Creative Writing and Storytelling Workshops
Penny is a highly experienced designer and facilitator of creative writing and storytelling workshops.
Her innovative creative writing and mental health programme ‘The House of Dreams and Memories’ has been commissioned by organisations and charities including the NHS and Home-Start Essex. Participants in the programmes have included people living with long-term health problems and young families facing difficulties.
Penny also runs individual workshop sessions tailored to suit the interests of professional and community arts groups. These have taken place in a range of venues from branch libraries to cafes with themes ranging from ‘Writing the Surreal’, drawing on Penny’s interest in the work of Surrealist women artists such as Leonora Carrington and Dorothea Tanning, to ‘World on a Page’, workshops for young people from local and refugee communities exploring how it feels to be in a new place.
To commission a workshop or find out more please contact: pennyclaire.simpson@gmail.com
Testimonials:
‘Penny immediately creates a secure and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable to share their emotional responses…She skilfully and sensitively navigates their responses and highlights their creative writing as a vehicle to enrich their sense of wellbeing. Many of our participants have been inspired to continue writing between sessions to process their emotions. Penny’s thoughtful approach builds trust within the group environment and strong connections are forged.’
Lisa Voyle
Wellness Improvement Service Operational Manager
WISE Wellness Improvement Service, NHS Wales/Cymru
‘I joined the group when my anxiety was at an all-time high. What surprised me was how comfortable I felt opening up, but I felt supported. I don’t have many people to speak to about this. I realised I needed to think more about myself, that that was okay, to prioritize myself. I re-gained my imagination. I thought I had lost that.’
Participant in The House of Dreams and Memories workshops run as part of the Thriving Communities Project, Home-Start Essex.
‘A thoughtful, special opportunity to reflect and create ideas filled with personal meaning. I enjoyed using the structure/model/metaphor of a house to evolve ideas. Thank you!’
Participant in Journey Through Motherhood, a programme of workshops and an art exhibition held at The Wivenhoe Café, Wivenhoe.