WRITING WELL: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Writing Well free to attend?
Any funded Writing Well course is free to attend. Refreshments are also free.
Does Writing Well run for 10 consecutive weeks?
The Writing Well course runs for ten sessions. Sometimes there are breaks between sessions for half-term and seasonal holidays.
What do I need to bring to sessions?
All you need to bring is a pen and note paper. We provide all other materials which you keep and take home.
Do I need to be good at writing to attend?
The course is for everyone whatever their level of writing. If you attend every session and complete the activities we set between sessions, your writing and wellbeing will improve.
I have difficulty physically writing, does that mean I can't attend?
Not at all! We can provide digital recorders or tablets on which to type. When you complete the registration form, please tell us of any writing issues, so that we can support you in the sessions.
Do I have to attend every session?
Yes. Writing well is developmental and builds on earlier sessions. Missing one session means missing two and a half hours of tutoring. Also, the course may be accessible to attendees, but funders are paying for it. Enrolling and not attending will deprive others of a place.
We understand that sometimes circumstances arise, and you must miss a session, such as a medical appointment or a family issue. In this event, please get in touch with us asap so we know you will not be attending.
Also, when you register, please inform us of any outstanding commitments which will prevent attendance, for example, jury service or you have booked a holiday. If you know you will miss more than one session, we recommend you book a Writing Well course that runs at a later date.
On the NHS funded course do I have to be referred by an agency before I can enrol?
You can self-refer by booking on the course and completing our registration form.
What time should I arrive for the session?
You should aim to arrive in good time to all sessions. We recommend ten or fifteen minutes before the session starts. There will be refreshments before the start of each session and when we take a break and opportunities to talk with others.
Will there be breaks?
There is a 15 minute break.
By completing the course do I earn a qualification?
All who complete the course receive a Certificate of Completion. In session 10 we celebrate your achievement and you can invite friends and family to hear you read your work and see you receive your certificate. Completing the course will enhance your CV and the writing skills you will gain will help you write better job applications or other formal documents as well as support your informal and creative writing.
Do I have to read my work out?
Yes. Part of your developing your confidence and wellbeing is through encouraging you to read to the others in the group and reading your work out in Session 10. There is no need to feel anxious or worried about this. Everyone else will be reading their work and it is informal and supportive throughout.
What work is involved outside the sessions?
We encourage everyone to journal, to get into the habit of writing daily, to use a notebook and practise observation and description. All will feed back into your writing and will help you reflect on We will set you writing and wellbeing activities between sessions for you to complete. The purpose of every activity is to improve your writing and wellbeing and it is important that you complete these.
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact us.