Beginning in May 2024, Culture Connects hosted creative writing workshops called ‘Writing for Wellness’ in Richmond Barracks, Dublin 8. The workshops were facilitated by poet Trudie Gorman and began as a six-week series.
The workshops quickly proved very popular, with many people asking to take part. As a result, the series was run again.
In total, 35 people took part across three ‘Writing for Wellness’ series over 12 months. Participants explored the connection between their creative voice, their body and their wellbeing through creative writing.
The Healing Well is a collection of original work by some of these participants. They wanted to create a collection of their own writing, and worked together with Trudie Gorman in spring 2025 to create this publication.
The works of prose and poetry touch on themes such as grief and healing, displacement and finding home, individual journeys and shared community.
Pictured from left to right: Poet and workshop facilitator Trudie Gorman, Culture Connects Programme Manager, Laura Howe, and 'The Healing Well' contributors, Mim Greene and Jacinta Fortune.
“Being part of The Healing Well was a rare gift - a space where creativity, illness and resilience intertwined. I feel a part of me transformed through this experience, held by support, validation, and creativity.”
- Mim Greene, participant of Writing for Wellness, and contributor to The Healing Well.
The Healing Well is available to borrow from Dublin City Libraries from December.
Culture Connects is a year-round programme of cultural activities that celebrate the experiences and interests of the local communities and people. It invites people in Dublin to try out new things. We offer ways for people to make and create together, to share ideas, and connect through culture and conversation. Culture Connects is made by Dublin City Council Culture Company.
Posted 26 Samhain 2025