Lapidus Events

People with lived experience of cancer spend many hours in hospital waiting rooms, often experiencing anxiety and stress. Sussex Cancer Fund are sponsoring the project ‘Words from the Waiting Room’, which will offer a space for patients and/or friends and family of patients who have spent time in the oncology waiting room to explore their experiences creatively. In a two-hour workshop, Deborah and Karina will use writing prompts to help participants explore their own stories, with opportunities to use collaged words for those who feel inhibited by writing.

To book, please email Deborah on deborah.writingwell@gmail.com

Welcome to our Mindful Creative Writing for Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop! Join us online for a transformative experience where we will explore the power of creative writing and poetry for mental wellness. In this workshop, you will learn how to use creative writing as a tool for self-expression and reflection. Through inspirational poems and guided writing exercises, you will discover new ways to cultivate a positive mindset and enhance your overall wellbeing. No prior writing experience is necessary – just bring an open mind and a willingness to explore. Let’s embark on this journey together towards positive mental health and happiness!

Connect with the seasons, moon cycles, nature as well as ancient stories & wisdom. Experiment, explore, break free of writing conventions & celebrate your creativity.

Prompts offered, followed by quiet time to write, then sharing at the end. Series of 11 weekly hour-long sessions. Every Tuesday 2-3pm (UK time).
Start date: 29 April 2025
Break: 27 May 2025
Last date: 15 July 2025
Suitable for beginners and those who have been writing for a while.
Drop in to as many as you would like to or are able to. One-off price or Substack subscription for £8 per month.

Call for Papers: 2nd European Biblio/Poetry Therapy Conference

Conference theme: Exploring New Dimensions of Biblio/Poetry Therapy

Conference host: University of Jyväskylä, Finland

Call for papers deadline: 30 April 2025

Conference dates: 2–4 October 2025

Biblio/poetry therapy, as a form of art therapy, utilizes reading and writing in various ways as therapeutic and growth-promoting tools. How is biblio/poetry therapy applied in today’s Europe? Where should it be introduced, and which disciplines should it collaborate with to have the greatest positive impact? What role could biblio/poetry therapy play in a world facing increasing uncertainties, and how can the use of new technologies as part of it help us adapt to changing environments and conditions?

These and many other questions will be explored at the 2nd European Bibliotherapy Conference, which will be held at the University of Jyväskylä October 2–4, 2025. The theme of the 2025 conference is Exploring New Dimensions of Biblio/Poetry Therapy. This event provides an opportunity to discuss both theoretical and practical issues, as well as to interact with researchers and colleagues in the fields of biblio/poetry therapy, arts therapies, literary studies, narrative medicine, cultural studies, health sociology, anthropology, psychology, and other related disciplines.

Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Judit Béres, Associate Professor, Department of Modern Literary History and Literary Theory, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Pécs (Hungary)
• Dr. Päivi Kosonen, Associate Professor of Comparative Literature and Senior Researcher (SELMA, University of Turku), Biblio/Poetry Therapist and Educator (Finnish Association of Biblio/Poetry Therapy)

We welcome a broad range of abstracts and workshop proposals related to the conference theme and topics. Kindly submit your proposals by 30 April 2025 via the submission form provided on the conference website: www.jyu.fi/poetrytherapy2025. You will also find further information about the event and its organizers on the website.

We look forward to your participation!

Conference Chair:  Karoliina Maanmieli PhD, University of Jyväskylä

The 2nd European Biblio/Poetry Therapy Conference 2025, University of Jyväskylä

www.jyu.fi/poetrytherapy2025

email: poetrytherapy2025@jyu.fi

Header image: Photo by The Climate Reality Project on Unsplash

An online reflective journal programme to support connection, creativity, insight and expression.

Four monthly small-group workshops designed to help you:
– Pause and reflect in a supportive, trauma-informed space.
– Reconnect with your voice, creativity, and inner wisdom.
– Gain clarity and feel better equipped to tackle life’s challenges.
– Discover tools to develop a sustainable and rewarding journal practice.

Workshop Dates:
Friday 14th February, 10am–12noon
Friday 21st March, 10am–12noon
Friday 25th April, 10am–12noon
Friday 16th May, 10am–12noon

Each session offers a nurturing environment where you’ll explore creative prompts, share insights with a small group (if you choose), and build confidence in your writing practice.

Programme Details
Duration: Four 2-hour live online workshops.
Cost: £160 for the full programme (or pay a £60 deposit to secure your spot then two subsequent monthly payments of £50).
Includes:
– PDF handouts with writing prompts and resources.
– A supportive, closed group with no pre-recorded content.
– Encouragement to write with weekly journal prompts emailed to you
– Ongoing support and encouragement through Voxer between sessions

Spaces are limited to 8 participants.

Led by Bethany Rivers, a certified Focusing Practitioner, this two hour workshop will give a taster of what Focusing is and how to use it alongside the poem ‘The Layers’ by Stanley Kunitz.

Many of us may have used this poem as a container, guide and prompt in writing for wellbeing sessions at some point with a group. It takes two years to train as a Focusing Practitioner, so this will very much be a taster session that will begin to look at a couple of aspects of Focusing.

Mostly, we will be looking at resonance. Resonance in the body, resonance of words, resonance of feelings and memories. Focusing is about accessing the body-wisdom, coming into compassionate relationship with all the parts of ourselves and helping us find the next step forward, however small that might be. It’s a healing space to have the time to really slow down, express what you need to without interruptions or judgements, whilst being witnessed and companioned on that journey.

A Focusing session can bring fresh perspective and insight by enabling the process of hovering on the edge of what you don’t know, as the body (actually meaning our whole being) knows more than the head does.

Focusing and writing for wellbeing dovetail really well and can help take you deeper into the journey  with the presence of a compassionate listener, and learning to be your own compassionate listener.

About Bethany

Bethany Rivers is a certified Focusing Practitioner with the British Focusing Association and teaches Focusing one to one and in groups. She has an MA in the Teaching and Practice of Creative Writing, has two poetry chapbooks published, a novel and a book on the creative writing process. Bethany has taught creative writing and writing for wellbeing since 2007. She has worked with a diverse range of populations including the bereaved, school pupils, prisoners, young people excluded from the mainstream, families, those with mental health difficulties, post-doctorate students, the homeless and elders.

About the event

This event is open to Lapidus members and non-members. Tickets can be purchased at the following links:

• Lapidus standard member ticket: £15
• Lapidus student/low-income member ticket: £10
• Non-member ticket: £20

Please note that there is a limited capacity for this event, and we recommend booking your space as soon as possible.

For enquiries before and on the day of the event, please contact membership@lapidus.org.uk.

Header photo by Thanhy Nguyen on Unsplash

A series of monthly workshops that can help you explore feelings, and build your resilience as you connect with others in these challenging times.
The title theme for the workshops was inspired by a poem written by Deborah Cooper.
We will use carefully selected poems as a springboard for writing, reflection and conversations.

The workshops are for anyone who wants additional resources, in these unsettling times. It is for those who enjoy creativity, journalling, writing for personal or professional development.

No prior knowledge of poetry or expressive writing is required; you simply need to be willing to share, reflect and experiment with words in a supportive environment.

Facilitated by Charmaine Pollard

In this session, we turn our attention to the inner awareness of mental activity.
In yoga and meditation, we aim to develop the capacity to observe or witness the mind’s activities, recognising that we are not defined by our thoughts or feelings. This practice of witnessing is a lifelong journey. Yet, as anyone who practices mindfulness or meditation knows, it often feels like an endless return to the breath, accompanied by the chatter of the “monkey mind” and the commentary of the inner critic.
Freewriting, integrated with yoga and meditation, offers a powerful tool for navigating this mental chatter. It helps us make sense of what arises, allowing us to notice and gradually loosen the grip of unhelpful thought patterns. This combination of practices helps us make steady progress in taming the monkey mind and the inner critic, creating more ease and clarity in daily life while also freeing us for creative expression.
What to Expect
The yoga and meditation practice is suitable for all, including beginners. You will be encouraged to move at your own pace and comfort. Chairs are available for seated practice. The writing requires no prior experience and serves as a personal tool for self-expression. Writing takes place in short, guided bursts of about five minutes, using prompts to get started. This writing is purely for you – unfettered by grammar, spelling, or any inner critic. You are free to follow the prompts or let your pen flow wherever it leads you.
There will be opportunities to share your experiences if you wish, but sharing your written work is entirely optional. Any feedback focuses on emotional resonance rather than craft. The workshop also includes a tea/coffee and cake break, where you chat with each other. The venue is beautiful, spacious with a garden we can use for our break if the weather is good enough!
Typical Morning Schedule (may vary slightly)
9:30–10:40 – Slow, mindful yoga movements and breathing
10:40–11:10 – Writing prompts, writing, and discussion
11:10–11:30 – Tea/coffee break with cake
11:30–11:50 – Meditation
11:50–12:10 – Writing prompts, writing, and discussion
12:10–13:00 – Yoga Nidra and final writing session

Note
This is a therapeutic practice for personal wellbeing, not therapy or a creative writing course. The focus is on self-exploration and expression, not critique. My role is not that of a therapist or writing critic. While your writing may inspire ideas for future development, the emphasis is on personal reflection and discovery.

Details
• Date: Saturday,31st May 2025
• Time: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Location: Whirlow Hall, Sheffield

Long, slow, hot days. Deckchairs, ice cream, sandcastles, splashing in the waves. What do you remember about the summers of your past?
Maybe there’s a particular summer you always return to in your mind or maybe your summers have merged into a golden glow.

In this 2-part creative writing course, we take a nostalgic look at summer memories and explore how to turn them into a piece of writing.

Workshop 1 (Friday 6 June 2025): Fun activities to come up with lots of memories and ideas. Then, you’ll get a chance to work on your writing at home.

Workshop 2 (Friday 20 June 2025): Learn writing techniques to bring your memories alive on the page, whether you want to write fiction, memoir or a journal. Then, there’ll be a chance to get supportive, encouraging feedback on work you’ve brought in from home if you would like that.

Welcome to Words in the Wood!

What?
A day of guided creative writing, in a beautiful woodland, shared with like-minded professionals. We have use of stunning indoor and outdoor spaces, fire circle, walks in the wood, time to be alone and together.

Who for?

Anyone in the caring professions, including:
· Counsellors
· Psychotherapists
· Medical professionals
· Wellbeing practitioners
· Coaches

Why?
· Experience therapeutic writing for self-care, giving us the resources to help our patients and clients, in a welcoming and supportive environment.
· Learn tools for reflective practice.
· Build rich connections learning with and from others in similar fields.
· Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a beautiful 70-acre mixed woodland.

With whom?
The day is led by Caroline Hukins, a qualified counsellor and therapeutic writing practitioner. She works in private practice, counselling individuals and couples, and runs Writing for Wellbeing groups and training events.

Photo credit: Jeremy Parkinson

Harnessing creativity to deliver rich, enjoyable and meaningful evaluation.
Tuesday 16th September, 23rd September and 30th September 2025, from 10am – 12.30pm.

Are you frustrated with traditional evaluation methods?
Do you feel your evaluation tools don’t reflect the creative nature of your work?
Are you finding it hard to engage participants in evaluation?
Do you get poor response rates from questionnaires?

Over the course of three interactive workshops, we will look at ways in which we can better harness creativity to generate appropriate, relevant, meaningful evaluations.

You will discover how to evaluate in ways that are enjoyable and rewarding for participants; that generate improved response rates; and deliver richer and more meaningful data.

Working collaboratively, we will co-produce creative solutions to real-world scenarios. Sharing ideas and practice, we will explore ways in which creativity can reinvigorate existing evaluation methods including questionnaires, focus groups, feedback and monitoring.

The full cost is £225 for three workshops and all handouts.

A £75 discount is available for freelancers and self-funding individuals. Please email support@janewillis.co.uk for a coupon code.

This excursion-retreat weaves together the inspirational power of strikingly beautiful locations with literary pilgrimage, lively literary discussions, and expressive writing for wellbeing.

During this 12-day UK adventure, participants will be invited to respond to stirring poems and prose pieces of English, Welsh and Scottish authors within sites associated with their life and creative work. In this program, we will travel through varied landscapes, savor restful stays in delightfully scenic surroundings, and visit historically significant places within the Cotswolds, southeast Wales, Liverpool, the Lake District, and Edinburgh. As we savor the charms and literary vibe of these places, we will enjoy numerous opportunities to amplify our sensory perceptions, experience playful creativity, gather rejuvenating memories, and gain personal insight, as we respond to stimulating writing prompts.

Registration for this trip is now open, and the final date to pay your deposit and register is December 5, 2025, but you are encouraged to register as soon as possible to hold your place in the tour. Contact Geri Chavis at ggchavis@stkate.edu to receive a detailed brochure and for answers to any questions you have. Arrangements for this trip are made by Sovereign Tourism, based in London.

Program Leadership by Geri Chavis, Founder/Convener of MN Poetry Therapy Network, Professor Emerita, St. Catherine University