Creative Writing Booklet: Voices from Our Create:Connect Programme
We’re delighted to share a booklet of creative writing produced by participants who took part in our Creative Writing workshops last autumn, delivered as part of our Create:Connect programme in partnership with Bournemouth University.
This was our third creative writing course, held at Bournemouth University, and it brought together participants for a series of eight workshops. Each session introduced different prompts and approaches, supporting people to explore how they might begin — and continue — their own writing practice.
Participants told us how valuable it was to have time and space to write in a calm, supportive environment. As the weeks went on, the sessions became a place not only for developing creative skills, but also for reflection, confidence-building and connection with others.
What participants shared
Alongside the writing itself, feedback highlighted the positive impact on wellbeing and connection. Participants spoke about rediscovering a sense of play, curiosity and self-belief in their writing:
“Just the writing exercises and explorations were like a game every time, giving some insights about myself, and seeing writing as fun — I really enjoy it.”
“A lot of new ideas about writing… an awareness of how different aspects can make writing better or worse, and how that nuance can be played with.”
“New people, the university setting — it brought up the desire to study again. A great side effect.”
Others reflected on confidence, language and connection:
“I experienced myself in a new way… I found a level of appreciation for the fact that I can easily use the language. I felt a lot like a child at times, and it was great to reconnect with that.”
“Listening to other people’s stories and writing… some of the sharing was quite intimate. The fact that people showed up made connecting possible and meaningful.”
One final reflection summed up an important learning from the course:
“Not getting so hung up on the rules. Seeing beyond the box, and allowing myself to act beyond it.”
Read the booklet
You can download the Creative Writing Booklet here to read a selection of work from the course and hear participants’ voices in their own words.
What will you do next?
CoCreate offers creative courses and projects for people as part of their mental health recovery journey. If you feel that being creative could support your wellbeing, we warmly welcome you to join us.
You can sign up via our website or contact us at info@cocreate.org.uk.
Supported by Dorset Community Foundation & NHS Dorset through the Community Health & Wellbeing Fund.
With special thanks to our project partners Power House Poole and Lighthouse Poole
