We’ve recently launched a brand-new Creative Writing & Expression workshop with the women at The Nelson Trust, exploring storytelling in ways that don’t always rely on words.

Our first session challenged the traditional idea of what writing looks like, using emojis, pictures, symbols, shapes and visual prompts to create stories, express emotions and communicate experiences. The workshop sparked some fascinating conversations about art, creativity, finding your own voice, and how the education system can sometimes make people feel that writing isn’t for them.

By removing the pressure of spelling, grammar and “getting it right”, the session became a welcoming space where everyone could contribute, interpret ideas in their own way and discover that everyone has a story worth telling.

This pilot summer programme is currently being delivered by Reality Theatre at no cost while we explore new ways of making creative writing accessible to people who may have had negative experiences of education. We’re already seeing how powerful alternative forms of expression can be in helping people reconnect with their creativity, and we hope this is the beginning of a project we can continue to develop in the future.

It was a fantastic start to the programme, and we’re looking forward to seeing the confidence, creativity and unique voices of the group continue to grow over the coming weeks.

At Reality Theatre, we believe creativity belongs to everyone, regardless of literacy, educational background or life experience, and these workshops are all about creating safe, inclusive spaces where every voice can be heard.