About Michéle…
Image by Warren Draper
Writing is an essential part of my health and wellness, it is a compulsion within me, to understand myself, understand how I am the sum of my parts and why I interact with people in the world as I do. It is one of the ways that I keep my mind and body healthy.
This introspection never stops, and I never stop trying to understand myself. Around four years ago, I decided to reach out to communities in Doncaster to advocate the therapeutic benefits associated with creative writing. I joined the Adult Family and Community department at DMBC and underwent my award in Adult Education.
I began working with the People Focused Group and it has been one epic journey, one which has taken me to the depths of myself and my reflective practice. I have learnt through the power of others reflective processes that healing was an integral part of everyone’s journey - if only they would pick up the pen.
I am now working towards an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes at the Metanoia Institute, taking this journey to the next level.
This is an excellent framework for me, I undergo regular supervision and follow the Lapidus Ethical Code
What is Creative Writing for Wellness?
“Writing is powerful communication; perhaps even more so than speech, as it does not disappear on the breath.”
Gillie Bolton
As we navigate through these uncertain times, unfortunately mental health issues are on the rise. The connection between creative expression has long been linked to mental wellness. Writing for Wellness is a gateway to self-discovery, self-reflection, and self-healing. I hold a safe space for individuals and or community groups to come together and experience these positive health benefits for themselves.
My previous work…
The People Focus Group - Funded by Adult Family and Community Learning (DMBC)
New Beginnings - Funded by Adult Family and Community Learning (DMBC)
The Foyer
Poet in Residence: Elescar Heritage Centre’s Milton Dig & Man Engine event
Poet Facilitator St Pius X
Some of my published work…
The Babel Tower Notice Board
Street Cake Issue 69 Part 1
Special mention in the Against The Grain Competition: January 2019
91⁄2 cm
Winner of the Mother's Milk single poem competition 2018
Undercurrents
Acumen 94: May 2018
Ink, Sweat & Tears: April 2019
Ink, Sweat & Tears: April 2018
Twin Flame
Doncaster Frenchgate centre poetry exhibition: February 2017
When Lockdown hit the writing for wellness group at PFG adapted and stepped up. This zoom recording compilation was a collaboration film poem and an ode to commemorate Kez, a dearly beloved friend and incredible writer who sadly took his own life in Dec 2018.
A collaboration film-poem with The PFG Doncaster and Film Maker Daniel Nicklin
Hollow Horizons
Hollow Horizon’s is a collection of poems compiled by an amazing group of survivors, who pour their hearts onto every page, their raw truth, loss and relationships both good and bad is palpable. It is told in a sequence of heartfelt memoirs which include prose poems of childhood reflections, melodic pieces of past trauma with an overall amalgamation of hope and optimism.
Designed by Joel Sleet