Helen is a poet living in Cardiff with her three terrific teenagers and funny whippet. She grew up in Belfast during The Troubles and pursued a career as an orchestral cellist in Glasgow. Helen has had several poems shortlisted in the Bridport Prize and recently gained a Seren Poetry Mentorship. She will soon feature in ‘How I Write a Poem’ on the Literature Wales website.
Helen has spent several years training and working in the mental health sector where she had the joy of facilitating many arts-based wellbeing groups. She finds nourishment in nature, especially at the sea.
“I believe writing groups are a unique channel through which to communicate and grow in understanding – that there can be more than one truth, that everyone’s experience is valid and that difference can be celebrated rather than feared. I hope to facilitate writing groups in all corners of our communities and I am passionate about providing an environment where people can come together creatively, to strengthen mental health and serve as a medium for healing. I am excited by the potential provided by Writing Well to realise this vision through the power of literature and the group.”