Tell Someone I'm Here
Older residents come in contact with younger people encouraging citizenship and enjoyment through reading poetry, discussion and expressive writing. Expressive writing works simultaneously on physical and mental health, boosting the immune system as well as increasing self-esteem. The project aims to give participants a stronger sense of self and improve their wellbeing, giving them greater life chances for their future relationships, health and employment.
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The Tell Someone I’m Here project was developed in 2015 under the Healing Arts umbrella at the WellBN in Brighton. WellBN is one of the first NHS GP practices in the UK to truly integrate conventional medicine with complementary therapies and healing arts. Founded in 2013 in response to the increasing pressures on the NHS, and in recognition of the fact that conventional medicine does not always hold all the solutions to a person's health concerns, WellBN believes that conventional medicine and other therapies and approaches can work together to support individuals into good health.
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“It was educationally delightful to be guided by Barbara and Imogen as they showed me how, for example, to get a better a perspective of my suddenly [sic] new life as a widower.”
James Kerr
“Everyone felt at home and safe. Our only sadness was that we wouldn’t see each other and Imogen and Barbara again. We felt accepted and ‘normal’. Thank you, thank you.”
Elizabeth Stewart
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Supported by the Big Lottery Fund, Tell Someone I'm Here is a community wellbeing project, delivering Narrative Workshops for the community of Brighton & Hove.
The project addresses the lack of opportunities for local residents to come together and express themselves in a safe place, interacting with people from different generations and backgrounds. Participants gain emotional resilience and increased wellbeing whilst interpreting their feelings and memories. The close reading of poetry and memoir is used to stimulate reflective writing and group discussion leading to the improved wellbeing of participants. Supporting mental health and forging connections across Brighton & Hove, Narrative Workshops are free for participants, and include a wide range of people from different age groups and ethnicities.