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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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Bank of England Museum@boemuseum·

Take part in our design a banknote competition aimed at 5-11 year olds – it’s time to get creative! ✏️ Find out more here: https://b-o-e.uk/2BMWKoP

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Inkpots @Inkpots1·

Finished a week of storytelling workshops earlier - wonderful days packed with fun, amazing stories, daring heroes, robot dragons and talking cats. 🐲🐱

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Inkpots @Inkpots1·

We have a free handout for parents whose children are moving to secondary school in September (also some peer-to-peer support for the children too). Free download here: https://buff.ly/3kivO1F

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Inkpots @Inkpots1·

We love running our young writers' programme for 12 - 14 year olds and look forward to starting again towards the end of September. If you would like to get more info and details of special offers, please have a look at our website: https://buff.ly/2VuWlOJ

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Inkpots @Inkpots1·

We have a free handout for parents whose children are moving to secondary school in September (also some peer-to-peer support for the children too). Free download here: https://buff.ly/3kivO1F

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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!

Challenge accepted @therealmarcellawhittingdale @s

Challenge accepted @therealmarcellawhittingdale @shetlandwithlaurie
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Over to you @raquelreligieuse ❤️
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#womensupportingwomen

As we are now all in the school summer holidays (s

As we are now all in the school summer holidays (some of our Inkpots only finished this week!) it’s all about easing into a few weeks of relaxation and time away from screens maybe.⁠
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But if you are wanting to keep the creativity flowing over the summer (and so it’s nicely bubbling away for September) here are a few simple things you can do to when you’re out and about:⁠
* Pack a small notebook and pen just in case you see or hear anything which is out of the ordinary, funny moment or plain interesting. These small nuggets can often turn into a story or inspiration for artwork.⁠
*Photography is also a great but easy way of recording different things. Smart phone cameras can take some amazing shots which are really rewarding creatively as well as making good memories.⁠
*Try to evoke all the senses. For example, just eating an ice cream involves appreciating the colours, taste, and smell – and the sound of the cone breaking is always pleasurable. See if you can encourage your family to identify the senses involved in your holiday activities. It’s all really helpful activity for writing stories as it builds up experiences which can then be put into an imaginary world.⁠
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We also have story writing workshops popping up through the holidays. None of them are more than an hour long so that young people can get on with the important job of being on holiday. But they will provide a creative framework to set stories up for the summer too.⁠
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Here is the link for more info:https://inkpots.org/inkpots-summer-of-stories/⁠
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Also in our bio⁠
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#quietcreative #introvertstogether #creativementor #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #teenagesupport #homeandschool #creativefamilies #creativeparent #teenagewriters #summersupport #teenagewriters #writingcommunity #growthmindset #inspiringteenagers #teenworries

We have had a lot of lovely new followers lately s

We have had a lot of lovely new followers lately so welcome everyone!
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Thank you for following us on our creative journey and hope that this may be the place for a creative teenager you know.
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We’re based in Sussex but now our programmes and workshops are online, we can welcome young writers from around the world!
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As the founder of Inkpots, I act at the creative cheerleader for our young people (as well as providing support in the form of wellbeing help, plus editorial and writing guidance).
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We love writing, creating, books and reading, nature and our pets. And cake!
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Kindness, fairness and a belief that every story counts underpin everything we do.
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Inkpots provides a place of quiet calm and a home where young people flourish.
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Gill x

Over the past few days, I have started feeling som

Over the past few days, I have started feeling some creative shoots begin to grow again! It’s taken the form of taking notice of my surroundings more, reading and thinking about photography. A small stirring which I hope think reflects that I’m slowly coming out of lockdown.
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I certainly feel lighter. Anyone else? Have the start of the school holidays made a difference too?

As you head off into the summer holidays, our new

As you head off into the summer holidays, our new leaflet will be of help if you are the parent of a child who is starting secondary school in September.
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The link to the free download is at https://inkpots.org/top-tips-for-year-6/
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The link is also in our bio.

It is always so wonderful to hear from parents abo

It is always so wonderful to hear from parents about how Inkpots has helped their children. This comment is particularly appreciated as the young person has found her unique place within the Inkpots group she is part of - bringing fun, insight and a growing contribution to our discussions.
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Telling your story should be a part of every young person’s life. We help make that happen.
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Oh! The places they will go. . Went out for a very

Oh! The places they will go.
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Went out for a very early morning walk up on the South Downs earlier. (Extremely grateful to have this on the doorstep.) I was thinking about the young people who come to Inkpots; I ran a transition session for Year 6s yesterday, and we’re coming to the end of terms for our schools groups. All of the young people are setting off on new journeys and I was pondering on how best we can support them, pandemic and all.
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Over the past few days, I have seen so much creativity within our groups and programmes. I’ve been sent brilliant stop motion videos (@ems.3990 ) book reviews, stories and poems. One family has taken the day off school work and concentrated on developing their baking skills (awesome idea @domnunns @raquelreligieuse @ruby.jane.nunns !). It is truly wonderful to see such creativity and it’s a privilege to be involved.
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But there’s more to this creativity than simply producing nice things. I also have been listening to the Don’t tell me the score podcast which featured @cath_bishop Olympic rower, diplomat and business consultant. Among many inspiring things she talked about how important creativity and agile thinking is in business and how the current education system in this country almost cancels that out with the emphasis on passing exams.
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My belief is that our young people should be encouraged to embrace their creativity and we should help them understand how important it is for their future - for their potential careers yes, but more importantly, for their all round happiness.
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And we should celebrate every story, painting, poem and video.
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Oh! The places they will go!

I ran a mini-workshop this morning for some of our

I ran a mini-workshop this morning for some of our young writers on developing settings for their stories. We looked at how to include more depth, atmosphere and using all the senses. (Great also to have lovely feedback - a welcome creative break from school work it seems.)
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We look at settings in more depth during our young teen writers’ programme. We take a deep dive into how we can take a reader by the hand into the imaginary world we create in our stories.
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More info on our website https://inkpots.org/the-inkpots-imagineers-collective/ and the link is in our bio too

The Inkpots Imagineers Collective is our five-week

The Inkpots Imagineers Collective is our five-week programme for young writers age 12-14 years. Each week, we take a look at a part of a story and share guidance, tips and inspirations. The online programme is delivered to a small group so each individual feels supported, valued and at home.
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We have just a few places left for the next programme which starts on 20 July.
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More information is on our website https://inkpots.org/the-inkpots-imagineers-collective/ and this link is also in our bio.
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But do also drop me a line for a chat or a DM. Would love to tell you more!
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#quietcreative #introvertstogether #creativementor #creativementoring #creativementor #creativementornetwork #creativeresources #teenagecreativity #creativeyoungminds #selfconfidenceboost #inspiringfutures #teenagesupport #homeandschool #creativefamilies #creativeparent #teenagewriters #summersupport #teenagewriters #writingcommunity #growthmindset #inspiringteenagers #teenworries #teenanxiety

We have a great array of summer writing workshops

We have a great array of summer writing workshops for 10-14 year olds available in July and August.
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All have been designed to inspire great stories and also help a young writer feel supported and their work valued.
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More information is on our website: https://inkpots.org/inkpots-summer-of-stories/ and this link is also in our bio.
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Please DM me if you have any questions or drop me an email gill@inkpots.org

One of the most important things we can do to supp

One of the most important things we can do to support young people’s wellbeing is to encourage creativity. At Inkpots, that comes in the form of creative writing - so stories, poems, comics and picture books and stories. Using imaginations to create new worlds and characters - and getting positive feedback and support - all helps build self esteem.
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This all works towards helping navigate changing times.
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Our workshops and programmes are designed to support a young person’s wellbeing. In the case of our young teen writers’ programme, we particularly look at a young person’s creative process to help them understand how much their creativity supports them. And, of course, we look at story form and settings, character development and language - all essential parts of story development.
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This five-week programme has been called ‘inspirational’ by previous students and we start again on Monday 20 July. There are just a few places left; more information is on our website https://inkpots.org/the-inkpots-imagineers-collective/ or the link is also in our bio.
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Please do DM or email me at gill@Inkpots.org if you would like to have a chat too.

Seeing family members for the first time since the

Seeing family members for the first time since the start of February was just brilliant this weekend. A (very) bracing walk by the beach was just what was called for too.
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There’s something else in the air as well. After all the challenges of lockdown, now that we’re beginning to come out of it, there’s uncertainty for sure. But there’s also the sense here of the real possibility of doing things differently. I can’t bear the thought of just returning to how we were without seizing the opportunity to rebuild better.
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So it’s time to break out the box of sharpies and getting creative with the ideas and planning!

It was so great to get feedback like this from our

It was so great to get feedback like this from our young teen writers' programme in May (for 12 - 14 year olds.⁠
The five weeks went by so quickly and each meeting was a delight. The ideas and stories which the writers produced were original, exciting and a real pleasure to edit and work through with them.⁠
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This innovative programme offers a combination of small group work and individual support so that the participants thrive in the safe space and feel able to let their imaginations soar.⁠
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Delighted that the programme will be running again from 20 July - perfect timing for the summer holidays. It offer light-touch support with plenty of resources and inspirations. And a load of fun!⁠
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The link for more information is in our bio or is here too:https://inkpots.org/the-inkpots-imagineers-collective/ Please also feel free to DM or email gill@inkpots.org

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