creative writing and the participants had an opportunity to share their writing, helping them feel valued and listened to. This gave them courage to continue and look at their own lives with hope.
Comments from participant:
“In the creative writing I have found it has given me a better understanding and provided different points to help me with my poetry. It has helped me also to read them in front of the group. It has helped me to provide a wider range of subjects to write about and ways of writing about them. I have learnt a lot.”
Paul 22/02/2006
“Creative writing made me pick up my pen and write. It’s helped me in writing my autobiography. The work was very interesting and I wrote work that has made me release things that I had stuck inside.
The teaching was great, very interesting things that I’ve never done before in my life. I have really enjoyed myself on every section. It has made me more creative, and will help me get through the [rehabilitation] programme in a better way.”
Peter 22/02/2006
NEWS
Spring News letter
We are moving on with three new projects..
..read more New co-operation with homeless charities.
Pilgrim Hearts will join forces with Trinity Housing in Uxbridge and Slough Homeless Our Concern (“SHOC”) in Slough. We plan to offer arts workshops to clients of Trinity and SHOC working closely with these two charities. Pilgrim Hearts Director, Elaine Chalmers-Brown says “Our workshops will offer the homeless in Slough and Uxbridge the chance to discover their creative talents and so increase their self esteem. We will also train them in the social and communication skills they need to give them a better chance to find work and turn their lives around.” It’s hoped that, if the workshops go well Pilgrim Hearts could work in closer partnership with SHOC and TRINITY.
Please Help
Click here to see us on facebook
News Letter
Click here to Sign Up to Newsletter
