Help Develop Community Focused Wellbeing Groups Writing Well

Hello there, my name is Paula Anne, and I am growing a hobby, a writing and publishing consultancy in Louth, Lincolnshire, called Busy Corner Books, into a business. The website is www.busycornerbook.com, but more importantly, here's www.writingwell.net - my new community focused enterprise.

Following a life changing accident, I experienced the isolation and vulnerabilities that a person can have when their independence is threatened. However, I chose to use this change as a motivational springboard, to deliver Writing Well into our community.

When the medical team suggested I get a wheelchair following an accident, I pretended I didn’t hear, and continually pushed myself every single day. From being stuck on a bed for months, to literally dragging myself towards the edge, I finally managed to get my legs working again. I’m a little bionic as a result of the accident: a few metal connections, however, things are improving.

Isolation and loneliness was a difficult thing to face during those times. Never, after training in the 1990s as a counsellor with psychotherapy skills, did I imagine my reaction to this life change. You would maybe think if someone had been through a 7-year personal and professional transformation, they would be able to cope with a few broken bones and surgeries. However, it was yet again another one of those lifetime transitions most of us face in some form or another. It depends on how we choose to take learnings and wisdom from experience.

Recovery brought out a different person. The kind of woman who says ‘yes’ to more opportunities. Plus the fear of pushing and asking to develop a dream, had disappeared. I grew from strength to strength – this dream is going to work!

So, my first step, already having the experience of writing and publishing, I dared myself to go back to study, and that was through university. A 57-year-old woman, albeit bionic, studying an MA in Creative Writing, and getting surprising feedback from assignments.

To take things further, I had always wanted to go back to writers’ groups and share my passion of writing with others. But I couldn’t find a nearby face to face group, (everything was 'online') nor one with an atmosphere where I could feel comfortable being my true self.

Writing Well, that’s, www.writingwell.net was born through my wanting something more and wanting to offer more. A safe haven for people to write and develop their true voice, without fear of judgment or ridicule. Without fear of not being good enough, and knowing that everything is treated in confidence. Only promotion of empowerment, as an individual, to help and person develop as a writer at whatever level of experience.

It's one thing wanting to write, but another writing as a person comfortable within one's own skin.

Along the way there have been some wonderful people who have offered lots of support and encouragement. For that I am really grateful. I continue to grow and develop Writing Well, things seem to be working, with passion and drive, I love bringing people together.

In the past, I have facilitated therapy, writing, and mediation groups. Plus, as I say, around 15 years ago, I began my huge learning curve in the writing and publication process - taking the written word right through to a published product and into the shops - wearing several different hats (a writer, an editor, a proof reader, a beta reader, a publisher, a marketeer - as many new authors discover, there are many roles in becoming a successful author and publisher.) I have also provided help and support to other writers and authors; including mentoring as they reach goals, as they navigate through their own journey towards success.

Post accident, and post-covid, I volunteered for MIND and a Women's Charity in Yorkshire, offering my help as a therapist. Plus, after 3/4 training in Spiritual Accompaniment and Lay Ministry, I once volunteered for the Lincoln Diocese for a while. Plus, in the background, over those two decades, I have supported my partner in his psychotherapy business through both administration, website content and writing blogs, scripts and articles. I even once had the opportunity to meet Danny Boyle and Rosario Dawson, plus train in a stand-up comedy course. That was interesting. Life's mishaps can be filled with laughter.

I’m getting to the stage with university fees, expenses and Writing Well costs, that debts are concerning. There’s only so much I can give when on low income, and only so much credit available on cards. But that’s my fault. The financial consequences are starting to outweigh the ability to take Writing Well forward. Yet when I have facilitated groups, the change in attendee’s demeanor has been lovely to see. I’ve even had members say, ‘I love my Writing Well, it the time for me – my time!’.

The thing is, I can’t reach everyone in Lincolnshire (and surrounding areas) who would like to be part of Writing Well (I have a list of interested people from different areas). 1. Because I’m physically limited due to being bionic, and only one person. And 2. There’s not enough money to hire venues and join ethical organisations and pay for expenses and disclosure checks etc.

So, for the moment, I’m trying not to get into more debt, working hard at university, pacing my physical abilities, and planning ahead on paper. While also asking for interested parties to kindly offer accountability in the form of 3 or 4 trustees, a reasonable size committee, and a disability aid.

This portal has been constructed for people who are currently attending Writing Well, to potentially give a small donation each time they attend our meetings. Or for anyone who would like to support our new venture for the community. Writing Well is completely self funded at the moment. Having said that, I only charge a suggested donation of £3 for each attendee, plus £1 for tea or coffee. I feel its important to make these groups accessible to everyone.

We are currently running a successful group in Louth. Horncastle has a waiting list, and we continue to receive inquiries for other locations. These face-to-face groups are held every 2 weeks. We have been asked to deliver groups in Alford, Cleethorpes, South Lincolnshire, Boston, Lincoln, North Lincolnshire. Plus, requests for outside of Lincolnshire. It would be great to be able to bring all this to the community. It feels like I am giving back the help received during my recovery. Plus, it all feels so very exciting.

I would love to be able to provide opportunities for those who want to be involved. Maybe, potentially, paid work. But that would be another funding area, and in the distant future.

Writing Well is unique! There is nothing quite like Writing Well in Lincolnshire. I do love facilitating groups, creating writing exercises that not only improve well-being but also help people to discover and improve their unique voice. There is real value in learning how to process feelings through the written word. Having done this myself many times, I have grown a cathartic empathy and sensitivity to people’s needs.

I just want to share, encourage and empower people to be independent and discover more about their true selves in an ethical and safe environment.

Sooner or later we will receive funding. In the meantime we really could do with a little financial support.

If you have contributed in any way so far, from the bottom of my heart, I say ‘thank you’. Writing Well is going to work.

Thank you in advance.

Warmest regards,

Paula Thwaite.

www.writingwell.net

Here is the link to our website at Busy Corner Books www.busycornerbooks.com

Here is the link to the fabulous Writing Well Community Focused Creative Writing Wellbeing Groups (known as Writing Well)

www.writingwell.net

Plus a link to the social media page for Writing Well https://www.facebook.com/share/164NQoM2Y2/