Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to commonly asked questions about who we are and what we do.
What is Lapidus International?
Lapidus International is a membership organisation which aims to promote and connect those working in the field of writing for wellbeing. Writing for wellbeing is the use of words, written or spoken, to promote good wellbeing and mental health.
We welcome anyone with an interest, whether professional or personal, in writing for wellbeing.
Our membership is comprised of people from a range of different fields – writers, health workers, counsellors, therapists, teachers, researchers and more. While our registered office is in the UK, our members are based all over the world.
We support our members by providing a range of resources, including academic tools, development opportunities, events, and a supportive network to enhance both personal and professional writing practice.
Since 2008, Lapidus has been funded entirely by membership subscriptions and run on the goodwill and voluntary work of a dedicated team. Find out more about us.
What are the benefits of being a member of Lapidus International?
Joining Lapidus means you become a part of our global community, with a range of resources, events and networking opportunities at your fingertips.
As a Lapidus Member, you can:
- Join the Lapidus Living Research Community, our group dedicated to discussing and sharing research with monthly free events.
- Take part in discounted training and Continuing Personal Development opportunities.
- Join one of our regional groups and connect with members in your area and online.
- Read and be a part of our Lapidus Magazine, a members-only publication full of writing by the community for the community.
- Receive discounted insurance covering Public Liability, Professional Indemnity and Product insurance for UK-based Lapidus Members.
- Browse our toolkit of treasures and resources to help you to develop your skills and business.
- Advertise your events on our website and in our newsletter for free.
- And much more!
How do I sign up to become a member?
If you’d like to become a member of Lapidus International, you can sign up here.
The cost of membership is £55 a year, or £35 if you are a student or otherwise unable to pay the full rate.
We accept card payment via our website. You can also pay through Paypal, which will set up a subscription which automatically renews every year. We also accept payment by bank transfer – if you choose this option at the sign up stage, our bank details will be emailed to you.
We regret that we are no longer able to accept cheques as a payment method.
I’m a member, now what do I do?
Welcome to our community!
You can now access your member benefits by logging in to our website, ranging from our monthly LLRC events through to discounted training and insurance.
You’re also invited to connect with fellow members via our regional groups and our active Facebook group. And you’ll be added to our mailing list, meaning that you’ll receive all the latest news and updates straight to your inbox on the 1st of each month.
We also recommend reading our publications. You now have access to LIRIC Journal, our Lapidus Journal Archive, and our members’ Magazine. Feeling inspired? Why not try to submit something to our next call for submissions?
If you have any questions about how to access your membership, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Our membership coordinator, Flo, will be delighted to hear from you!
How do I renew my membership?
Before your membership needs renewing, you will receive reminder emails from us warning you of your upcoming payment. If you are paying through Paypal, your membership will automatically renew and you do not need to do anything.
If you are paying by bank transfer, please transfer your payment to us by the date of your renewal, and we will renew your membership. We suggest setting up a standing order, so that this is done automatically.
How do I cancel my membership?
We are sad to see you go, but if you would like to part ways with us please let us know at least 10 working days before the renewal of your membership. You can do this by emailing us at membership@lapidus.org.uk.
You can cancel your Paypal subscription at any time by logging in to your Paypal account and searching for ‘Lapidus’. From here you should be able to find the details of how to cancel the subscription. If you are unable to, please let us know and we will cancel it on our end.
How can I attend your online events?
How can I submit an event for advertisement on the Lapidus website?
Running a writing for wellbeing event? Excellent! As member, you can advertise with us for free by logging in and filling in the form on our website. A member of our team will approve your event as soon as possible, and your event will be added to our Events page and our next newsletter.
How do I join the Lapidus International Practitioner Directory?
If you’re a member of Lapidus International, you can advertise your services via our Writing for Wellbeing Practitioner Directory. Please log in to our website, fill out the form, and a member of our team will approve your submission as soon as possible.
How do I submit to LIRIC Journal and the members’ Magazine?
We are always looking for new contributors to our journal and magazine. You can find information about the LIRIC journal here and find full details of our latest Magazine call for submissions here.
I want to join or start a regional group. How do I do this?
You can read our Regional Groups Policy here. If you are interested in forming a regional group, please contact Jason, our Groups Coordinator at groups@lapidus.org.uk.
I still have questions. Who can help me?
Our team of Coordinators will be happy help. Please direct your enquiries as follows:
- For general enquiries and information about events, please contact Claire.
- For membership enquiries, please contact Flo.
- For enquiries about our regional groups, please contact Jason.
- For enquiries about the Lapidus Magazine, please contact the Magazine team.
- For questions about our website and social media, please contact Jade.
- For help on the day of an event, please contact the event coordinator listed on the event page or latest e-newsletter.
Our team work part time, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry within three working days. Thank you for your patience.