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.
‘Penny’s warm and affirming approach meant that parents felt listened to, supported and valued; they grew in confidence as they explored different themes each week and enjoyed the challenge of using their imagination and creativity.’
Chris Jones, Area Lead Coordinator & Lisa Pawlowski, Wellbeing Support Specialist, Home-Start Essex.
‘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.
‘Very effective workshop that had us writing, thinking and feeling instantly. Fascinating subject matter and materials. Beautifully presented too. Much to take home and work on. Thank you.’
Participant in Writing with Images, a series of workshops run at the University of Essex for staff, students and members of the public in collaboration with the library’s Special Collections.
‘Sensitively and creatively facilitated with engaging prompts and exercises. Fascinating to hear about Sophie Gaudier-Brzeska and her archive and the work it inspired.’
Participant in Writing with Images, a series of workshops run at the University of Essex for staff, students and members of the public in collaboration with the library’s Special Collections.