"It was so much easier to create when manic,
But everyone seemed to panic,
Recovery has dulled my mind
And left some of myself behind"
(L, writer from CPP Berkshire writing project)

Throughout 2010 we are working on an exciting new project which focuses on creative writing and mental health.

Warning; may contain nuts (Berkshire writing project; Jan-May 2010)

Our Berkshire based writing project is working with people with direct experience of mental health services.

Throughout Spring 2010, we are running a series of creative writing workshops  based  at mental health drop in centres right across the  Berkshire area.

Jack from Company Paradiso displays some of the writing created at our writing workshops

We are running these workshops in   partnership with mental health service providers including East Berkshire mind, the resource base in Reading, and the West wing for 16-24 year olds.

Our focus is comedy and mental health, as well as supporting people, who may have had no previous experience of writing before and helping them  to express their thoughts and feelings through creative writing.

The work developed from these workshops will be presented on a week of broadcasting on BBC Berkshire  (link?) beginning 24th May 2010. 

Sussex My Life writing programme (Jan-October 2010)

Lines and life stories are the focus of our Sussex writing programme and we are overwhelmed by the quality of the work coming from writers many of whom have had no previous experience of writing. We are running workshops in a variety of settings including:

• YMCA Georges Williams Portslade
• Rowans Day Centre in Worthing
• Creative response (arts charity) based drop in Bognor
• Cornerhouse in Southwick
• The Hearing voices preojct

The project culminates in the Publication of a book and celebration at the Dome at 10th October, which will be compered by well known poet John Hegley.

Company Paradiso writing workshop at the Laurels Day centre in Worthing (March 2010)