as the old year passes and a new one begins

2025 has been a busy and exciting year for InkWell. We have held 26 writing sessions, one every two weeks. Thirty people have joined us for at least one writing session, and we have a regular group of ten stalwarts who attend most sessions. We have changed venue and now meet at The Fort Shopping Park, where we have access to a more spacious room and a kitchen.

We have continued writing in short bursts to prompts that help people access their thoughts and memories. We have also looked in more detail at writing memoir. Everyone has a valuable story to tell. Writing our stories can be therapeutic, and sharing our stories can help other people find their way.

We launched a magazine - Resilient Ink - where our writers can proudly share their work, alongside interviews with published authors. We have now published three editions, spring, summer and autumn, and our next is due in January.

The people who deliver InkWell sessions has changed and so has our committee, the people who work behind the scenes supporting InkWell. Ian is no longer with InkWell as he has moved from the area, and Portland now facilitates sessions. We are pleased to welcome Sarah and Lachlan to the committee, alongside Bobbi and Alex.

Do we have plans for the coming year? Yes, we do. We aim to improve accessibility by making our sessions available on-line as well as in person. We will continue producing the magazine and increase its reach so that more people can appreciate our wonderful stories. And we want to create workbooks with prompts that people can use at home.

And what do people think of InkWell? well, here are some comments from people who have attended our sessions.

·       This group is necessary. I wish I had known about this sooner. I enjoy writing in a safe space with people who value writing and emotions.’

·       ‘Provided an outlet to discuss aspects of my personal life – very cathartic.’

·       ‘Leaders are encouraging and non-judgemental, use active listening so you feel it is worthwhile sharing your work.’

·       ‘The writing is extremely self-reflective which can be helpful in putting things in perspective, and aid understanding.’

So here we are at InkWell looking forward to another great year. To find out more, check out our website - www.inkwellwritinginrecovery.com