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Say hallo!

Please contact us if you have any queries at all about Inkpots – we would really love to hear from you.

Also, we welcome your feedback – we really value hearing what people think about the workshops and how Inkpots is run. Without this, we could not function and all of the comments are valued and taken into account when planning is done.

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If, after looking at our site, you would like a chat, please get in touch

Gill Pawley

email inkling@inkpots.org
mobile 07771 231563
Telephone 01444 239548

quotes

I was always impressed by Gill’s passion for her business and the concept itself.

Ryan Matthews,
Affinity Sutton Housing Association

Inkpots is fun and educational.

Maia

The Inkpots newsletter

We send out a regular newsletter where we share creative resources, information about new books and authors, and our own developments (plus a discount for workshops). Please sign up below:

http://eepurl.com/dtGZ65

Thanks for signing up – and welcome to Inkpots!

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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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Avatar Steve Rosenberg@BBCSteveR·

A little bleary-eyed after a late night watching #Eurovision 2022, I try to play Ukraine’s winning song Stefania on the piano. @Eurovision @bbceurovision @BBCRadio2 @EBU_HQ #KalushOrchestra

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Avatar Sussex STEM @stem4sussex·

Love creating movies on your mobile? Visit @Crawley_Film at #STEMInThePark22 to find out about #careers in film production. Register for this FREE event on Sat 21 May, Memorial Gardens, #Crawley at: http://bit.ly/3L9htS1 #STEMed #teacher #parents #community #Fun #technology

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Avatar Inkpots @Inkpots1·

So excited that @kmlarwood is popping into Inkpots on Thursday to have a chat with our online group for young writers in years 5 and 6. Can’t wait!

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Avatar Nicola Penfold @nicolapenfold·

@Inkpots1 It's getting closer!! Looking forward to it 😊

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Avatar Inkpots @Inkpots1·

Calling young creative writers age 10 - 14 years. Join us on Thursday 2 June when @nicolapenfold will be doing a nature writing masterclass for us! More info is on or website or pl email gill@inkpots.org https://inkpots.org/between-sea-and-sky/

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We are really honoured that @nicolapenfoldauthor i

We are really honoured that @nicolapenfoldauthor is joining us for an online writing masterclass on Thursday 2June at 10am.

‘Between Sea and Sky’ is perfect for young writers age 10 - 14 years. We’ll be looking at eco-writing and writing about nature and the sea. Nicola’s book ‘Between Sea and Sky’ is the inspiration for this workshop so she’ll also be talking about writing about liminal spaces and her own inspirations too.

Booking is now open - more information is on our website via the link in our bio. You can also DM here or email gill@inkpots.org

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: details of the workshop set against a backdrop of the sea at sunset (or sunrise).

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

This morning cartoonist and writer Jess Bradley @v

This morning cartoonist and writer Jess Bradley @venkman_project ran a workshop for some of younger writers and artists. Jess is a good friend of Inkpots so it’s always great to see her. It’s an additional pleasure to get to see how she uses notebooks and scrapbooks to help her own creative practice.

Jess also shared some important thoughts with the young people:

🎨Even though she has many years’ experience, Jess still gets nervous about sharing her work. But it’s really important to keep going.
🎨You don’t need really expensive materials to get creative - in fact, recycling is brilliant and can offer lots of unusual textures.
🎨Don’t worry about making mistakes - everyone does!
🎨Have fun! That’s when you can be at your most creative.

It’s always fabulous when we have an author or artist masterclass. Thanks again Jess!

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

Image ID: photo of girl lying on the floor, upside down, head and shoulders visible. She has blonde hair which is spread out around her head. She has lots of glitter on her face and all around her head and shoulders. She’s also wearing bright red lipstick.

📸: @britton_hacke

Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart. This quote b

Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart.

This quote by @brenebrown really resonates.

Young people have needed strong back over and over again over the past months. Often going into schools which have been riddled with Covid and not having their usual teachers because they have been struck down by the illness.

All of this and still being expected to hit study targets. We are only just seeing the longer term effects of the pandemic on socialisation, friendships and development too.

So I hope this holiday period is a chance for everyone to catch up on sleep, boost batteries, gather energy again.

And may hearts be wild!

#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 the last day of term for us here in this bi

It’s the last day of term for us here in this bit of Sussex. I’m in awe (as always) at how our young people have coped with yet another term of disruption and change. You’re awesome!

Whether you are just starting your Easter break, or already had a few days off, hope the next week is restful, calm and creative!

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

Image ID: close up of pink and white cherry blossom

In our monthly newsletter for March, I talk about

In our monthly newsletter for March, I talk about some conversations I’m having with our older students. In the past two years, they have gone through so many stages and emotions (disbelief, anger, isolation, anxiety). There’s always been talk though, of everything going back to normal - and then it’ll be fine.

But now. Covid is raging in schools again, exam pressures are rising and everyone is exhausted. Not to mention what’s happening on the world stage.

So we’ve been discussing how to find pockets of enrichment in moments of calm. Creativity is particular good for this - just a short period of time doing something we love lifts the spirits no end. Maybe also we need to remind ourselves that good and nurturing things are happening.

We’ll be checking in with each other too. Sharing helps us feel empowered, connected and supported. Come and join us - what pockets of enrichment do you enjoy?

Even though this month’s newsletter has gone out to subscribers, if you’d like to read a copy, I can sort that quickly for you. There’s a link in our bio and here: https://inkpots.org/welcome-to-inkpots/ . You can also DM me with your email and I’ll do the rest.

📸 Alexis Brown Omea

Image ID: three young people sat at a wooden table with open books in front of them. One of the girls is wearing a mustard coloured top, another is wearing a dark top.

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

This week, one of my lovely jobs is to put togethe

This week, one of my lovely jobs is to put together the Inkpots March newsletter.

It goes out towards the end of each month and many parents subscribe to it. But it’s also for anyone who’s interested in supporting young people and helping them thrive in the teenage years through creativity.

I also share details of our own events - and you’ll get a discount for these as a newsletter subscriber.

You can find the link in our bio - and here it is too: https://inkpots.org/welcome-to-inkpots/

But you can also just DM me with your email and I’ll do the rest.

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

📸ID: photo is of a single daffodil with an orange centre against a dark grey background.

After a very weird weather day here yesterday (Sah

After a very weird weather day here yesterday (Saharan sand storm?), today has dawned bright and sunny. (This photo was taken last week when I was in the Netherlands - but the weather was the same.)

I’ve been talking to a student I’m working with over a period of time and she has been saying how much better her mood is when Spring arrives. Over the winter, she was really down at times and couldn’t quite pinpoint what the issue was.

It’s always worth looking out for things like this, isn’t it? Do you feel better too when the sun shines? And members of your family - especially the younger ones?

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

A few days later than planned (thanks Storms Eunic

A few days later than planned (thanks Storms Eunice and Franklin) here’s what we’ve been up to this busy half term at Inkpots.

Our members are the beating heart of everything we do and it’s been fabulous to work with so many this half term. In our group for younger writers, we’ve been looking at developing minor characters in stories, as well as welcoming author Annelise Grey to our online group. Each term, I also work with a number of young people on a 1:1 basis and it’s been a total privilege to see a beautiful poetry collection come together, witness the development of a stunning science fiction saga and support some very personal writing about being diagnosed with autism. We’ve also untangled some thoughts and worries to make the writing process flow a bit easier.

Supporting well-being is increasingly important too as young people have had to cope with Covid infections and re-infections. Inkpots provides a calm, reflective space to talk about these kinds of worries.

I’ve also taken the Inkpots approach into schools, running mentoring and journaling sessions. Plus there was the delight of a book chat visit to 3rd Burgess Hill Brownie Pack. What a blast!

Behind the scenes, I’ve been putting together a calendar of author masterclasses - more details will be shared in the past few days.

Since the start of the year, plans and ideas have been shifting and changing as we respond to how Covid is affecting young people. In such a situation, you need a good business buddy - thanks so much to Sam at @writebackuk for being such a constant support.

📸 @stacyzaringoldberg

Image ID: panelled hallway painted in dark teal. Wooden peg rail for wellies in a range of sizes and colours, hanging rail for coats and a leather bag. Several other bags on the floor and hanging up, plus a plant and garden trowel hanging from pegs on the wall.

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

Yesterday was really beautiful here in Sussex so I

Yesterday was really beautiful here in Sussex so I took full advantage of the weather and went for a long walk and talk with a good friend. So therapeutic on lots of levels!

In this area, we’re not at half term yet - another week to go, and it’s going to be a busy one for us at Inkpots.

But if you are on half term this week, hope you have a brilliant time and that the skies are blue for you!

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

Over the past three months, I’ve been teaching j

Over the past three months, I’ve been teaching journaling programmes within secondary schools. There are so many advantages to keeping a notebook, a diary or simply a note of things you like, or see, or want to do. It can be as complex as you like or as simple as just a word or too. That’s the joy - it’s so personal.

A journal is a place where we can store our wildest dreams, worries and concerns alongside plans, schedules, jokes and support. In uncertain times, these things help.

I’ve been inspired to keep a regular journal again (I’m very irregular with my notebooks 🙈) of things I finding interesting or enjoyable.

During the week, I keep a note of photos and then Sunday morning is the time I sort them and put them into my notebook.

This lovely garden belonging to @natuurlijkrijk on the Dutch/Belgium border is going into the journal today. I love the soft colours.

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

Image ID: garden planted with plants of different heights and textures. Soft colours including yellow, peach and blue/gray. Gravel path winds through the plants.

We offer mentoring services for individual young p

We offer mentoring services for individual young people to help them feel good about themselves and their creative projects.

The sessions are designed to meet individual needs and fit in with family life and school work.

Our sessions are supportive, fun and inspiring!

If you’d like to know more, just pop me a DM and I’ll get back to you. There’s also a link in our bio where you can book a spot to have a no obligation zoom chat. Would love to meet you!

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

We’ve had a flurry of new followers over the pas

We’ve had a flurry of new followers over the past few weeks (thanks so much and welcome 👋) so I thought I’d do a quick intro post.

I’m Gill - lover of good books, chocolate and long walks. I’m mum to two wonderful men and mum in law to super talented @daniellealexandra.art

I’m an editor, writer and youth mentor - I founded Inkpots in 2013 after a career working in the charity sector. I’m passionate about helping young people find their voices so that they thrive.

Just now, the challenges facing young people are huge. Many are anxious, stressed and overwhelmed. Worry dominates daily lives.

Inkpots helps alleviate some of the stress by helping young people connect with their creativity and develop practices which will support them into adulthood.

(I’ve chosen a photo from my younger son’s recent wedding - always interested to chat to people! It seemed more appropriate than my more formal headshots.)
📸@alicecunliffephotography

Image ID: a woman (Gill) wearing a blue dress and tortoiseshell glasses talking to someone off camera. Image shows another man in the foreground. The photo was taken at a wedding reception and they are both sat at a table after the meal.

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

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