Testimonials
"Words fail me in describing the joy and benefit afforded me by attending this well designed, well led, life affirming Narrative Workshop. At a most crucial time in my life, to be able to reach beyond old patterns and isolation in these regular, safe and supportive meetings was extraordinarily good medicine. I was only able to do so because they were free – and for that I'm grateful. I've had health challenges for a long time and am an educated patient – but I'd never done anything like this before.
I've come away feeling that to write is to be and look forward to the new term with Barbara and Imogen. Outstanding, both of them. I wholeheartedly support this program, and others like it, in an effort to revitalize health and productivity for all and hold the Brighton Health and Wellbeing Centre in the highest regard for their visionary approach to wellness." Victoria Strong
“I arrived in Brighton two years ago. I was 83 years old, had just had two serious operations and was facing several more in a situation where I had left behind lifelong friends and a 53-year-old support system. To say I felt vulnerable and extremely dependent upon my GP's practice would be an understatement. But a great stroke of luck awaited me when I found that the guidance and encouragement in the Narrative Workshop has resulted in a tremendous improvement in my well-being, surprisingly physical as well as mental. I now know so much better how to cope without constantly resorting to medical consultations!” Jacqueline Grossman
“I have a long-term health condition (Crohn's disease) and I often feel overwhelmed by my symptoms and worries about my health and my future. At these times, my life seems as if it has been dominated by illness. In the Narrative Workshops, I have written stories that remind me that illness has been only one part of my life. Writing these personal stories has been a healing and helpful exercise and also very enjoyable.” Andy Player
“Last year I realised a long standing ambition when I joined a Creative Writing group elsewhere in the City. I later learned about the Narrative Workshops at the BHWC and tentatively decided to explore them, so interested had I become in the writing process. Under the guidance of Imogen and Barbara I discovered the therapeutic value of workshops that enabled me to express deeply embedded thoughts and feelings hitherto forgotten or suppressed. After each attendance, I leave aware that I've unburdened myself, as if spiritually cleansed, and that that awareness has been shared with other members in the emotionally secure and supportive environment provided.” James Kerr
​
“I attended my first Narrative Workshop reluctantly, out of politeness, in response to an invitation from the Practice Manager. I imagined a group of self-absorbed people droning on about their illnesses. In fact, the very first session brought about a significant personal revelation for me and I have found the workshops both therapeutic and enjoyable. Although I have found that the writing part works best for me when I write about my own experiences, rather than impersonal and more abstract observations, it has been consistently interesting and often moving or funny to hear about the experiences of others in the group. Our interactions have almost always been warm and supportive and I particularly like that the two facilitators participate in the writing exercises and discussions and share their thoughts and experiences. The prose passages and poems that they have selected have proved a good starting point to each session. I do hope that the Narrative Workshops will continue so that I and others may benefit from this worthwhile activity. “ Penny Randall
​
"I have attended a number of Narrative Workshops based at the BHWC. They have given me a creative outlet without the need to focus on any negativity which can result from chronic conditions, trauma or low mood. As a group experience, they are also a social experience. They feel a valuable alternative to more traditional methods like medication or talking therapy because they allow us to use our imagination. As the narratives we write are then shared with the group, everyone’s contribution is acknowledged, which enables everyone to feel they are playing an active part in the process." Irene May
"Attending the Narrative workshop is good for me. The way in which the sessions are run is excellent and I feel very lucky to have been recommended to attend. The atmosphere there is very calm, peaceful and definitely beneficial. Expressing myself in writing and sharing it with others is a great experience and leaves me feeling uplifted. Thank you very much Barbara and Imogen." Karen Ball
"When I reflect on my writing in the group, one piece written and shared in February 2016 springs to mind: Munich, February 6th 1957. The prompt was Flight and I had been thinking of that tragic plane crash fifty eight years ago in Munich, almost to the day. I did not even have to think about the prompt, the words just flowed and I wrote down most of what I could remember of that February afternoon on hearing the news of the Munich air crash on the radio. After I had read out the piece to the group, I was pleasantly surprised. As the facilitator Imogen said, it was a story, which was music to my ears as I never thought I could write a story, even though I have been writing poetry, songs and plays for a long time. This was a great confidence booster and also, in retrospect, voicing my words was very healing, as I had not spoken about the subject for many years, and then only to my mother and sister. I was eleven years old at the time and it shook me to my roots, as football was my passion, and Manchester United was my team. Sharing this with people I hardly know has been healing, and I feel a sense of release. It is also empowering to know that I can write a story.” Cavan Rouse
​
​