Join Joanna in a supportive and welcoming environment, using poetry, prose and journal forms to explore mental and emotional wellbeing, and to reflect, and locate joy.

Participant Experience:

“Writing for Wellbeing has continued to be important in enabling me to commit to words some of the memories and anxieties that have troubled me throughout my life, and to acknowledge also all that is joyful in it."

“I have found these sessions to be the perfect balance of empathy and support. They have enabled me to be far more reflective of my own life experiences and the written exercises have enhanced my confidence in writing and in sharing my writing.”

"Joanna is a wonderful facilitator. As well as being a talented writer, always generous in sharing her ideas and experience, she is a highly empathetic listener to other people’s stories. She allows everyone time and space to express themselves, and highlights aspects of their work with sensitivity and warmth. She has enabled the group to become an important and cohesive community, in which all members participate equally and follow her example in sharing, listening and reflecting with kindness."

Tickets are available here 

Running since January 2017, the ethos of the group is to provide a safe, supportive space for women to express themselves and create new writing. Here’s what you can expect:

We use guided free writing exercises to help unlock our creativity. What does this mean, exactly? Well, each workshop has a theme and we use all kinds of prompts – a photograph, an unusual (or indeed seemingly mundane) object, a word or phrase, or a time or place – to get us started, writing for a fixed amount of time wherever our imaginations choose to take us. We then hear from those who want to share what they’ve written, though there is absolutely no pressure to do this if you’re feeling a bit shy! Often we then develop the theme further.

Here's some feedback from participants:

'As a direct result of taking part in So: Write Women I have performed my poems at West Quay shopping centre, Nuffield Southampton Theatre’s experiment night, and Riverfest. The experience from these events helped give me the confidence to take part in a Touch Network event as an inspirational speaker.'

'The last six months of So Write meetings have been an incredible experience for me. The supportive atmosphere feels safe to be creative. I look forward to every meeting and it has given me the courage to admit that I am (she whispers) a writer.' 

Tickets are available for online sessions here and for in-person sessions in Southampton here

Lighthouse Young Writers, led by Rohan Gotobed, return to Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts on Saturday 7th September, with provision for ages 7-10 (9.30-10.30), 11-14 (11.00-12.30) and 15-18 (1pm-2.30pm). To find out more and to book, please visit here. 

Forest Arts Young Writers, led by Claire Hillier, return to Forest Arts Centre in New Milton on Saturday 14th September, with classes for 7-10 years (9.30-11.00) and 11-14 (11.30-1pm). To find out more and to book, please visit here.

Writing for Page and Stage, led by Tabby Hayward, return online via Mayflower Theatre on Monday 16th September for ages 18+. This group is already sold out but you can join the wait list here.

Mayflower Creative Writers, led by Ali Sparkes, return to MAST/Mayflower Studios in Southampton on Tuesday 17th September with classes for ages 15-18 years (6pm-7.30pm). To find out more and to book, please visit here.

Junior Writers' Club Online, led by Susmita Bhattacharya, return on Thursday 19th September from 5-6pm for ages 7-10. To book, please visit here.

Mayflower Junior and Young Writers, led by Ali Sparkes, return to MAST/Mayflower Studios in Southampton on Saturday 21st September, with classes for 7-10 years (9.30-11.00) and 11-14 years (11.30-1pm). To find out more and to book, please visit here.