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By Jane Prior on April 28, 2017 in

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Gill Pawley 👋 Supporting young people on reading and writing journeys - and with well-being too📝workshops 🚀Bespoke mentoring. Email: gill@inkpots.org she/her

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18 Aug

@Inkpots1 @LdLoz @Usborne ✨😊✨

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18 Aug

‘Stone’ unboxing a go-go! Thank you to awesome publisher @_ZephyrBooks and @edwardbettison for beautiful cover art
Publishing 1st September!

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17 Aug

It’s almost ten years since Inkpots started. Tomorrow some of those who joined our early groups are collecting A level results. Good luck to them all - it’s wonderful to still be in touch with some and they are just wonderful young people.

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Avatar Inkpots @inkpots1 ·

16 Aug

I adore @kerryhyndman ‘s illustrations

Kerry Hyndman @kerryhyndman

I illustrated the cover of the Books section in last Saturday’s Guardian mag. It was such a nice job - illustrating a piece about a teenager getting absorbed in books 📚

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Avatar Kerry Hyndman @kerryhyndman ·

16 Aug

I illustrated the cover of the Books section in last Saturday’s Guardian mag. It was such a nice job - illustrating a piece about a teenager getting absorbed in books 📚

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I may have been running Inkpots for almost ten yea

I may have been running Inkpots for almost ten years and have been editing and mentoring for many more. But there are lots of things still to be learned.

But. There are some things I do know about what young people and their families want.

1. For young people to be seen as individuals.

2. For them to have time and space to express themselves.

3. For young people to thrive.

4. To have a space where they feel safe and secure.

5. To work with someone who really cares.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet #weneedhope🌱

If you are the parent of a Year 6 young person mov

If you are the parent of a Year 6 young person moving to secondary school in September, we have a free leaflet for you and your family.

Click through the link in our bio for more info or you could copy and paste this link: http://eepurl.com/ggrkBr

You could also DM and I’ll send you a clickable link 👍

📸: John Schnobrich

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

This is the final clip in our mini-series about mo

This is the final clip in our mini-series about moving to secondary school in September. (We’ll also be sharing some more resources in a few weeks.)

As well as all the new stuff, it’s important to remember how much children in Year 6 have already achieved and how much they have prepared. There are so many possibilities to come - new opportunities to explore.

And to paraphrase Hermoine Granger, when in doubt, there’ll always be the library!

We also have a free handout for families with children moving to secondary school. It includes some ideas which have helped students who have already made the move. Click the link in our bio for more info or DM me and I’ll pop the details over. You can always copy and paste this link too: http://eepurl.com/ggrkBr

Please share this with anyone who might be interested. You can save the reel for later too. Thank you! 🙏

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

This week I’m sharing a few ideas for those youn

This week I’m sharing a few ideas for those young people moving to secondary school in September. Inkpots is for 10 - 16 year olds so we cover the transition period and hear about (and see) what it feels like to make the move from young people themselves.

Change may be challenging - even returning to school and moving to a new year group - and may stir up some anxieties. But some forward planning can help, without overshadowing the summer holidays.

We also have a free handout for families - you can access via the link in our bio. Copy and paste this link too: http://eepurl.com/ggrkBr

You can also drop me and DM and I can send the info too.

Please forward this info to anyone who might be interested. You can save it for later use too. 🙏

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

This week, I’ll be sharing some ideas for those

This week, I’ll be sharing some ideas for those young people (and their families) who are moving to secondary school this September. Inkpots is for 10 - 16 year olds so we cover Years 6 and 7 and over time, we’ve heard about the things which have helped with the transition. So hopefully, some of the ideas will help the new Year 7s too.

We also have a free handout for students and parents. You can access this via the link in our bio. Or copy and paste this link: http://eepurl.com/ggrkBr

You can also DM me and I’ll pop the link over to you.

Please do share with anyone who might find this information helpful. Thank you 🙏 (Don’t forget you can save it to refer back too later as well.)

(Also. First reel 🎉)

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

The holidays have well and truly arrived here at I

The holidays have well and truly arrived here at Inkpots. So I’m taking a few weeks’ break from posting on the ‘Gram and will return refreshed and rejuvenated.

This is the first time for years that I have been able to take a really good break so I’m looking forward to some precious family time, travelling around and - of course - plenty of reading and writing. I’ll be pottering around the garden, catching up with friends and fully developing some lovely plans for Inkpots in the coming months.

In August, I’ll be sharing a video series about moving to secondary school. Plus lovely creative ideas for the start of the school year.

Have a lovely rest of July and see you soon x

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

It’s been brilliant to run some early sessions o

It’s been brilliant to run some early sessions of our Thrive and Grow Programme for young people transitioning to secondary school in September. The programme got fabulous feedback - thank you to the parents who took the time to message 🙏

The programme runs over four sessions to fit in with family life. Each session follows an outline but will be geared towards the needs and interests of individual students.

There are a few spaces left for August and more info is on our website via the link in our bio. You can also drop me a DM and I’ll send you info.

This might be just the thing if you would value some gentle support for your child to ensure the best start for them in September.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

It’s been a very admin heavy couple of weeks. Bu

It’s been a very admin heavy couple of weeks. But everything is in place now for September so that everyone involved in our school mentoring programmes, and our face-to-face and online groups has all the info they need.

It’s really important that we have this stability after all the recent ups and downs. But a gentle weekend was definitely needed and the sea was calling first thing this morning…

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

Today marks the end of an era at Inkpots. I’ve w

Today marks the end of an era at Inkpots. I’ve worked alongside a number of students who are now in Year 11 and are coming to the end of their GCSE exams and moving on from their secondary (senior) schools. Many are now 16 but I have known them since they were 8 or 9.

We’ve been through a lot of different phases (the wizarding one lasted a long time!). I’ve seen their reading tastes change, how they’ve made discoveries about themselves and their bodies and witnessed plans for the future unfolding too.

I am honoured beyond words that Inkpots has been part of their lives. This is a wonderful group of young people who are clever, open, inclusive and caring.

They have handled the challenges of the last few years with good humour, maturity and a big dollop of stoicism too.

I can’t wait to see what the next stage in the journey involves. But first, a long, relaxing summer.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

At this time of year, my favourite part of the day

At this time of year, my favourite part of the day is very early morning. Today, I open the back door and it’s cool, slightly damp. Clear blue sky. The first bird song. The cat potters around checking for anything new while I check for slugs on the courgettes, beans and hostas. And there’s stillness.

It’s a particularly busy time and one of change too. As we come to the end of the exam season, students will be moving on. I’m doing a lot of work with young people moving to secondary school too with the Thrive and Grow programme I offer. Change is on the way - which is exciting but also tinged with bits of sadness too.

Pockets of stillness help balance the busy. It’s good for all of us (no matter what age) to have a moment to get things in perspective; maybe, step back a little and reflect.

The early mornings are good for me but what works for you? Maybe it’s when the house is quiet, or on the commute to school or work. Young people find solace in their music or time in their room. I think everyone loves a walk in the woods - or maybe it’s the sea and a cold water swim.

Let me know where you find your moments of stillness. I hope you manage to get some time to do that today too.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

Well that was a jolly few days! Quiet but fun here

Well that was a jolly few days! Quiet but fun here. Have a feeling it’ll be quite hard getting back into the routine in the coming week.

Particularly thinking about our members who are straight back into GCSEs tomorrow (have heard it’s another Latin paper for one). Good luck to you all - sending lots of love x

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

We’ve gained new followers in the past few days;

We’ve gained new followers in the past few days; thanks so much and a big welcome.

Here’s a few things about me and Inkpots:
🌻I’m a mum to two sons and a mum in law to super talented @daniellealexandra.art
🌻I live in Sussex between the Downs and the sea. Rosie the Inkpots cat features on the account as well as popping up in Zoom sessions.
🌻For many years, I worked as a freelance publications editor and have written three books, and been published in many magazines.
🌻15 years ago I trained as a mentor for young people too and now run regular sessions in my local secondary school as well as offering carefully crafted 1:1 mentoring.
🌻Almost ten years ago, I started Inkpots as an after school club in primary schools. We’ve changed a fair bit since then and now support young people age 10 - 16 years with their creativity (writing in particular) and wellbeing.
🌻Inkpots has fantastic links with authors and artists who share their own inspirations and ideas with our members. You can’t be what you don’t see!
🌻One of the Inkpots’ values is kindness - and that is reflected throughout our lovely community.
🌻Since the pandemic, Inkpots operates as a hybrid business. We offer face-to-face sessions in our local area of Burgess Hill in Sussex while also providing bespoke mentoring sessions online, author workshops and a regular group for children age 10 - 12 yrs.
🌻On this account, I share book news, creative writing ideas, author info and our own events. I also talk about young people’s well-being and mental health support.
🌻Because I do the posting, you’ll also find some stuff about being in nature, cakes (v important at Inkpots), travel and
my own inspirations.

I really hope you’ll find something here that rings a bell and resonates with you. I’d love to hear about you too so please do drop me a line - either a DM or email gill@inkpots.org

📸: @alicecunliffephotography

Photo ID: close up photo of woman with short dark hair, glasses and green and cream earrings. Backdrop of white flowers with foliage.

It’s nearly ten years since I started Inkpots. B

It’s nearly ten years since I started Inkpots. Back in the early days, it was all about gathering children together to share a love of books and writing.

But over the years, my training as a mentor for young people has been called upon as much as my skills as a writer and editor.

Anxiety, stress and panic attacks have increased massively. And were on the increase before Covid which added another complicated layer.

It’s so important that all of our sessions and workshops offer a safe spaces and calm atmosphere where young people can relax and be themselves.

Creative activities provide a way of soothing anxious minds, returning equanimity and calm. It doesn’t have to be complicated or involved but finding a few pockets of time to do the things you love makes all the difference.

#mentalhealthawarenessweek

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

Photo ID: girl with shoulder length hair is holding a red mug. She is wearing a waxed jacket with a red and blue shirt underneath. The photo does not show all her face.

Hope you had a good Bank holiday weekend if you’

Hope you had a good Bank holiday weekend if you’re in the UK. Very quiet here - getting lots of work stuff sorted as we move into the exam and assessment season. I’ll be sharing some new resources soon.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

Photo ID: close up of hands holding strands of lavender flowers

“We have been so grateful to you - your work wit

“We have been so grateful to you - your work with our daughter has been a great outlet for her.”

Inkpots bespoke mentoring is designed for each individual. We work at a young person’s pace, in a calm, quiet way. It’s powerful stuff and helps young people thrive.

Drop me a DM if you’re at all interested and we can have a quick chat.

Also never not grateful to lovely parents who send great testimonials too.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

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