Writing for Wellness: Creativity, Community, and Care

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Monday Jul 14, 2025

The Writing for Wellness workshop series has drawn to a close — and what a vibrant, affirming journey it has been.

Brought to life by a collaboration between WellSouth and Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature, the programme offered a space where words became tools for insight and human connection. Over six Thursday evening sessions, City of Literature South D Poet Lorikeet Jenny Powell joined WellSouth Health Improvement Practitioners Sarah Redfearn and Rohana Weaver to offer a new invitation to explore wellbeing through creative writing.

From the very first session, it was clear something special was taking place. Sixteen people gathered in a sunlit room in Dunedin City Library surrounded by historic photographs of Ōtepoti, their writing framed by the interplay of past and present which had a positive effect — encouraging conversation, connection, and courage. The response was immediate and enthusiastic, with one participant describing the experience as joyful.

By the second session, the group had grown again, this time to nearly 20. The energy continued to build, buoyed by the diverse styles and shared intentions of the three facilitators. Feedback forms came back overwhelmingly positive and participants began to see writing not just as an outlet, but a tool for self-reflection and community.

Each week, new challenges were offered. One memorable moment came when Jenny distributed secret handwritten invitations as a creative task: imagine Balclutha as a tropical paradise. It was a playful but powerful exercise in perspective, transformation, and shared points of view. Only after sharing their pieces did the group realise they had all been writing from the same prompt — and found joy in the unexpected harmony that emerged.

After the final session, several participants plan to continue their writing journeys in community groups. The workshop has clearly planted something enduring.

“I’m delighted to be doing this,” Jenny reflects. “We all learn from each other. It’s an honour to be part of something that combines creativity with wellbeing so meaningfully.”