Lapidus Events

Unnamed Patterns: Writing Towards Recognition

A conversation between Sue Spencer and Dr Buki Akilapa

Sometimes the most painful sentences we carry are not descriptions of events but verdicts on ourselves.

In this interactive LLRC session, we will explore how reflective writing, poetry, and compassionate rereading can help us identify inherited narratives, internalised judgements, and experiences of misrecognition that continue to shape our lives.

Drawing on themes from Buki’s recent LIRIC autoethnographic article, Journey of Reflection: Girlhood, Migration, Grief, and Healing Through Soul Work, this session will take the form of a conversation between Buki and Sue, interwoven with opportunities for reflection, writing, and optional sharing.

Together, we will explore:

• How unnamed patterns can masquerade as truth
• The role of writing in recognising and re-examining inherited beliefs
• Poetry as a way of seeing experience differently
• Self-compassion as a response to old stories and self-judgements
• The movement from misrecognition towards recognition

Participants will be invited to engage in short reflective writing exercises and gentle discussion within a supportive and welcoming space.

No previous writing experience is required. Participants are welcome to write, reflect, listen, or share as much or as little as feels right for them.

About Dr Buki Akilapa and Sue Spencer

Dr Buki Akilapa is Deputy Editor of the LIRIC Journal and a Lecturer in Healthcare Management at Global Banking School (GBS), UK. She holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) from Canterbury Christ Church University, is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Buki’s research and writing interests include autoethnography, reflective writing, identity, belonging, migration, recognition, and Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes. Her recent LIRIC article, Journey of Reflection: Girlhood, Migration, Grief, and Healing Through Soul Work, explores how journalling, poetry, and compassionate rereading can support self-understanding and transformation.

Drawing on both personal and professional experience, Buki is passionate about creating reflective spaces where stories can be explored, voices can be heard, and writing can become a pathway to recognition, learning, and healing.

Sue Spencer is a freelance creative facilitator and practitioner. After four decades of working in health care and higher education she has turned her passion and expertise to supporting practitioners working in the socially engaged cultural sector. Sue has spoken at a number of academic conferences over the last 3 decades in a range of disciplines including nursing,moral injury and creative writing.

As a former nurse and recovering academic Sue has been exploring the therapeutic potential of poetry for the last two decades. She has offered poetry sessions as an antidote and remedy for stress, overwhelm and busyness in a variety of settings including university & public libraries, hospices and community groups. Sue has written about the potential to augment reflective practice and practice/professional development using creative writing and expressive visual art practices for a number of publications and looks forward to deepening these conversations.

Watch the recording:

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/D0UtkRU6t3AtqmZ1QbhIsVne0o2hgFFqq_pz5bxx6MOyvNZ40f8nFpAvSRVa4Sfl.EczLW4d8SpkdOMh2

Passcode: GRL?3^SP

Please note that this event will be recorded. The recording will be available for a limited time after the live event. Please allow a couple of working days for us to process and upload the recording after the live event.

For questions before or after the day of the event, please contact Flo on membership@lapidus.org.uk (responses on Tuesdays and Fridays). For queries on the day of the event, please contact mel@write4word.org.

About the Lapidus Living Research Community

The Lapidus Living Research Community (LLRC) meets on the first Saturday of every month via Zoom to discuss all things research, with a focus on qualitative arts-based research practices, theory and methods.

All Lapidus members are welcome, regardless of research experience. LLRC events are free and no tickets are required. Use the Zoom link above to access the event.

This session offers a space for discussion and exploration of what encourages or stops people from contributing their own knowledge to the developing field of writing and words for wellbeing by sharing their work through publication.

LLRC is a community of Lapidus members who share an interest in research. Many of you will have undertaken research or created dissertations as part of your master’s or doctoral degree; most of you will have experienced that creative process as life-changing, and powerfully transformative. Yet many of those valuable pieces of work that have taken huge chunks of your life to complete are still resting on your shelves at home or maybe in the library at your place of learning, hidden from view, unshared but probably never forgotten.

This session is an opportunity to explore the reasons why that might be the case. I have heard some people say that although the work was good enough to earn a degree, they don’t think it’s good enough to publish; I have heard other people say they wouldn’t know how to do that; some people say it was too long ago. But I wonder???
I believe we owe it to ourselves, and to our participants (if involved), and to our field, to share our learning and maybe take it a step further. We don’t publish dissertations. This session addresses how to use the knowledge gained from your research to create a journal article.

Maybe you have moved on in your thinking, maybe there have been new questions to address that have arisen from that work; or maybe you feel you would do it differently now. And maybe you have followed it through and done something differently? Whatever, we want to help you take that next step.

About Kim Etherington

Kim Etherington is a member of the LIRIC journal editorial board. Writing has always been an important personal resource that she has integrated into her life and her work as a therapist and as a Professor of Narrative and Life Story Research. She has published several books and many journal papers and is currently writing a memoir.

Details at: https://kim.etherington.com

Watch the recording

Click here to watch the recording
Passcode: 43.CIKrJ

Please note that this event will be recorded. The recording will be available for a limited time after the live event. Please allow a couple of working days for us to process and upload the recording after the live event.

For questions before or after the day of the event, please contact Flo on membership@lapidus.org.uk (responses on Tuesdays). For queries on the day of the event, please contact mel@write4word.org.

About the Lapidus Living Research Community

The Lapidus Living Research Community (LLRC) meets on the first Saturday of every month via Zoom to discuss all things research, with a focus on qualitative arts-based research practices, theory and methods.

All Lapidus members are welcome, regardless of research experience. LLRC events are free and no tickets are required. Use the Zoom link above to access the event.

This is a certified CPD course and those who successfully complete the course receive a Certification of Completion confirming their learning and study hours 20 hours didactic learning, 20 hours peer learning).

 Course page: https://www.profwritingacademy.com/course/therapeutic-and-reflective-writing

Length: 8 weeks

Course start date: 9 September 2026

Members of Lapidus can claim a 10% discount for this course – just type Lapidus10 in the coupon code box when you book. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with the early bird discount or any other offers.

About PWA

Our online writing courses foster creativity, nurture ideas, and instill professional writing skills. Unlike MOOCs or passive video lectures, our courses prioritise hands-on learning in small, interactive groups led by experienced tutors. Whether you’re an individual or an organization, our unique learning platform, dedicated educators, and practitioner-tutors ensure an effective and enjoyable experience in a supportive community. We’re the pioneers behind the world’s first online Master’s degree in writing and have been designing and teaching online writing courses since 2009, utilising a digital learning platform crafted specifically for writers.

Take a mindful pause in your week and join us for Write Here, Right Now — a calm, supportive online space for Lapidus members to come together and write.

Hosted once a month on a Wednesday lunchtime, this hour-long session offers a simple structure: a warm welcome from a Lapidus facilitator, a chance to briefly connect with fellow members, and then uninterrupted self-directed writing time. Whether you’re journalling, reflecting, or working on a creative project, writing in the quiet company of others can bring focus, motivation, and a sense of shared purpose.

We meet on Zoom. No pressure, no prompts — just you, your words, and a community that understands the power of writing for wellbeing.

Event details

This edition of Write Here, Right Now takes place on Wednesday 16 September 2026, from 1pm-2pm BST (UK time).

The facilitator will be Alison Cable.

Please send any questions ahead of the event to membership@lapidus.org.uk (responses on Tuesdays & Fridays).

Joining the event

There is no need to reserve your space — simply turn up on the day using the Zoom link below:

Joining link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86580220492

Meeting ID: 865 8022 0492

As Lapidus marks its 30th anniversary, this special Summer Festival event invites us to pause, look back, and imagine what might come next.

Over the past three decades, writing for wellbeing has grown and developed in many different directions. What began as a field shaped by pioneering practitioners, writers, researchers and community projects has become an increasingly recognised approach to supporting wellbeing, connection, reflection and change.

In this interactive session, we will bring together voices from across the Lapidus community to reflect on where the field has come from, what has shaped its development, and where it might be heading next.

Through conversation, reflective writing and shared discussion, we will explore:

• What can we learn from the past 30 years of writing for wellbeing?
• How has the field evolved, and what have we discovered along the way?
• What might writing for wellbeing look like in the future?
• What possibilities, challenges and opportunities lie ahead?
• What do we want to carry forward, and what might we need to reimagine?

The session will begin with a gentle landing exercise inviting participants to reflect on their own experiences of the past. A panel conversation will then explore the development of writing for wellbeing over the last three decades, before we turn our attention towards the future.

There will be opportunities for solo writing, small-group reflection and optional sharing. Together, we will gather thoughts and hopes for the future, contributing to a shared poem that will be created during the session and read aloud as part of the event.

The event will also include an announcement about the Plumb Lines project, followed by an optional networking opportunity.

Whether you have been part of the writing for wellbeing community for many years, are discovering the field for the first time, or simply want to take some time to reflect and dream alongside others, you are very welcome.

No previous writing experience is required. You are welcome to write, reflect, listen, share, or simply be part of the conversation in whatever way feels right for you.

Join the event

Saturday 19 September
13:00–16:00

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86752018242

Meeting ID: 867 5201 8242

Please note that this event will be recorded. 

For questions about the event, please contact Flo on membership@lapidus.org.uk.

Timetable

Timings are approximate. An updated timetable will be shared before the day.

• 1:00 pm, event opens, welcome and landing activity
• 1:20 pm, panel discussion
• 2:00 pm, break and solo writing time
• 2:20 pm, networking and sharing reflections
• 3:20 pm, Plumb Lines project launch, networking
• 3:45 pm, shared poem
• 4:00 pm, event closes

Please note: optional breaks can be taken during the networking sessions.

About our contributors

Peter Emelone, host

With over two decades of dedicated service in the field of education, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to the board of Lapidus International. Previously Director of Studies and currently serving as a Consultant Lecturer for Learning and Teaching at Global Banking School, he is a passionate advocate for transformative teaching practices. As an ambassador for the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Peter actively promoted the importance of management and leadership skills in education. He also advocated for the integration of these essential skills into the curriculum. He is a self-proclaimed pioneer of positivity, and his philosophy centres around creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Peter is on a mission to change lives through education by fostering a culture of positivity, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.

Mel Perry, panel chair

Mel is Chair of Lapidus International, and a poet, spoken word performer and writing practitioner from Wales, with a background in public health, and substance misuse related training and service management. She completed her MSc CWTP in 2019 following her research project which explored the experience of women survivors of domestic abuse reading their creative writing at a spoken word poetry event. Since retiring from Public Health Wales in October 2018, Mel has dedicated her time to developing her current role. Mel is published in Nation Cymru, 2024; LIRIC Journal Vol 2 Issue 2; Spoken Word in the UK, Routledge, 2021, Write a line. Inspiration book for children & young people. Kultivera 2021, and poetry anthologies. Her third poetry collection will be a response to the life and influence of her maternal grandmother. She is passionate about helping people find their seed of creativity to promote health and wellbeing, and social activism across a range of issues.

Dr Buki Akilapa, panel contributor

Dr Buki Akilapa is Deputy Editor of the LIRIC Journal and a Lecturer in Healthcare Management at Global Banking School (GBS), UK. She holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) from Canterbury Christ Church University, is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Buki’s research and writing interests include autoethnography, reflective writing, identity, belonging, migration, recognition, and Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes. Her recent LIRIC article, Journey of Reflection: Girlhood, Migration, Grief, and Healing Through Soul Work, explores how journalling, poetry, and compassionate rereading can support self-understanding and transformation. Drawing on both personal and professional experience, Buki is passionate about creating reflective spaces where stories can be explored, voices can be heard, and writing can become a pathway to recognition, learning, and healing.

Dr Claire Williamson, panel contributor

Dr Claire Williamson has been facilitating therapeutic writing for over twenty-five years, and was Director of Studies for the MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes at Metanoia Institute for ten years. Claire continues to provide workshops, mentoring and supervision for individuals and groups. Her doctorate explored responses to grief narratives in literature. Claire has published four poetry collections, the latest is Visiting the Minotaur (Seren). She also writes words for community opera and has worked extensively for Welsh National Opera; Bridge – celebrating the first Severn crossing is being performed this autumn in Bristol.

Dr Lucy Windridge-Floris, panel contributor

Dr Lucy Windridge-Floris is a writer, educator and creative writing practitioner with more than thirty years’ experience across education, healthcare and community settings. A former university programme director in English and Creative Writing, she holds a PhD in Creative Writing and Critical Practice and an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes. Lucy is the founder of Writing Sense, an initiative exploring how creative writing, narrative practice and autoethnography can help us understand experiences shaped by separation and institutional life. Her work is rooted in the belief that writing for wellbeing is not only a personal or therapeutic practice but can also make visible the systems and inherited narratives that shape our lives. She is particularly interested in the discipline’s potential to foster connection, challenge dominant stories and contribute to meaningful social change: https://www.writingsense.net/ 

Georgiana Blake-Hall, poet

Georgiana Blake-Hall is a published poet, writer and educator with over four decades of teaching experience. Founder of Pause and Pen, and with an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes, she creates gentle, inclusive spaces where writing offers a way to pause, reflect, reconnect with ourselves and find our voice.

Looking to build deeper connections within the Lapidus community?

The Lapidus One-to-One Networking Carousel is a simple monthly networking initiative designed to encourage meaningful, one-to-one conversations in a relaxed and informal way. Rather than attending a large networking event, you’ll be matched with another Lapidus member or two, for a conversation arranged at a time that suits you.

Whether you’re hoping to exchange ideas, reflect on your practice, explore different approaches to writing for wellbeing, or simply meet people within the community, the Carousel offers a welcoming space for thoughtful connection and conversation.

Each month, members can sign up via a short online form. After the sign-up deadline, participants will be paired and introduced by email. From there, it’s entirely up to you how you’d like to connect — online, by phone, or even in person where practical.

The Carousel is especially suited to members who enjoy the one-to-one conversations that can be harder to find in traditional networking events. Conversations can be informal, reflective, practical, creative, or professionally focused — the format is intentionally flexible and member-led.

You are welcome to take part as often as you like, and we’ll do our best to match you with someone different each time.

Upcoming dates

Sign-up deadline: Monday 5th October, Thursday 5th November 2026

Introductions will be sent by email the following Tuesday or Friday.

Please note: By signing up, you agree to your email address being shared with your matched partner(s) for the purpose of arranging your conversation. Participants are responsible for arranging their own one-to-one call or meeting. While we will do our best to make thoughtful matches, Lapidus cannot guarantee availability, compatibility, or ongoing contact between participants. Participation is voluntary, and members may withdraw from future rounds at any time.

Photo by Dylan Ferreira on Unsplash

Running Writing Workshops is for anyone looking to develop a range of workshop-management skills for use in their own creative, academic, professional or recreational practice.

This online professional development course has been designed by Victoria Field and Anne Taylor with the Professional Writing Academy to provide you with the skills, resources and confidence to facilitate writing groups, whether in the therapeutic writing or personal development fields or for creative writing.

Over six weeks, you will develop an understanding of the contexts in which writing groups take place, the theory of the group process, and the logistics, ethics and legal framework of running successful writing groups, while benefiting from practical resources and lesson plans.

This is a certified CPD course and those who successfully complete the course receive a Certification of Completion confirming their learning and study hours (15 hours didactic learning, 15 hours peer learning).

The course is tutored by writing for wellbeing practitioner and researcher Kate McBarron.

Course page: https://www.profwritingacademy.com/course/running-writing-workshops

Length: 6 weeks

Course start dates: 21 October 2026

Members of Lapidus can claim a 10% discount for this course – just type Lapidus10 in the coupon code box when you book. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with the early bird discount or any other offers.

 About PWA

Our online writing courses foster creativity, nurture ideas, and instill professional writing skills. Unlike MOOCs or passive video lectures, our courses prioritise hands-on learning in small, interactive groups led by experienced tutors. Whether you’re an individual or an organization, our unique learning platform, dedicated educators, and practitioner-tutors ensure an effective and enjoyable experience in a supportive community. We’re the pioneers behind the world’s first online Master’s degree in writing and have been designing and teaching online writing courses since 2009, utilising a digital learning platform crafted specifically for writers.