Navigation

inkpots.org unlocking potential and embracing creativity

Working with young people to unlock potential and embrace creativity

Home

main menu

Home
Services
About us
Free resources
- Blog
Getting in touch

Return to Content

idea

By Gill Pawley on January 5, 2016 in

Sign up for our email newsletter

Join us as we support children and young people express themselves through words and pictures

No comments yet.

Click here to cancel reply.

Please Login to Comment.

nine × = 27

Δ

Inkpots Follow

Gill Pawley 👋 Inkpots - supporting creativity and well-being for young people 📝Friendly groups 🚀Bespoke mentoring. Email: gill@inkpots.org she/her

Retweet on Twitter Inkpots Retweeted

Anita Mangan @neeneelou ·

20 Mar

So excited to be part of the Brighton Festival this year. Come along and see us. The sun is bound to be shining on 28th May 😊 @scholasticuk @StephenMangan https://twitter.com/brightfest/status/1637845250591842306

Brighton Festival @brightfest

Happy #WorldStorytellingDay! 📚

For thousands of years, storytelling has brought people together to share experiences and 'gather round'.

We have literature events for all ages, celebrating community and the power of shared experience.

Browse online 👉 http://bit.ly/42rg3ex

Reply on Twitter 1637847164935127040 Retweet on Twitter 1637847164935127040 4 Like on Twitter 1637847164935127040 10 Twitter 1637847164935127040

Inkpots @inkpots1 ·

17 Mar

When you find the right spot…happy weekend everyone!

Reply on Twitter 1636762532349353984 Retweet on Twitter 1636762532349353984 Like on Twitter 1636762532349353984 3 Twitter 1636762532349353984

Retweet on Twitter Inkpots Retweeted

Changing Conversations @changingconver1 ·

15 Mar

We’ve been quiet with new episodes so far in 2023 but that’s about to change!
This Friday we have our #worldedsummit special episode with Viviane Robinson followed by weekly episodes again - we can’t wait! https://twitter.com/Changingconver1/status/1636030498207068162

Changing Conversations @Changingconver1

Our final #WESWednesday! That must mean that @WorldEdSummit is next week 🙌🏻 we finish our countdown with @steve_munby & imperfect leadership.
http://www.worldedsummit.com for the full programme of spectacular speakers. #worldedsummit

Reply on Twitter 1636030949669363712 Retweet on Twitter 1636030949669363712 7 Like on Twitter 1636030949669363712 20 Twitter 1636030949669363712

Retweet on Twitter Inkpots Retweeted

Sam Robinson 💙 @friday_sam ·

15 Mar

@Inkpots1 @vashti_hardy Pippa loved it - so inspiring. Thank you both 😊

Reply on Twitter 1636101656004681729 Retweet on Twitter 1636101656004681729 1 Like on Twitter 1636101656004681729 1 Twitter 1636101656004681729

Retweet on Twitter Inkpots Retweeted

Vashti Hardy 📚 @vashti_hardy ·

15 Mar

@Inkpots1 So lovely to see you! x

Reply on Twitter 1636093461291061249 Retweet on Twitter 1636093461291061249 1 Like on Twitter 1636093461291061249 1 Twitter 1636093461291061249

Load More

Follow us on Instagram

I have reached a point in the current development

I’ve quiet here over the last few weeks. Behind

I’ve quiet here over the last few weeks. Behind the scenes, there’s an awful lot going on. Changes and ideas for the coming 10th year of Inkpots, arranging author visits, welcoming new students. And hours of mentoring.

But most of all I’ve been thinking and processing.

There’s a whole load of things to sort out as we move into a new iteration of Inkpots. Lots of the time too I’m thinking about the best way to support the young work I work alongside as they navigate this challenging world.

And as I puzzle all this out I realise how much the processing comes in so many different forms. Sometimes it’s done on a good long walk. And at others, it’s connecting with the members of my small but mighty band of supporters to talk through some gnarly issues. I talk out loud too - maybe record my thoughts so I can later listen as I work through the ideas.

Last week I spent some time in a room with a whiteboard and had forgotten how helpful using one of those can be. Quick ideas - out of my brain - onto the board.

Then a few days ago, when I felt almost overwhelmed with lists and mini notes to myself, I pressed pause. I need to re-calibrate and take a breath.

So that’s what I’m doing this weekend. I suspect that some of the thinking on some of the things may be complete. A corner of the jigsaw may be coming together!

Let me know if you have ways of processing your own complex ideas. And have a good weekend whatever you’re doing.

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

A different kind of Monday for me. It’s usually

A different kind of Monday for me.

It’s usually a work from home day, but a long overdue meet up with @joannapoetryy was in the diary. I needed a bit of headspace to do some planning too.

It’s a short journey on the train over the South Downs into Brighton - and time to have a walk by the sea as well as a wander through the Laines.

Plus a lovely catch up time with Joanna. A good day.

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

The sheer joy and exuberance of Carnival in Maastr

The sheer joy and exuberance of Carnival in Maastricht. Bringing sunshine to a dull and dreary day.

#maastrichtcarnival2023 #visitmaastricht #carnivalinmaastricht #carnivalfun #carnivalsquad

✨We’re having a giveaway as part of our 10th b

✨We’re having a giveaway as part of our 10th birthday celebrations!✨

You could win a mentoring session with me for a young person age 10 - 16 years.

To enter:
✨Follow @inkpots_mentoring
✨Like this post
✨Tag a friend
✨For an extra entry, share this post on your stories.

The winner will be chosen at random on 24 February 2023 - good luck!

This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. UK entries only.

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

Books and reading are at the very core of what we

Books and reading are at the very core of what we do here at Inkpots. Connecting young people with new books and authors can be a useful tool in navigating the teenage years. There’s always a book waiting to be read. A quiet island in sometimes turbulent seas.

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

The Inkpots newsletter is going out to subscribers

The Inkpots newsletter is going out to subscribers next weekend.

In the course of a month, I collect and curate information about new books, creative and well-being ideas which I think will be helpful for my much-valued subscribers.

If you sign up, you’ll also be the first to know about our free author chats and any special offers. As a subscriber you’ll also get a discount of our programmes.

To sign up, please hop to the link in our bio. Or - probably much easier - drop me a DM with your email, and I can sign you up.

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

Welcome to Inkpots and thanks for following along

Welcome to Inkpots and thanks for following along here.

This year we’re celebrating ten years of Inkpots. There’s been so much fun, creativity and community building over those years. So in the coming months, we’ll be marking all of those achievements with some great activities (and cake!).

Back in 2013, Inkpots ran after school clubs and lunchtime sessions in primary schools in mid Sussex. Over time -and especially since the pandemic - the emphasis has shifted as the needs of young people have changed.

A love of books and creativity is still at the heart of what we do. But the emphasis is much more on the mentoring support I now offer. I did my initial training 18 years ago and have always used the skills within Inkpots. But it’s moved to the forefront in the past three years.

I also focus on the 10 years and above age group now as well.

On these squares and in my stories, I share book news, creative ideas and other well-being tips. There’s news about my mentoring services and details of how to work with me.

The link to more information is in my bio or DM me. I’d love to chat!

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

One of my students asked yesterday what my favouri

One of my students asked yesterday what my favourite part of mentoring is. (Great question!)

My answer was that it’s the bit where we have our first breakthrough. When someone might feel worn down with worry or anxiety is fully in control, it’s hard to see that there might be a way forward. Sometimes, anger can also blot out any positivity.

And then. There’ll be a moment when something clicks or a student has had a better day - and it’s as if the sun has come out from behind a cloud.

Those are the best bits.

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

Inkpots is ten years old in 2023! Ten years ago,

Inkpots is ten years old in 2023!

Ten years ago, I had just bought the domain name for Inkpots.org and had so many plans. Ten years on, I’m about to start on a while new phase.

Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing celebration plans too. I have some ideas but everything will be discussed with our wonderful members too. More news to come!

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

Happy new year to all you lovely people. I hope 20

Happy new year to all you lovely people. I hope 2023 brings you much joy and happiness. Enjoy this evening if you celebrate. I’ll be curling up with the cat and one of my books. 🧡🧡🧡

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

I love this time between Christmas and the New Yea

I love this time between Christmas and the New Year as it’s when I tend to do a lot of thinking and planning. Ideas have been brewing for a while and this morning I took myself off for a coffee and properly reviewed the past 12 months.

Back home this afternoon, I’ve got the stick-it notes and Sharpies out to plan out some of those ideas for 2023. I’m planning more free sessions, the development of the mentoring programme and some more training opportunities.

Inkpots will also be celebrating 10 years next year - and there’s a whole other plan for activities around that too. Watch out for announcements soon.

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

Happy Christmas! Wishing you all a very lovely day

Happy Christmas! Wishing you all a very lovely day and a special holiday time.⁠
⁠
Gill x⁠
⁠

It’s time to pull up the drawbridge and get read

It’s time to pull up the drawbridge and get ready for Christmas.

Thank you so much for being on these little squares with me. I wish you a very lovely Christmas and plenty of chances to find pockets of stillness to nourish and calm.

Gill x

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

Our mentoring programme has five steps which I go

Our mentoring programme has five steps which I go through with every student.

The first essential step is ensuring that a young person feels safe. This includes being clear about boundaries of course. But it’s also about listening carefully and allowing plenty of space to relax into the process.

Only then can we work together to explore the myriad of possibilities for a young person.

We take our time because every young person deserves a chance to find themselves.

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

Load More... Follow on Instagram

Website string concept & design. Copyright © 2017 Inkpots Writing Workshops

Home / Terms & conditions / Sitemap / News / Contact

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.

Necessary

Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT