WORD ON THE STREET (CREATIVE WRITING)

About Word on the Street

These creative writing sessions are held in person, or if you can't make it in, there's an option to join in online. Each workshop is an individual session, so if you miss a week or two, you won't be disadvantaged - come back when you can. Of course, the more you can attend, the more you will learn and develop as a writer.

Word on the Street is a creative writing course that will help you find your voice on the page. Working with a professional teacher, nothing will be left blank as we cover poetry, letters, short form writing, spoken word, and storytelling. Your teacher is Claire Christian - an award-winning author with several books published!

This is your chance to tell your story your way or follow the cues provided and be surprised by what you create.

Word on the Street is presented in partnership with the Queensland Writers Centre.

New members are always welcome - complete our online application form above to register for this engaging and educational program and all details will be provided on confirmation of your place in the program.

We have spaces available now, so get in now to secure your place - use the JOIN button above.

Our writers have the opportunity to submit work to be included in our annual Upbeat Arts Word on the Street publication.

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.

Prefer to attend online? 

This is an 'in person' group, however as mentioned above, you can attend this Tuesday session online, or check out our online only program for creative writing which is on a Monday afternoon at 2pm. Click here for information.

What's 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, just let us know their name ahead of time if you can. 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.

Testimonial

'Word on the Street is one thing that I really look forward to each week. My support worker has noticed a massive shift in (my) participant's behaviour and is very happy to see her engaging in something positive.' Word on the Street participant

NB This participant told our program leader that after her first session at Creative Writing she went home and wrote a song - something she hadn't done for many years.

2023 Dates

Our programs run in line with Queensland Public School terms, and are not held on designated public holidays:

Need more information before joining

JOIN now, or if you have further questions, please email us.