Membership Survey Results

Highlights From The Lapidus Membership Survey

As Lapidus’ Membership Coordinator, I recently sent out our 2024 membership survey – a big thank you to everyone who responded! Through the survey, we hoped to gain a clearer picture of who we are as a community and what we can achieve together. I’m delighted to share some of the key findings and actions inspired by your feedback.

Why We Conducted the Survey
Our survey had three main goals:

1. To understand our members better and identify underrepresented groups in our community.
2. To learn what you value most about your membership.
3. To pinpoint areas for growth and new initiatives to explore.

With 100 responses—representing nearly a third of our membership—we’ve gained invaluable insights to inform our daily operations and future planning.

Who Makes Up the Lapidus Community?
Your responses provided a fascinating snapshot of our vibrant community. Whilst most participants were UK-based, we noticed lower engagement from international members and underrepresented groups, including people under 35, men, and those in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Addressing these gaps and fostering greater inclusivity is now a priority.

The survey also revealed a growing number of members who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, or living with long-term health conditions. This shift may reflect the pandemic’s impact, underscoring the need for accessible offerings like online events, which remain a cornerstone of our programming.

Finally, your responses affirmed the diversity of ways members engage with writing for wellbeing. From practitioners in creative and therapeutic sectors to researchers and individuals using writing in their personal lives, Lapidus continues to be a home for a rich tapestry of voices and experiences.

What You Value (and What We Can Improve)
Community and Connection
Above all, our members cherish being part of a community of practice. As one respondent shared:
“It’s a wonderful, vibrant community of people who are knowledgeable and passionate about writing for wellbeing.”

Many of you highlighted the diversity of creative and professional backgrounds as a unique strength of Lapidus. At the same time, you emphasised the importance of fostering even greater inclusivity and representation.

Events
Lapidus events received high praise, with 86% of respondents having attended and enjoyed them. Highlights included the LLRC events and the Creative Bridges conference, with online formats proving the most popular.

However, there’s room for growth. Members expressed a need for event recordings to accommodate time zone differences and caregiving responsibilities. You also asked for better advance notice of events—a change we’re already implementing.

Website and Publications
Thanks to your feedback, we’ve launched a new website! While we’re still fine-tuning it, we hope it provides a more user-friendly experience. Meanwhile, resources like the LIRIC Journal and members’ magazine remain valued staples, with plans to promote them more effectively in the future.

Professional Development
Members appreciate Lapidus’ networking opportunities and resources, but there’s a growing appetite for more support—especially around the business side of practice. This feedback will shape our professional development offerings in 2025.

Looking Ahead
Your input has already inspired meaningful action, from recording LLRC events to enhancing communication around programming. But this is just the beginning. In 2025, we’ll continue refining our offerings, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring our community thrives.

Remember, you don’t have to wait for the next survey to share your thoughts! I’m always here to listen—whether it’s about what’s working, where we can improve, or new ideas you’d like us to explore.

If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out at membership@lapidus.org.uk. I look forward to hearing from you!