For the past five years, I’ve been part of The Copse, a creative writing peer group with three wonderful colleagues—Rachel Godfrey, Rachel Hawkins-Crockford, and Victoria Riddiford. We first met through the Metanoia Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes (CWTP) master’s programme, but what began as a connection through our studies has evolved into a deeply supportive community of learning, reflection, and inspiration. Being part of this peer support group has been invaluable to each of us, shaping our practice and sustaining us in ways we never anticipated. I hope our story encourages others to create their own communities of practice.  

As the year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the work I want to do in the year ahead. Ideas are beginning to take shape as I listen to my body—tuning into what feels energizing and aligned. Then comes the dreaming stage: How would I love it to be? What might this look like? And finally, the planning: What steps can I take to make it happen?

How to Use Reflective Writing to Reclaim Your Time. Managing a constant stream of deadlines has felt a like a game of whack-a-mole; as soon as I tick one off the list, another pops up.  

NHS Gloucestershire’s Creative Health Data Dashboard combines NHS patient data with evidence gathered from arts and health activity to evidence the value of Creative Health, changing the narrative from it being “a nice to have” to “a need to have”.

NHS Gloucestershire’s Creative Health Data Dashboard combines NHS patient data with evidence gathered from arts and health activity to evidence the value of Creative Health, changing the narrative from it being “a nice to have” to “a need to have”.

The Library of Ideas, a co-produced community project by artists Davis & Jones curated for the library at Bristol’s Junction Three community hub by Willis Newson. Photo Max McClure.