Creative Writing Group builds confidence and connection at Height Library

In 2022 Height Library received funding from the Arts Council for a major refurbishment, which included an improved meeting room for community use.

The Library team were keen for local people to use this space as somewhere to be creative. Local artist Janet Hefferon approached the library to ask about setting up a Creative Writing group – and it has grown in numbers ever since.

The members have just shared some feedback with us on what they get out of attending these weekly sessions. A big part of it is getting the chance to use their brains.

• “Coming to a group like this gets the little grey cells working – meeting new people, having a giggle, and sharing stories.”
• “Doing creative writing improves my brain power!”
• “It’s relaxing coming here, but also challenging!”

Members also find the group gives them time for themselves, whilst also offering the chance to connect with others.

• “It’s about the friendships we have created as part of the group – the connections we have made and the friendliness and getting together.”
• “I love it! Such lovely people, I’ve made new friends.”
• “I love knowing you all.”
• “It’s time for myself.”
• “We are all individual and different which is wonderful!”

It’s not just about sitting and twiddling pens though – joining this group clearly links to physical activity for members, and increased digital literacy.

• “Coming to this … gets me out of the house … I also get out in fresh air.”
• “Since coming to the group, I’ve also joined the Bowling club at the back of the Library! So I’m also improving my physical health now too.”
• “I’ve gained more confidence digitally now and [after attending a Tea & Tech event] have been able to add myself onto the WhatsApp group as well as using my tablet at home more.”

Writing, and creating something, also clearly gives people the sense of being productive, which leads to increased self-confidence.

• “Every week, I ring my sister in Durham and I read my work that I’ve created in the group out to her.”
• “I’ve gained more confidence and have more self-esteem.”

The group also commented on there being something satisfying about not needing much materials to get going:

• “Our purpose is to sit and write, then come together to share our work. All we need is pen, paper, our voices and listening skills.”

There’s also something special about being in a library to do this – surrounded by books:

• “Reading and using a library – it’s such a positive experience. Reading feeds the soul, the imagination and helps you escape (for a short while) into other worlds and scenarios.”
• “It’s so fitting that we sit in the library to work creatively like this.”

Want to know what happens in a Creative Writing session like this?

They usually always follow the same format: beginning with tea and a chat, before Janet presents everyone with a prompt which will be the inspiration for the session. This might be a picture, or a print-out linked to an event.

Everyone works on their own piece: some people try writing a poem, or a short story; others write a personal reflection or the outline for a plot or character idea. Everyone is welcome to use this time to work on their own idea.

Some members share what they have written at the end; others prefer not to. Although the group is sociable and chatty – there is a quiet, productive atmosphere when everyone gets going.

The group meet every week on a Thursday at 1.30pm until 3pm. They have a core number of local people who attend regularly – as well as others who dip in and out as work allows. The sessions are free. New members are welcome. Find out more →