Words by Hema Chumber
In August 2024, Inkwell, a writing group aimed at helping individuals in recovery from trauma, addiction, and life-changing events was launched in Erdington.
The group was founded by Portland Jones, who faced challenges following a stroke that left her with hidden disabilities, and Ian Simmonds, who recovered from a brain stem stroke and addiction.
Both founders shared similar experiences of struggling and recovery, with writing becoming their support tool for self-expression. Inkwell’s approach is centred on providing a supportive environment for people to express their thoughts, feelings and stresses through writing.
The group meets every other Saturday at Oikos Café on Erdington High Street, offering people the chance to share their experiences, journal or simply write for themselves, in a relaxed environment.
Inkwell has quickly grown, attracting a diverse range of participants from various backgrounds, all of whom are in recovery. The group’s organisers have been surprised by the success of the initiative, noting that many members have found the writing sessions to be comforting, and helpful in terms of personal growth and healing.
Ian shared: “Writing helped me to process my thoughts and emotions in a way in which nothing else could. We wanted to create a space where people feel safe and that they are not being judged, so others in recovery could use writing for the same purpose.
“We have seen how powerful writing can be, as a tool for healing. It has been very rewarding, to say the least, to watch people to use it and connect with their thoughts in an honest way.”
Portland added: “It is not about the skill of writing itself, like having the perfect grammar or structure – it is about getting people to put pen to paper about their emotions, and offering them a chance to reflect.
“We have had one person who has joined our group since the beginning, and told Ian and I that this setting has allowed them to express their feelings in a way they couldn’t before. The group has given them, and others, space to reflect and connect with others.”
Alongside its regular sessions, Inkwell is planning to launch an online magazine and hopes to publish an anthology of work written by individuals in the group.
This will provide the writers with a platform to showcase their work and experiences, as well as raise awareness within the community about the role creative writing can play in recovery.
The group is also considering expanding to offer online meetings later in the year, in response to increasing interest from people in Erdington’s neighbouring areas.
InkWell will be running writing sessions at Oikos Café on 8 February and 22 February, with more session booked in the months afterwards.
For more information about Inkwell and upcoming sessions, please visit www.inkwellwritinginrecovery.com or email [email protected]
Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.
If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]
