Creative Writing Helps Heal and Improve Mental Health
Photo credit: S:US
The New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) is offering creative writing workshops this summer! The workshops began in June and will be held twice a month through August. In mid-September, NYSSHP will hold an event for tenants to showcase their writing talents.
These creative writing workshops are designed to encourage and support aspiring writers with the process of writing. Kerika Fields, a Brooklyn-based author and photographer, facilitates the workshops and covers the creative and business side of writing while allowing participants to use their writing to heal from past trauma and overcome substance use and anxiety.
S:US provides a variety of services for people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, including care coordination, treatment services, recovery services, and supported housing.
Workshop participants are encouraged to share their experiences via essays, poems, short stories, etc. They explored the following:
Writing Exercises that Inspire Creativity and Productivity
Writing as a Recovery Tool
The Importance of Journaling
The Power of the Personal Essay
Writing Effective Affirmations
Would your Story Make a Best‐Seller?
Information and tips on publishing, digital publishing, online publishing, and self‐publishing
The June events have been well received and the tenants who participated received their own personal journals and pens.