Prompted to Write: Three Years of Words for Well-being in Cornwall

The 2nd edition of Prompted to Write was then launched at Truro Community Library in September 2010. The first edition, published in 2007, sold out and is still in demand. The NHS Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust has made the new edition possible and Julie Green, Commissioner for Older People and People with Long Term Conditions, gave a moving and personal talk on the benefits of creative writing and reading. Some of the contributors are renowned in the field of reading and writing for health and well-being. For other contributors, the book contains their first published piece of writing. Contributors include: Mari Alschuler, Roselle Angwin, Zeeba Ansari, Gillie Bolton, Ted Bowman, Angie Butler, Caroline Carver, Geri Chavis, Dorothy Coventon, Cathy Davey, Llyn Evans, Victoria Field, Rose Flint, Fiona Friend, Rosie Hadden , Jenny Hamlett, David Hart, Rebecca Hazzard, Hilary Hendra, Elaine Holman, John Killick, Mary Lunnen, Eleanor Maxted, Bill Mycock, Myra Schneider, Sandra Sheppard, Penelope Shuttle, Angela Stoner, Jane Tozer, George Wallace, Claire Williamson, Rogan Wolf.

The Magic of Words by Julie Green, Commissioning Manger, Older People and LTCs, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly talk given at the launch of 'Prompted to Write' 2nd edition on 18th September 2010 at Truro Library I would like to say thank you for inviting me here today and to offer my thanks to everyone who has contributed to this second edition of Prompted to Write.. I have found the book both deeply moving and also uplifting. I was really struck by the power of feeling in some of the pieces and the impact writing has both on those who have prepared the pieces, and those who have helped facilitate the experience. We all have read books which we never forget, either the image they conjure for us or the central theme we identify with. In many cases I openly admit to avoiding reading certain material for fear of the memories or associations it will bring to the surface for me. Dorothy Coventon's observation about needing to 'create a distance to my feelings' really resonated with me. There are books from my childhood which I still recall, and more specifically books I now read to my children which bring us both such joy. Some books which we read together when they were very young, which they enjoyed enormously, they now struggle to recall, but the memory for me endures - a snapshot in my mind of their childhood. Oh and children's poems, reading both funny and sad, my favourite memory being one of camping upstairs on a wet August morning when it really wasn't worth getting out of bed, reading 100 Childrens Poems together whilst eating hot toast and butter. We are all creative and that creativity is sometimes driven from the surface as we strive to do all the things that are necessary to get through the day. Often now in the banality of blogs and twitters and Facebooking and texting everything sometimes seems to be reduced down to the most basic mode of communication. And the fascination with oneself and the vanity of assuming that your every thought or action, no matter how mundane, will be avidly followed by others. But maybe this is a modern day way keeping a diary. I was struck at the time of the disappearance of Madeline McCann, how her father had either the time or inclination to write a blog each day during the horrors of early weeks and months of her disappearance, but on reflection I wonder if it was a way of coping with appalling difficulties, in the same way that others keep diaries. I suppose the difference is a private diary is not on view to the world. In these days where we hear that the Simpsons might replace Shakespeare in English Literature it is so affirming to engage in local work by local people that shows such a depth of understanding of what it is to be human. The sense of community within the book is very strong. Reading and writing for well being has such significance both on an individual level and also for our society in general. Reading beyond an educational, entertaining or inspiring focus but reading and writing as a way of expressing oneself either around a significant event, or as a narrative for the lived experience. The PCT is delighted to support this work and I also really pleased that some supportive reading groups in care settings are now taking place in Cornwall. The NHS supports other projects as well and these include: Books on Prescription - resources to support people with emotional and mental health needs has been running for 3 years and we are about to launch Books on Prescription for Dementia - providing a series of resources for people who may be worried about their own memory, or that of a loved one. For 3 years I have been working with Arts for Health on the Creativity in Care Settings Project, predominantly exploring the role that the creative arts has on improving the lived experience for older people and those that care for them. --Talk by Julie Green, Truro, September 2010

For 3 years I have been working with Arts for Health on the Creativity in Care Settings Project, predominantly exploring the role that the creative arts has on improving the lived experience for older people and those that care for them. The work was the winner of the Guardian Public Services Award last November - recognising the link between emotional wellbeing and having the opportunity to be creative. So important in what can be a task driven environment. Anyone who saw Can Gerry Robinson Fix Dementia Care Homes will be in no doubt what I mean, So, to finish, even or perhaps because of the challenging times the statutory agencies face the importance of creativity in Cornwall cannot be underestimated and I am delighted that the PCT has been able to support the publication of Prompted to Write. --Julie Green, Commissioning Manger, Older People and LTCs, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly