About Word on the Street Online
Upbeat Arts is excited to deliver online creative writing classes for Queenslanders. You will have the opportunity to work with a professional writer and teacher Claire Christian.
Word on the Street Online is a fun and inclusive space for anyone who loves to write or is curious about writing, and best of all - you can start at any time!
Whether you're a seasoned writer or an aspiring one, this class is an opportunity to put pen to paper and let your creativity do the talking. Creativity is recognised as being beneficial for mental health, including recovering from depression and anxiety.
Through guided writing exercises, you'll build new skills in a relaxed setting and apply them to writing stories, scenes, characters and poetry. These creative writing classes aren't sequential. Each class is a stand alone workshop suitable for beginners to more experienced writers and everyone in between.
For 90 minutes every week, switch off your inner critic, improve creativity, confidence and self-expression.
Word on the Street is presented in partnership with the Queensland Writers Centre.
Our writers have the opportunity to submit work to be included in our annual Upbeat Arts Word on the Street publication.
Spaces are available now - join us online using the JOIN button above and set your inner storyteller free!
Notes
- Available for Queensland residents only
- Members will need access to a smart phone, tablet, laptop or computer with video/camera and microphone capability and internet access (you can still access if you only have microphone - video/camera highly recommended if possible)
Who can join and how much?
Our programs are delivered for the benefit of adults experiencing a mental illness, or anyone disadvantaged or marginalised. Members can attend at no cost - however we ask applicants to include on the application form, basic details of their mental health diagnosis and information about who is supporting them and/or who the referring organisation is. This might be a clinician from Queensland Health, a support worker from a non-government mental health service, or details of support being received from another mental health, disability or drugs and alcohol support service. There's an option to include their medical professional or GP if not working with any of the above. Refer to our application form for all the details.
Benefits
These unique programs can help in enhancing self-awareness, self-expression and communication skills and our members often report improvement in their mood, confidence and self-esteem. You'll learn new skills from professional educators and meet new people.
What next
Once we've received your Application Form, we'll send you an email to confirm your place in the program/s you've chosen. This email will include the venue details, how to get there, what to bring and what to expect.
If you're feeling a little anxious....we think that can be pretty normal for a lot of people. Remember, everyone in the room was once where you are now - brand new! All we ask is that you do your best. It’s ok to bring a support person with you. If you can only stay a short time on the first visit, that's ok too!
We also encourage you to come along two to three times before deciding if the group is right for you. Joining a new group does take time - allow yourself time to settle in and get to know the others and the Upbeat Arts team.
2023 Dates
Our programs run in line with Queensland Public School terms, and are not held on designated public holidays:
| Term 1 | Monday 23 January - Friday 31 March |
| Term 2 | Monday 17 April - Friday 23 June |
| Term 3 | Monday 10 July - Friday 15 September |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 3 October - Friday 8 December |
Need more information before joining
JOIN now, or if you have further questions, please email us.
