Writing friendship and connection with Lapidus London

In the latest news from the Lapidus London group, Alison Cable and Kate Poll reflect on a recent workshop about writing friendship, and share another opportunity to take part in 2026.

London drizzle, shortening days. The Lapidus London group gathered at Calthorpe Community Gardens on a November Saturday to create warmth, light, and connection through writing. Some came alone, some with a friend, all ready to reflect on friendship.

Writing together

When we first imagined this workshop for Lapidus London, our aim was simple: to create a session that felt enjoyable and nourishing, a space that celebrated our own working friendship while opening the door for others to explore friendship in their own lives. From there, the workshop took shape.

Small personal objects and postcards sparked our writing. What emerged was a connection that didn’t need to be forced; it unfolded naturally through shared attention and shared making. By the end, fragments had folded together into a single collaborative poem – Golden Friend – a quiet echo of the space we shared through writing in an often lonely city.

Reflections on the workshop

“I especially liked the exercises you set us during the session. I have some notions of the Gestalt principles and your workshop was steeped in it.” – Martine

“The key prompt was quite profound for me – holding the keys to my brother’s house turned out to be an emotional experience which left me feeling so grateful for the home he is providing… I decided to write about the experience on the back of the postcard and give it to him. It was a way of me thanking him in writing and not something I would have done without the workshop.” – Anne

Writing friendship in 2026

We are now offering an online version with an invitation to contribute some of your words to a forthcoming feature in Lapidus Magazine.

The 90-minute session will include short writing prompts, quiet time to write, and moments of sharing and reflection. No writing experience is needed, and there’s no pressure to perform or get things “right.”

If you’re curious about friendship, interested in reflective writing, or are simply looking for a gentle, structured space to think alongside others, you are very welcome to join us.

The workshop takes place online on Thursday 22 January, 5–6.30pm GMT, and costs £16 to attend. Look out for more details coming soon.