Open Book Creative Writing Sessions 2025

Delivered in partnership with Open Book Reading, we’ll be reading stories and poems aloud and using them to create our own writing in a gentle, guided session with Lead Reader, Jess Orr. The event is coordinated by LGBT Health and Wellbeing's community programme, led by Jules Stapleton Barnes.

No experience required! Just a willingness to have a go in a safe and affirmative setting. Jess will be there to greet you and lead the session. If you have any feedback or need to chat to the organisers after the session, please email jules@lgbthealth.org.uk

You can book for each session individually, with the booking details made available each month via www.lgbthealth.org.uk and LGBT Health and Wellbeing's Eventbrite page.

Who we welcome

All LGBTQ+ people over 16 in Edinburgh are welcome to join us.

We welcome the entire diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community including non-binary, queer, intersex, asexual people and all identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.

We also welcome people who aren't sure about their sexual orientation/gender identity, or who do not use labels for either.

Registration

Spaces are limited so we need you to register in advance. If you book and can no longer make it, please cancel your ticket via eventbrite or by emailing jules@lgbthealth.org.uk

Please use this Eventbrite form to book or cancel your tickets.

You can also contact the event organiser Jules at jules@lgbthealth.org.uk, or phone 0131 564 3970 and leave a message for Jules.

If something changes and you can no longer attend the event, please cancel your space on Eventbrite or let Jules know as soon as you can so your space becomes available for someone else.

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with full access details.

PLEASE NOTE: These sessions are usually fully subscribed. Incomplete booking forms or repeat non-attendance will result in cancellation of your place to make space for others. Please contact Jules at jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or leave a message for Jules on our admin phone 0131 564 3970 should you wish to discuss the form or need help registering.

The venue

The event is hosted at LGBT Health and Wellbeing in Duncan Place.

We will send more information about the venue and how to access the event after you register.

Access

The venue and our event features:

• 🅿️ 2 disabled parking spaces on the grounds
• ♿️ Wheelchair access with ramp access and automatic doors, and lift to access the different floors of the building
• 🚾 Accessible gender neutral toilets available

If there is anything you need to talk to us in advance of the event, please contact Jules:

• 📧 email jules@lgbthealth.org.uk
• 📞 phone 0131 564 3970

How to get more involved

For information on further queer creative writing communities, join LGBT Health and Wellbeing's Queer Creative Writing Scotland Facebook group here or check our calendar of events on our website.

For more information about Open Book, visit: https://openbookreading.com

The LGBT Health and Wellbeing Events Team in Edinburgh organise arts event throughout the year, with opportunities for performance and to share work you've created if interested.

These sessions are part of the Edinburgh Community Programme delivered by LGBT Health and Wellbeing.