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Wellbeing support for your child through creative writing programmes and workshops – call Gill Pawley on 07771 231563

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Shine session

By Gill Pawley on July 18, 2019 in

Shine session

£45.00

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Laura Ellen Anderson @Lillustrator·

There's still time to buy a ticket for my virtual Halloween event this Friday! https://twitter.com/Waterstones/status/1321402580010999810

Waterstones@Waterstones

🎃 The perfect event for the Halloween season 🎃 Join us this Friday for an afternoon with @Lillustrator, author of the Amelia Fang series, as she talks about her brilliant new book and treats us to a virtual draw-along workshop. Details and tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amelia-fang-halloween-online-event-with-laura-ellen-anderson-tickets-124529889251

Reply on Twitter 1321405318396628992 Retweet on Twitter 13214053183966289926 Like on Twitter 132140531839662899217 Twitter 1321405318396628992

Inkpots @Inkpots1·

Spent the afternoon immersed in Halloween stories with some younger Inkpots. ALWAYS fabulous fun with this particular group. And a great opportunity to dust off the wizard’s cloak 🎃👻🧙🏻‍♀️

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Retweet on Twitter Inkpots Retweeted

Kate Mallinder @KateMallinder·

@Inkpots1 @bookwagonuk @a_reflective Oh Gill, thank you! It’s a brilliant, gripping story but so important too. It humanises where the media has dehumanised. I think it’ll create lots of thoughtful discussions too.

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Retweet on Twitter Inkpots Retweeted

London Meed Primary @london_meed1·

Thanks go to the amazing volunteers and local businesses who are helping out our families whose children are entitled to Free School meals https://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/education/burgess-hill-rises-challenge-helping-feed-children-during-half-term-3015619 #communityspirit

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Inkpots @Inkpots1·

Top day planned - diversifying business with @melwiggins this morning, social enterprise structure with @SaraSophieOst from @TheGoodBizClub at lunch - then @KateMallinder at @StorytaleFest later. Looking forward to all of this armed with biscuits and a new notebook!

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Happy Friday - especially if it’s the Friday bef

Happy Friday - especially if it’s the Friday before half term week! It is here in West Sussex so big shout out to everyone who has made it through the last few weeks!
.
We’re running a couple of workshops next week to inspire, extend and engage young people who love telling stories.
.
Further details are on our website - the link is in our bio. And here too: https://inkpots.org/october-half-term/
.
#halftermfun👻🎃🍁 #halftermbreak #halftermworkshop #creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #creativewritingsupport #teenagementalhealth #teenwellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemumsuk #mentalhealthforteensduringcovid19 #mumsofteensuk #mumofteensandtweens #mumofteenagers #parentingtweensandteens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary

Reading and books in general have always brought m

Reading and books in general have always brought me so much joy. And comfort in times of distress and heartbreak. New worlds there on a page, waiting to be explored. Gentle, familiar scenarios to sooth and calm.
.
Until Covid. At the start of lockdown, I planned to work through my bookshelves reading the books which I had never got around to, and re-visiting those well-loved favourites.
.
But it just didn’t happen. My mind was completely distracted and I just couldn’t settle to any book at all. Not even the much loved ones. For months, I felt quite bereft. I can’t recall another time like it.
.
But then the libraries around here opened up for books to be reserved and suddenly I had a reading list again. And the floodgates opened!
.
I now have a to-be-read pile which is threatening to become slightly overwhelming. And I couldn’t be happier.
.
So, part of my weekend will be devoted to my books. I’m currently reading The Testaments by @therealmargaretatwood
.
How about you? Had your reading been affected - and what have you on the go at the moment?
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

2020 has been quite the year so far hasn't it. The

2020 has been quite the year so far hasn't it. The mental health of the young people I work with has been at the forefront of all the planning and support which Inkpots has been offering all through lockdown and beyond.⁠
.⁠
We've started #Inkwell sessions which just allow a bit of time and space for reflection, using creative writing as a support tool.⁠
.⁠
On #WorldMentalHealthDay, it's worth pausing just for a moment to reflect on how powerful it can be to write things down. It's cathartic to get thoughts down on paper and out of our heads. Somehow, our brains can start to deal with the issues rather than getting caught up in spiralling negative thoughts.⁠
.⁠
⁠
#quietcreative #introvertstogether #creativementor #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #teenagesupport #homeandschool #creativefamilies #creativeparent #teenagewriters #summersupport #teenagewriters #writingcommunity #growthmindset #inspiringteenagers #teenworries #teenanxiety⁠

Aaah time to dust off our favourite autumn pic! A

Aaah time to dust off our favourite autumn pic! A time too to make the most of a creativity whether it’s curling up with a good book or creating magical characters to inhabit a new story.
.
Time too to spread the word about out October half term workshops.
.
We have two on offer - a time travel creative writing workshop and an Inkwell session. Both are ideal for young people age 11 - 14 years.
.
More information is via the link in our bio, or here: https://inkpots.org/october-half-term/
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

September is one of my favourite months of the yea

Even though it’s great that our young people are

Even though it’s great that our young people are back at school there continues to be so much uncertainty around. When we went into lockdown, I was determined that Inkpots would provide a place of consistency and security and we managed to do that by taking our workshops online.
.
As we now enter another phase, it’s unclear about access to our creative space in our local secondary school. But I can say with absolute surety that our online sessions will carry on - and will be warm and welcoming creative havens.
.
If you would like some creative consistency for your child, you can book in with me for a (free) chat about how this could work.
.
Link in bio or here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17438907&appointmentType=9583092
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

Over the past few weeks, I have been re-connecting

Over the past few weeks, I have been re-connecting with members of the Inkpots community as they approach the return to school. Our numbers have grown over lockdown and it’s great to know than more young people are finding a creative home at Inkpots.
.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be using writing to support wellbeing by looking back over lockdown and helping our young people express what it’s been like for them.
.
It’s so important that they have this chance and that their voices are heard.
.
📸Taken at St Dunstan’s in the East in the City of London.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

When I was listening to Michelle Obama’s podcast

When I was listening to Michelle Obama’s podcast a couple of week’s ago, I was particularly struck by this quote from her guest, Michele Norris.
.
As young people prepare to return to school in our part of the world, I am keeping this idea at the front of my mind. I recently found a note written in June, where I had said that I can’t bear it if we return to how things were (or worse) and not look at ways in which we can make things better for our young people.
.
So new programmes and sessions are being planned, existing systems are being checked and made smoother and some boundaries are being pushed.
.
And it’s starting to look very exciting! Watch out for announcements about our new offerings.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

Our young people are starting to really gear up to

Our young people are starting to really gear up to going back to school this week (uniform shopping seems to be well underway). At some stage, we hope that we’ll also be returning to our own creative space within our local secondary school.
.
This is a time when there’s also a lot of sorting out, tidying up and clearing out behind the scenes. I love a good de-clutter - it always sorts my brain out too, ready for the start of autumn and a whole new range of programmes and activities to share.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

Self care is quite rightly being highlighted right

Self care is quite rightly being highlighted right now. After the months of living with the corona virus in our midst, there’s a tiredness which a few early nights isn’t going to sort out.
.
It needs deeper work. It needs space, quiet and time. And to connect with our creativity.
.
We need to ensure that our young people learn to properly care for their needs. And we need to go back to our basics so that we look after ourselves properly too.
.
On that note, I’m unplugging for a few days. Wishing you a calm, creative and re-connected weekend.
.
📷 @pawleycj
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance #creativewritingcommunity #youngwriters #writingforpleasure #creativementorlife #writingforwellbeing

When we take care of living things they flourish.

When we take care of living things they flourish. When we ensure that they receive the right nutrients and are in the correct environment, they bloom.
.
When young people are offered the time and space to be creative, we always see brilliant results. Always.
.
Now more than ever we need to ensure that their voices are heard too.
.
Writing stories can give young people platforms to share what is important to them. And we should be listening.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

Over the past seven years of running Inkpots, I ca

Over the past seven years of running Inkpots, I can’t tell you the number of times parents have wistfully told me how much they had enjoyed Inkpots-type activities when they were young. Somewhere along the line, they’ve stopped being creative and now life seems too busy, complex and demanding to fit anything in.
.
As parents and carers, we are very good at seeing to the needs of others. We can acknowledge how important creativity is for our children, while forgetting our own needs.
.
It’s like the oxygen mask on an aeroplane - we need to look after ourselves in order to fully support those we love.
.
Throw yourself a creative life belt this weekend and spent some time creating - even 10 minutes dreaming about a project will be a perfect start.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

For the next few weeks, I’m looking a various ke

For the next few weeks, I’m looking a various key words which reflect the way I am developing Inkpots over the summer.
.
This week it’s ‘Create’ - and one of the key pillars to everything we do here. Creativity was shown to be of such importance during the lockdown - and we’re hoping there’ll be a continued recognition of its importance for our wellbeing as we move forward.
.
It’s not always easy for young people to find the space and time to write. Or read for pleasure for that matter. But it’s such an important thing for us to encourage. So often, at Inkpots I see children at primary school who love to write and tell stories but that drifts away once they start at secondary school. It’s about finding ways to support and gently encourage having a creative outlet and for young people to understand its importance.
.
August creativity here means the development of new programmes which properly reflect what has happened over the past few months, and provide the right level of support and guidance.
.
This image is the work of the amazing @katedaudy from her installation as part of the Tutankhamun exhibition. Truly inspirational 💥
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance #creativewritingcommunity #youngwriters #writingforpleasure #creativementorlife #writingforwellbeing #transitiontosecondary #movingtosecondaryschool

A few weeks ago, author @kate.mallinder popped int

A few weeks ago, author @kate.mallinder popped into one of our online group meetings to chat about her books and her writing journey. It just so happens that she’s the favourite author of one of our members, Rebecca.
.
It was a really lovely session and even though it was via a zoom meeting, it felt that we had a real connection with Kate.
.
Because we all care about similar things and books, reading and writing our stories bind us together. Dig a bit deeper and you’ll find that we may not all be massively outgoing or loud, but we value kindness, fairness and having a safe space (either IRL or online) where we can be ourselves.
.
Such connections are precious.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance #creativewritingcommunity #youngwriters #writingforpleasure #creativementorlife #writingforwellbeing

Last week I went to Brighton for the first time si

Last week I went to Brighton for the first time since February. It’s only a few miles away but post lockdown, it seemed a bit of a big deal. But going into Brighton is like stepping into another world and I always feel inspired and energised.
.
I sat with a coffee and gazed out to sea for ages (so good for us but so rarely do it). Thoughts that have been muddled gained clarity as I went through what I want to do, and my hopes for the next few weeks.
.
A series of words came to me (all of which could be worked so that they started with c - I like a list!
.
This is what I wrote:
Connect, create, care, clear, community and clarity.
.
This week, I am reflecting on connections. As a creative small business owner, connections are lifelines. During lockdown I have been grateful to a number of inspiring people who have offered guidance and support including @sarahphilpcoaching, Sam from @writebackuk, @gentle_life_mindful_business and @kirstyhulse
.
I am learning how important it is to trust my instincts about making connections - it makes all the difference to be aligned with people who have the same values.
.
Whenever a visitor comes to Inkpots, we ask that they share a good book recommendation and also tell us about their favourite cake. If these things resonate with you, that’s a great start. Let’s connect!

Load More... Follow on Instagram

Happy Friday - especially if it’s the Friday bef

Happy Friday - especially if it’s the Friday before half term week! It is here in West Sussex so big shout out to everyone who has made it through the last few weeks!
.
We’re running a couple of workshops next week to inspire, extend and engage young people who love telling stories.
.
Further details are on our website - the link is in our bio. And here too: https://inkpots.org/october-half-term/
.
#halftermfun👻🎃🍁 #halftermbreak #halftermworkshop #creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #creativewritingsupport #teenagementalhealth #teenwellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemumsuk #mentalhealthforteensduringcovid19 #mumsofteensuk #mumofteensandtweens #mumofteenagers #parentingtweensandteens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary

Reading and books in general have always brought m

Reading and books in general have always brought me so much joy. And comfort in times of distress and heartbreak. New worlds there on a page, waiting to be explored. Gentle, familiar scenarios to sooth and calm.
.
Until Covid. At the start of lockdown, I planned to work through my bookshelves reading the books which I had never got around to, and re-visiting those well-loved favourites.
.
But it just didn’t happen. My mind was completely distracted and I just couldn’t settle to any book at all. Not even the much loved ones. For months, I felt quite bereft. I can’t recall another time like it.
.
But then the libraries around here opened up for books to be reserved and suddenly I had a reading list again. And the floodgates opened!
.
I now have a to-be-read pile which is threatening to become slightly overwhelming. And I couldn’t be happier.
.
So, part of my weekend will be devoted to my books. I’m currently reading The Testaments by @therealmargaretatwood
.
How about you? Had your reading been affected - and what have you on the go at the moment?
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

2020 has been quite the year so far hasn't it. The

2020 has been quite the year so far hasn't it. The mental health of the young people I work with has been at the forefront of all the planning and support which Inkpots has been offering all through lockdown and beyond.⁠
.⁠
We've started #Inkwell sessions which just allow a bit of time and space for reflection, using creative writing as a support tool.⁠
.⁠
On #WorldMentalHealthDay, it's worth pausing just for a moment to reflect on how powerful it can be to write things down. It's cathartic to get thoughts down on paper and out of our heads. Somehow, our brains can start to deal with the issues rather than getting caught up in spiralling negative thoughts.⁠
.⁠
⁠
#quietcreative #introvertstogether #creativementor #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #teenagesupport #homeandschool #creativefamilies #creativeparent #teenagewriters #summersupport #teenagewriters #writingcommunity #growthmindset #inspiringteenagers #teenworries #teenanxiety⁠

Aaah time to dust off our favourite autumn pic! A

Aaah time to dust off our favourite autumn pic! A time too to make the most of a creativity whether it’s curling up with a good book or creating magical characters to inhabit a new story.
.
Time too to spread the word about out October half term workshops.
.
We have two on offer - a time travel creative writing workshop and an Inkwell session. Both are ideal for young people age 11 - 14 years.
.
More information is via the link in our bio, or here: https://inkpots.org/october-half-term/
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

September is one of my favourite months of the yea

Even though it’s great that our young people are

Even though it’s great that our young people are back at school there continues to be so much uncertainty around. When we went into lockdown, I was determined that Inkpots would provide a place of consistency and security and we managed to do that by taking our workshops online.
.
As we now enter another phase, it’s unclear about access to our creative space in our local secondary school. But I can say with absolute surety that our online sessions will carry on - and will be warm and welcoming creative havens.
.
If you would like some creative consistency for your child, you can book in with me for a (free) chat about how this could work.
.
Link in bio or here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17438907&appointmentType=9583092
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

Over the past few weeks, I have been re-connecting

Over the past few weeks, I have been re-connecting with members of the Inkpots community as they approach the return to school. Our numbers have grown over lockdown and it’s great to know than more young people are finding a creative home at Inkpots.
.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be using writing to support wellbeing by looking back over lockdown and helping our young people express what it’s been like for them.
.
It’s so important that they have this chance and that their voices are heard.
.
📸Taken at St Dunstan’s in the East in the City of London.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

When I was listening to Michelle Obama’s podcast

When I was listening to Michelle Obama’s podcast a couple of week’s ago, I was particularly struck by this quote from her guest, Michele Norris.
.
As young people prepare to return to school in our part of the world, I am keeping this idea at the front of my mind. I recently found a note written in June, where I had said that I can’t bear it if we return to how things were (or worse) and not look at ways in which we can make things better for our young people.
.
So new programmes and sessions are being planned, existing systems are being checked and made smoother and some boundaries are being pushed.
.
And it’s starting to look very exciting! Watch out for announcements about our new offerings.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

Our young people are starting to really gear up to

Our young people are starting to really gear up to going back to school this week (uniform shopping seems to be well underway). At some stage, we hope that we’ll also be returning to our own creative space within our local secondary school.
.
This is a time when there’s also a lot of sorting out, tidying up and clearing out behind the scenes. I love a good de-clutter - it always sorts my brain out too, ready for the start of autumn and a whole new range of programmes and activities to share.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

Self care is quite rightly being highlighted right

Self care is quite rightly being highlighted right now. After the months of living with the corona virus in our midst, there’s a tiredness which a few early nights isn’t going to sort out.
.
It needs deeper work. It needs space, quiet and time. And to connect with our creativity.
.
We need to ensure that our young people learn to properly care for their needs. And we need to go back to our basics so that we look after ourselves properly too.
.
On that note, I’m unplugging for a few days. Wishing you a calm, creative and re-connected weekend.
.
📷 @pawleycj
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance #creativewritingcommunity #youngwriters #writingforpleasure #creativementorlife #writingforwellbeing

When we take care of living things they flourish.

When we take care of living things they flourish. When we ensure that they receive the right nutrients and are in the correct environment, they bloom.
.
When young people are offered the time and space to be creative, we always see brilliant results. Always.
.
Now more than ever we need to ensure that their voices are heard too.
.
Writing stories can give young people platforms to share what is important to them. And we should be listening.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

Over the past seven years of running Inkpots, I ca

Over the past seven years of running Inkpots, I can’t tell you the number of times parents have wistfully told me how much they had enjoyed Inkpots-type activities when they were young. Somewhere along the line, they’ve stopped being creative and now life seems too busy, complex and demanding to fit anything in.
.
As parents and carers, we are very good at seeing to the needs of others. We can acknowledge how important creativity is for our children, while forgetting our own needs.
.
It’s like the oxygen mask on an aeroplane - we need to look after ourselves in order to fully support those we love.
.
Throw yourself a creative life belt this weekend and spent some time creating - even 10 minutes dreaming about a project will be a perfect start.
.

#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance

For the next few weeks, I’m looking a various ke

For the next few weeks, I’m looking a various key words which reflect the way I am developing Inkpots over the summer.
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This week it’s ‘Create’ - and one of the key pillars to everything we do here. Creativity was shown to be of such importance during the lockdown - and we’re hoping there’ll be a continued recognition of its importance for our wellbeing as we move forward.
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It’s not always easy for young people to find the space and time to write. Or read for pleasure for that matter. But it’s such an important thing for us to encourage. So often, at Inkpots I see children at primary school who love to write and tell stories but that drifts away once they start at secondary school. It’s about finding ways to support and gently encourage having a creative outlet and for young people to understand its importance.
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August creativity here means the development of new programmes which properly reflect what has happened over the past few months, and provide the right level of support and guidance.
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This image is the work of the amazing @katedaudy from her installation as part of the Tutankhamun exhibition. Truly inspirational 💥
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#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance #creativewritingcommunity #youngwriters #writingforpleasure #creativementorlife #writingforwellbeing #transitiontosecondary #movingtosecondaryschool

A few weeks ago, author @kate.mallinder popped int

A few weeks ago, author @kate.mallinder popped into one of our online group meetings to chat about her books and her writing journey. It just so happens that she’s the favourite author of one of our members, Rebecca.
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It was a really lovely session and even though it was via a zoom meeting, it felt that we had a real connection with Kate.
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Because we all care about similar things and books, reading and writing our stories bind us together. Dig a bit deeper and you’ll find that we may not all be massively outgoing or loud, but we value kindness, fairness and having a safe space (either IRL or online) where we can be ourselves.
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Such connections are precious.
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#creativity #creativityforkids #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #creativelearning #creativityforall #creativityforwellbeing #creativityforwellness #gentleliving #selfcompassion #supportforteenagers #creativesupportcommunity #selfacceptance #creativewritingcommunity #youngwriters #writingforpleasure #creativementorlife #writingforwellbeing

Last week I went to Brighton for the first time si

Last week I went to Brighton for the first time since February. It’s only a few miles away but post lockdown, it seemed a bit of a big deal. But going into Brighton is like stepping into another world and I always feel inspired and energised.
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I sat with a coffee and gazed out to sea for ages (so good for us but so rarely do it). Thoughts that have been muddled gained clarity as I went through what I want to do, and my hopes for the next few weeks.
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A series of words came to me (all of which could be worked so that they started with c - I like a list!
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This is what I wrote:
Connect, create, care, clear, community and clarity.
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This week, I am reflecting on connections. As a creative small business owner, connections are lifelines. During lockdown I have been grateful to a number of inspiring people who have offered guidance and support including @sarahphilpcoaching, Sam from @writebackuk, @gentle_life_mindful_business and @kirstyhulse
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I am learning how important it is to trust my instincts about making connections - it makes all the difference to be aligned with people who have the same values.
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Whenever a visitor comes to Inkpots, we ask that they share a good book recommendation and also tell us about their favourite cake. If these things resonate with you, that’s a great start. Let’s connect!

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