Published: 23 Aug 2022
Seeking a safe space to foster connection, an opportunity for honest discussions and a renewed sense of identity, new mum Catrin Kemp set up The New Mothers' Writing Circle at the beginning of her own writing journey post-motherhood in 2020. With a grant of £56,390 from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund, Catrin’s now able to offer nearly 100 new mothers in Glasgow time for creativity and reflection at a key point of change in their lives.
Image: Illustration by Pete Locke, courtesy of New Mothers’ Writing Circle
Piloted during 2020’s national lockdown, former Creative Producer, Catrin explains: "The idea for the project came about following the birth of my son. I found becoming a mother a seismic shock and used writing to acclimatise myself with my new identity.
“Motherhood is often unexpectedly lonely, and it can be difficult for new mothers to feel confident in sharing the harder aspects of this life change with others.
“The first New Mothers’ Writing Circle provided a welcome and valuable outlet when, for many, the upheaval, isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic was compounded by the strain of taking care of small babies and for some, home-schooling older children.”
Saima Sheikh, who took part in the pilot said: "Being on The New Mothers Writing Circle was my anchor during COVID. It was more than a writing course; it was a place we came together and had each other's backs; it was a place for a collective outpouring of grief, joy, anger and, also, the peace that comes from being held by those who have experienced motherhood... In short, this experience gave me the confidence to be heard, to feel pride in my writing and to enjoy the liberation one feels when they write their heart out - which I continue to do."
Anyone interested in taking part can sign up to hear more about the project via the website: www.newmumswriting.co.uk.
Workshops will be announced soon and will begin in November. There will be space for 90 women from Greater Glasgow (with babies under the age of one) to take part. No previous writing experience is required. Latest updates can also be found @newmumswriting.
Reading will include poetry and prose, and workshops will be co-led by professional writers and storytellers sharing their experiences of motherhood and writing, like award-winning author of Lowborn, Kerry Hudson and playwright Ishbel MacFarlane. Editor and writer Genevieve Herr will again be the creative writing lead, supporting the mothers as they get pen onto paper.
The New Mothers Writing Circle is one of 45 groups, organisations and individuals receiving a total of £1,038,618 in this latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund. At a glance, projects include:
Paul Burns, Interim Deputy Director of Arts & Engagement at Creative Scotland said: “Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise over £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, this month’s Open Fund awards are enabling the development and creation of interesting and engaging new projects as well as funding valuable work that will have a tangible impact on the wellbeing and opportunities of people of all ages and backgrounds living in Scotland.”
Open Fund
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot
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