An invitation to women who would like to step out of the busy noise of modern life for 5 weekly sessions and take a hint from winter in the northern hemisphere and to root down into stillness and rest.

Participant numbers will be limited to 12.

Join us as we set out on a creative and reflective ‘journey’ to the self and to new stories, through reflective writing and shared reading of carefully chosen poems.

These courses (see also the Flourish programme) have helped many women rescue and revive a sense of self as they negotiate so many common experiences: hormonal change, changes in independence and dependence, loss, grief, isolation, empty nests, divorce, retirement, loss of income – to name but a few.

Nourish will help us to claim new stories of fulfilment and self-expression, in a supportive small community, through challenging times, to help us heal and move on, to nuture our own needs and desire, and to find a resotorative centre of calm.

In this 5-week programme of 2.5-hour workshops, we will look at our stories through the lenses of the seasons and of the cycles of life. We will share readings and discussions and have plenty of time to write in response to these.

Come and share and reclaim your own story in these safe and inspirational workshops.

These sessions are for reflective and therapeutic writing, and whilst experienced writers are welcome so too are beginners, who will be able to reap equal rewards.

We will use the poetry of writers such as Mary Oliver, Denise Levertov and Alice Walker as touchstones and signposts as we travel together. And we will consider the ideas of writers who have done so much work in this field, such as Sharon Blackie (If Women Rose Rooted) and Maureen Murdock (The Heroine’s Journey).

You can expect gentle yet inspirational and revealing writing prompts. You can also expect conversations about love and loss, determination and resilience, being and becoming, escape and transformation, creativity and community – and self-realization. 

There will be a chance to share a few lines of our own – although there is no obligation to do so.

Programme led by Pam Winter and Kate Oldfield.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this course, please do get in touch. hello@kateoldfieldwrites.com

Fee: £200

(there is a limited number of £165** concession spaces - please read our eligibility criteria before applying to Kate at the email above)

** You qualify for a concession if any of the following apply to you:

– You claim Universal Credit, pension credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), income support or job seekers allowance
– You are in receipt of working tax credit
– You are low-waged (single household: annual income of less than £23,000 inc. tax / family household: combined annual income less than £34,500 inc. tax)

You may also qualify for a concession if the following apply, but we request that anyone in these categories whose income or circumstances are sufficient to pay the full rate foregoes a concessionary place, so that it can go to someone in greater need.

– You are a full-time student
– You are aged 18-25

Pam Winter (BACP Snr Accred Counsellor) is a certified poetry therapist and runs a variety of personal and professional development groups using poetry therapy, expressive and reflective writing. She has a background in teaching and extensive experience as a therapist and coach. She returned to a lifelong love of poetry, journalling and the power of word for healing and change following attending a writing course on therapeutic writing with the Professional Writing Academy. Pam lives in Marsden, a small village on the edge of moorland, where she enjoys time walking and writing. For more information see her website www.path-wise.co.uk

Kate Oldfield runs creative writing workshops at The Writing Well. She finds her own voice in poetry and is finishing the first draft of a novel set in Scotland in WW2, based on true events.

After chosing to study art history and English under leading feminist tutors at Leeds University such as Grizelda Pollock for her BA and at the Courtauld for her Masters, she moved into the publishing industry, in which worked for over twenty years. After her third child, she adjusted her consultancy work to become a writing mentor, ghost-writer and ‘book fixer’. She is now qualified in therapeutic and reflective writing practices (Professional Writing Academy, 2020). She has been running workshops – teaching creative writing skills, writing for wellbeing and collaborative poetry sessions – since 2019.

What people have said about Pam:

‘’Pam thanks again for yesterday. It felt very important and galvanising. I’m already amazed by how the process of reading and writing poetry as part of therapy enables me to go so much deeper and broader, faster (and in another way, not amazed, as this is what I had thought might happen…but hardly dared to hope!’)’’Janet

‘’ Pam's facilitation style is much more active than I've experienced previously, but this is conscious and feels appropriate. Pam selects a range of poems for stimulus, and ensures a good chunk of each session is made up of me actually writing in the moment, as well as between sessions. Working in this way has helped me to improve the breadth, depth and clarity of my thinking, understand myself better on an emotional level, and rediscover my voice. Perhaps most unexpectedly, it’s also helped me to overcome challenges and solve problems in my role and outside of work. It puts me in mind of a kind of creative physiotherapy – consciously exercising an underused muscle to increase flexibility and strength.’’    Dom

‘’You are a highly skilled facilitator of groups and in addition to making it look effortless there is a certain magic in what you do. I have always looked forward to your workshops because I know that I am going to be inspired and uplifted. You hold the group and the process well, gently encouraging people to share without pushing people to reveal beyond their own comfort levels…Great use of materials you really know your stuff, experience and knowledge of poetry as a therapeutic tool as well as a knowledge of poetry shown in the exquisite choice of poems to work with.’’    Kathryn

What people have said about Kate:

"Kate is a clever and kind facilitator who includes everyone and keeps the pace, and can evoke and stimulate people to be their best creative selves.  I love it. A doctor could prescribe it; it’s uplifting and thought-provoking."    Lucy

“The Creative Connections workshops sounded like an excellent opportunity to connect with others who share a desire to release the creative spirit. They are a safe, nurturing place in which to explore and create. I haven’t been disappointed. Under the caring and positive guidance of Kate, I have started to unblock my creativity. Each session offers something new, exciting and challenging.”    Linda

“There is an unfolding, a dawning of confidence, a growing enthusiasm, then a welling then a spilling of ideas and associations from the stew of all of us mixed together. Faint hearts are warmed, doubts and diffidence banished. You hold the group together, reflect us back and knit bits back into the mix. We do in fact indeed ‘blossom and flourish’ as the hymn has it. I think that’s remarkable.”    Sally

IMPORTANT: Please email hello@kateoldfieldwrites.com with a note of each session you have paid for so that you can be sent the session Zoom link. (More than one session may be purchased at the same time.)

PLEASE NOTE BOOKING CLOSES AT 7PM UK ON THE DAY OF EACH SESSION - Zoom links may not be able to be sent out after that time of the evening of the session.

Forthcoming sessions (drop in):

• Monday 9th September

• Monday 16th September

• Monday 23rd September

• Monday 30th September

• Monday 7th October

• Monday 14th October

Join us for a gentle but inspiring Monday evening hour to help bring you a sense of connection with your authentic voice, your self, your body, your own stories, and your creative intention for the week ahead.

Sessions include breathwork, embodied visualisation, mindfulness and meditation; gentle reflective writing prompts; and closing mindful moments to set our creative intention for the week and/or our current creative projects.

Writing time can be used to follow the reflective writing prompts or to dive into your own writing projects with an enhanced feeling of focus and intention.

Please note that all microphones will be muted for the entire session for the mutual benefit of all participants.

The sessions are open to all, whatever the level writer you believe yourself to be. (Sharing our writing will not be part of the sessions.)

All you need is a private space where you will not be disturbed for the hour, a pen and paper - and a beginner's mind.

For as long as it is viable to do so, sessions will be run on a guided pay-what-you-can basis to make them as accessible as possible.

(Self select at basket: Supported £10, and Standard £12.)

Cancellation policy: non-refundable.

[NB: This course is a repeat of the sold-out summer course.]

We are here, we have survived. But is that enough?

Join us as we set out on a creative and reflective ‘journey’ to the self and to new stories.

We will use Bridge's 'Transitions' Map' as guide: from Letting Go; through Moving in Between towards Acceptance and New Beginnings.

Participant numbers will be limited to 8.

For women’s lives, change is so prevalent. Many of these things are common experiences: hormonal change, changes in independence and dependence, loss, grief, isolation, empty nests, divorce, retirement, loss of income – to name but a few.

How can we navigate our journey using our own gifts and wisdom, rather than using the familiar demands and expectations of the ‘hero’s journey’, made popular through myth, fairy tale and film?

How might we find and claim new stories of fulfilment and self-expression through challenging times, which might feel more authentic, and help us heal and move on?

How can we use these new stories to create different, more fulfilling, expanded, safer, more sustainable lives, for ourselves and those around us?

In this 5-week programme of 2-hour workshops, we will look at our stories through the lenses of the seasons and of the cycles of life. We will share readings and discussions and have plenty of time to write in response to these.

Come and share and reclaim your own story in these safe and inspirational workshops.

These sessions are for reflective and therapeutic writing, and whilst experienced writers are welcome so too are beginners, who will be able to reap equal rewards.

We will use the poetry of writers such as Mary Oliver, Denise Levertov and Alice Walker as touchstones and signposts as we travel together. And we will consider the ideas of writers who have done so much work in this field, such as Sharon Blackie (If Women Rose Rooted) and Maureen Murdock (The Heroine’s Journey).

You can expect gentle yet inspirational and revealing writing prompts. You can also expect conversations about love and loss, determination and resilience, being and becoming, escape and transformation, creativity and community – and self-realization. 

There will be a chance to share a few lines of our own – although there is no obligation to do so.

You will gain a sense of deepened connection and curiosity – and a collection of original writing ‘stubs’ which might flourish as future writing projects or maps of your continuing journey.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this course, please do get in touch. hello@kateoldfieldwrites.com

Fee: £160 (or a limited number of £120 concession spaces) for this 5-workshop programme

Please self-select, knowing that those that can afford the standard price can help others in a less fortunate position to attend the course, while at the same time supporting the facilitators to your best ability.

Programme led by Kate Oldfield.

Kate Oldfield runs creative writing workshops at The Writing Well. She finds her own voice in poetry and is finishing the first draft of a novel set in Scotland in WW2, based on true events.

After choosing to study art history and English under leading feminist tutors at Leeds University such as Grizelda Pollock for her BA and at the Courtauld for her Masters, she moved into the publishing industry, in which she worked for over twenty years. After her third child, she adjusted her consultancy work to become a writing mentor, ghost-writer and ‘book fixer’. She is now qualified in therapeutic and reflective writing practices (Professional Writing Academy, 2020). She has been running workshops – teaching creative writing skills, writing for wellbeing, and collaborative poetry sessions – since 2019.

What people have said about Kate:

"Kate is a clever and kind facilitator who includes everyone and keeps the pace, and can evoke and stimulate people to be their best creative selves.  I love it. A doctor could prescribe it; it’s uplifting and thought-provoking."    Lucy

“Kate, it’s how you flow and keep everybody very engaged… you allow us all to feel safe enough to admit our vulnerability, and then the rest of the group becomes so connected because of that safe sharing process. It's beautiful Katie, thank you so much. I'm so happy that I found you.” Participant

“The Creative Connections workshops sounded like an excellent opportunity to connect with others who share a desire to release the creative spirit. They are a safe, nurturing place in which to explore and create. I haven’t been disappointed. Under the caring and positive guidance of Kate, I have started to unblock my creativity. Each session offers something new, exciting and challenging.”    Linda

“There is an unfolding, a dawning of confidence, a growing enthusiasm, then a welling then a spilling of ideas and associations from the stew of all of us mixed together. Faint hearts are warmed, doubts and diffidence banished. You hold the group together, reflect us back and knit bits back into the mix. We do in fact indeed ‘blossom and flourish’ as the hymn has it. I think that’s remarkable.”    Sally

These online sessions are hosted and curated by Kate Oldfield.

Step away from your daily chores for an hour and lose yourself in the creative process. The Creative Connection hour is a weekly online workshop: expect curated conversation, shared story-telling and gentle writing prompts to give your creativity a boost and foster a sense of connection in a small and supportive community. Warning: poem-making and short-form creative writing may happen without any effort or previous understanding!

All are welcome whether you are an accomplished or a reluctant writer – there is a place for everyone. Just come with a beginner’s mind.

There are currently spaces in our Wednesday session (4pm UK time). Contact Kate if you would like to know a little more.

Fees: Pay for a 6-week block

Fee structure:

"I am doing OK thanks and I can pay £15 per session" x 6 sessions = £90

"I am doing well thanks and would like to support those who are struggling to pay so I will pay £20 per session" x 6 sessions = £120

"I would struggle to pay £15 per session so I will pay £12 per session" x 6 sessions = £72

(If you need a greater concession please contact Kate)

What people have said: ‘It’s wonderful to be in a group of supportive people from all different walks of life and experiences, and the time flies by. It is more than just connecting and being creative; Kate manages to bring out the magic in life and helps us see the world through refreshed eyes. - Isobel

Cancellation policy: non-refundable

This course is now full but there is a growing WAITING LIST for another course - please do add your name to the list!

SOLD OUT.

We are here, we have survived. But is that enough?

Join us as we set out on a creative and reflective ‘journey’ to the self and to new stories.

Participant numbers will be limited to 12.

For women’s lives, change is so prevalent. Many of these things are common experiences: hormonal change, changes in independence and dependence,, loss, grief, isolation, empty nests, divorce, retirement, loss of income – to name but a few.

How can we navigate our journey using our own gifts and wisdom, rather than using the familiar demands and expectations of the ‘hero’s journey’, made popular through myth, fairy tale and film?

How might we find and claim new stories of fulfilment and self-expression through challenging times, which might feel more authentic, and help us heal and move on?

How can we use these new stories to create different, more fulfilling, expanded, safer, more sustainable lives, for ourselves and those around us?

In this 5-week programme of 2.5-hour workshops, we will look at our stories through the lenses of the seasons and of the cycles of life. We will share readings and discussions and have plenty of time to write in response to these.

Come and share and reclaim your own story in these safe and inspirational workshops.

These sessions are for reflective and therapeutic writing, and whilst experienced writers are welcome so too are beginners, who will be able to reap equal rewards.

We will use the poetry of writers such as Mary Oliver, Denise Levertov and Alice Walker as touchstones and signposts as we travel together. And we will consider the ideas of writers who ^have done so much work in this field, such as Sharon Blackie (If Women Rose Rooted) and Maureen Murdock (The Heroine’s Journey).

You can expect gentle yet inspirational and revealing writing prompts. You can also expect conversations about love and loss, determination and resilience, being and becoming, escape and transformation, creativity and community – and self-realization. 

There will be a chance to share a few lines of our own – although there is no obligation to do so.

You will gain a sense of deepened connection and curiosity – and a collection of original writing ‘stubs’ which might flourish as future writing projects or maps of your continuing journey.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this course, please do get in touch. hello@kateoldfieldwrites.com / pamwntr@aol.com

Fee: £200 (or a limited number of £150 concession spaces) for this 5-workshop programme

Please self-select, knowing that those that can afford the standard price can help others in a less fortunate position to attend the course, while at the same time supporting the facilitators to your best ability.

Programme led by Pam Winter and Kate Oldfield.

Pam Winter (BACP Snr Accred Counsellor) is a certified poetry therapist and runs a variety of personal and professional development groups using poetry therapy, expressive and reflective writing. She has a background in teaching and extensive experience as a therapist and coach. She returned to a lifelong love of poetry, journalling and the power of word for healing and change following attending a writing course on therapeutic writing with the Professional Writing Academy. Pam lives in Marsden, a small village on the edge of moorland, where she enjoys time walking and writing. For more information see her website www.path-wise.co.uk

Kate Oldfield runs creative writing workshops at The Writing Well. She finds her own voice in poetry and is finishing the first draft of a novel set in Scotland in WW2, based on true events.

After chosing to study art history and English under leading feminist tutors at Leeds University such as Grizelda Pollock for her BA and at the Courtauld for her Masters, she moved into the publishing industry, in which worked for over twenty years. After her third child, she adjusted her consultancy work to become a writing mentor, ghost-writer and ‘book fixer’. She is now qualified in therapeutic and reflective writing practices (Professional Writing Academy, 2020). She has been running workshops – teaching creative writing skills, writing for wellbeing and collaborative poetry sessions – since 2019.

What people have said about Pam:

‘’Pam thanks again for yesterday. It felt very important and galvanising. I’m already amazed by how the process of reading and writing poetry as part of therapy enables me to go so much deeper and broader, faster (and in another way, not amazed, as this is what I had thought might happen…but hardly dared to hope!’)’’  Janet

‘’ Pam's facilitation style is much more active than I've experienced previously, but this is conscious and feels appropriate. Pam selects a range of poems for stimulus, and ensures a good chunk of each session is made up of me actually writing in the moment, as well as between sessions. Working in this way has helped me to improve the breadth, depth and clarity of my thinking, understand myself better on an emotional level, and rediscover my voice. Perhaps most unexpectedly, it’s also helped me to overcome challenges and solve problems in my role and outside of work. It puts me in mind of a kind of creative physiotherapy – consciously exercising an underused muscle to increase flexibility and strength.’’    Dom

‘’You are a highly skilled facilitator of groups and in addition to making it look effortless there is a certain magic in what you do. I have always looked forward to your workshops because I know that I am going to be inspired and uplifted. You hold the group and the process well, gently encouraging people to share without pushing people to reveal beyond their own comfort levels…Great use of materials you really know your stuff, experience and knowledge of poetry as a therapeutic tool as well as a knowledge of poetry shown in the exquisite choice of poems to work with.’’    Kathryn

What people have said about Kate:

"Kate is a clever and kind facilitator who includes everyone and keeps the pace, and can evoke and stimulate people to be their best creative selves.  I love it. A doctor could prescribe it; it’s uplifting and thought-provoking."    Lucy

“The Creative Connections workshops sounded like an excellent opportunity to connect with others who share a desire to release the creative spirit. They are a safe, nurturing place in which to explore and create. I haven’t been disappointed. Under the caring and positive guidance of Kate, I have started to unblock my creativity. Each session offers something new, exciting and challenging.”    Linda

“There is an unfolding, a dawning of confidence, a growing enthusiasm, then a welling then a spilling of ideas and associations from the stew of all of us mixed together. Faint hearts are warmed, doubts and diffidence banished. You hold the group together, reflect us back and knit bits back into the mix. We do in fact indeed ‘blossom and flourish’ as the hymn has it. I think that’s remarkable.”    Sally