Explore how Writing for Wellbeing can be used to process experiences and memories of the pandemic in a cathartic and uplifting way in this workshop inspired by exhibition ‘Fortitude’.
Led by experienced writing facilitator Jo Robinson join the workshop for a mix of creative writing, poetry, and self-reflective exercises around the topic of Fortitude. She will be joined by consultant physician Helen Lane, a contributor to exhibition, who will be reading two poems that she wrote during her time working through the COVID-19 pandemic.
No previous writing experience is necessary.
The workshop will include a tour of the exhibition ‘Fortitude’ and light refreshments.
Jo would like to make participants aware that while the workshop is intended to be positive and therapeutic, it's worth noting that during the session you may experience difficult emotions.
About
Jo Robinson is a qualified Writing for Wellbeing Practitioner living in West London. After receiving a BA in Creative Writing from Roehampton University at the age of 40, Jo went on to complete a PTTLS Teaching for Adults course and combine these two skills to begin her own workshops which offer creative and self-reflective writing exercises designed to help participants express themselves creatively, build confidence, and increase social interaction. She has worked with numerous organisations around London including Mind, Hestia, St. Mungo’s and Open Age.
Dr Helen Lane is a consultant physician at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in south Wales. She turned to poetry writing as a way to unwind during the pandemic when hospital admissions threatened to overwhelm the district general hospital where she works. Her poem ‘It’s good to talk’ and a copy of the book of poetry she and colleague Dr Sean Watermeyer published during the pandemic to raise money for charity features in the exhibition.
Fortitude
This is one of a series of events that run alongside exhibition ‘Fortitude’. In ‘Fortitude’ the RCP are privileged to share the experiences of healthcare professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic, in their own words. The exhibition can be visited at the RCP in London and online from 25 September 2023 to 24 May 2024. Please note that the exhibition contains images, descriptions and audio recordings relating to illness, death, grief and trauma.
