Writing with Courage: a restorative creative writing workshop

Write, reflect and connect in this warm workshop exploring courage as we welcome in 2026. Open to all, no writing experience needed.

How might we welcome in 2026 with some courage? Katie from the Poetry Pharmacy team has been asking herself this, and invites you to join her for Writing with Courage: a restorative creative writing workshop. 

What is the workshop about?

Writing with Courage is a creative writing workshop designed and hosted by Katie Dunstan, in collaboration with The Poetry Pharmacy. Over 90 minutes we’ll be warming ourselves up to get writing, sharing our own experiences of courage and responding to some creative writing prompts. 

How will it work?

• 90 minute in-person workshop led by Katie
• A blend of conversation prompts and creative writing exercises to bring courage to life in new ways
• A welcoming, supportive environment to meet and connect with others

*Please note that no prior writing experience is needed, and you don’t have to share anything you have written. Whether you’re completely new to writing, or have notebooks filled with scribbles, everyone is welcome. All you need to bring is your favourite notebook and pen, and an open heart and mind.

What inspired the workshop? (From Katie)

Since working at The Poetry Pharmacy I’ve become really curious about what it could mean to create a space for people to come together to connect around and write from a particular “remedy”. As a Poetry Pharmacist I have the immense privilege of connecting with, and listening to so many people around the “remedies” they are drawn to. More and more I found myself wondering…what might happen if we came together collectively to explore a “remedy?” What conversations might we have? And how might each “remedy” inspire our own writing? 

Writing with Courage is the second of our ‘Writing with…’ workshops. Taking inspiration from our poetry on prescriptions - alternative therapy for your emotional ailments. Here’s some words from people who took part in her first, ‘Writing with Hope’ session:

I loved so much the writing prompts Katie offered, the warmth of the workshop, and hearing everyone's contributions. I found that hearing what others thought of hope really widened my own thinking - when you can connect with people like that, it’s really powerful. 

I really liked the freedom within the session; how everything was an invitation. It felt like a wonderful medium to be expressive. I’ve never been to any sort of creative workshop before, so I didn’t really know what to expect. But I’ll definitely be doing more now - so thank you.

If you have any questions, please do contact Katie at: katiedunst@icloud.com