Free creative writing course

It's a new chapter for free creative writing courses in North Shields thanks to Age UK North Tyneside

Free creative writing courses funded by North Shields Cultural Quarter are heading into a new chapter after Age UK North Tyneside took up the tale.

Creative writing service Write on the Tyne CIC is run by author Helen Aitchson, who ran the sell-out courses at North Shields Library and Exchange 1856 during 2024. They included Introduction to Creative Writing, Writing for Wellbeing and Routes to Publishing.

Some of the learners were Age UK North Tyneside customers, and the charity has now offered a free teaching space for future sessions at its Bradbury Centre in North Shields. 

The sessions will be held once a month on a Friday starting in January, with free tea and coffee provided. Helen Aitchison will attend the first session to offer guidance, and after that they will be peer-led. Budding writers will support one another as they learn, with Age UK North Tyneside staff available if needed. At least 15 people have signed up already.

Helen said: “This is a wonderful continuation of our creative writing teaching for some of our existing learners as well as new learners who have decided to join the group. This is an added-value outcome as the result of the generous funding we received from North Shields Cultural Quarter for our courses throughout this year.

“The fact that there are already 15 people wanting to be part of the group reflects not only the appetite for creativity in our community, but also the connection many people have felt through writing, meeting new people, and developing confidence.

“Some of the learners from our North Shields courses are going to start volunteering with Age UKNT through a letter writing befriending service I’ve been involved with setting up.

“So, two brilliant outcomes from the generous support and supportive partnership working, between Write on the Tyne, the wonderful Age UK North Tyneside team and North Shields Cultural Quarter.”

The creative writing courses funded by North Shields Cultural Quarter got glowing feedback. One learner said: “The courses have been really good and a way to meet new people as well as learn so much about creative writing. I have the confidence now and look forward to the group at Age UK North Tyneside.”

Another said: “It's got me out of the house and doing something I thought I could never do, even though I always wanted to. It will be lovely to keep writing with the group support and motivation. Thank you.”

Sonya Roe, Age UK North Tyneside Head of Charity Services, said: “Helen is a talented creative writing teacher, and a warm and caring person who has really inspired some of our customers to explore their writing skills.

“Writing as a group is great for mental health and wellbeing, it helps tackle isolation, encourages people to express themselves, share memories and have fun in the process.

“We are delighted to be offering a space at our Bradbury Centre in North Shields to allow these creative writing sessions to continue. We have already had a great response from our customers and we’re sure they will be very popular.”

Councillor Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor for North Tyneside and cabinet member responsible for Regeneration, Culture and Economic Development said: “Through these creative writing courses, North Shields Cultural Quarter funding has been a starting point for something positive happening. The ongoing group sessions have the potential to really enrich people’s lives.

“Outcomes like this just go to show what can be achieved when our valued partners like Write on the Tyne and Age UK North Tyneside work together with our support. It’s great to see that this funding has started the ball rolling and I hope everyone involved gets a lot of benefit from taking part.”

To sign up for a place on the Age UK North Tyneside creative writing group, please call 0191 280 8484 or email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk