Do you work with asylum seekers?

 

Are you or your organisation keen to set up creative writing workshops with asylum seekers?

Does your organisation need an experienced faciliatator to offer training in this field?

 

 

  • I was a special needs teacher in London schools for 25 years and I now run writing workshops for asylum seekers.
  • I offer training for organisations who would like to run their own writing workshops with this client group.

 

I have run creative writing workshops for asylum seekers in a range of settings including Exiled Writer's Ink and The Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture.

I act as a consultant and facilitator for English PEN on their Readers and Writers programme with asylum seekers.

The Training Session

A typical  training session for setting up creative writing programmes with asylum seekers would include :-

  • Basic principles for running creative writing groups
  • Specific needs of this client group
  • Outlines and plans to structure a writing session
  • The opportunity to engage in 'live' writing exercises and experience being in a creative writing session.
  • Methods for providing feeback and support to participants when they share work
  • A handout containing examples to take away and use with clients
  • Background reading and useful links

 

Training Session for the Integrated Psychological Therapies Team, Lewisham Hospital, September 2014

Feedback from participants

 

Very helpful, practical suggestions for organising sessions and demonstrations of how writing can unleash creativity and therefore be therapeutic.

 Helpful to think about the emotional containment that will be a necessary part of any such group.

I was excited by the possibilities and we went away inspired. It would have been good to have more time, perhaps to think about how we might work with particular patient groups.  This was our fault for not giving it more time!

Catherine Matheson, Senior Psychotherapist.

I would highly recommend Miriam to come and lead this training session.  It  was fascinating to hear her speak about her work with asylum seekers and what she has learnt from this generally.  These insights are invaluable and through the creative writing really ‘opens the door’ to others’ worlds.

I enjoyed being given clear examples and ideas for running a workshop. 

Hearing previous participants' work was deeply touching. 

I now have ideas for planning and running a workshop on creative writing. 

I have been given a structure that slowly brings the participants into the room and builds confidence in their ideas and writing. 

Kerri Wright, Honorary Psychotherapist

I thought Miriam 'modelled’ the way in which we should be with our patients that is, non-judgemental, encouraging and fun. 

Avril Johnson, Psychotherapist

 

If you would like to discuss a training programme for yourself or your organisation then please Contact me.

I have blogged about my experiences running creative writing with asylum seekers.

http://miriamhalahmy.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/big-writing-for-small-world.html

 

http://awfullybigblogadventure.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/my-suitcase-is-packed-by-miriam-halahmy.html