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News | 11 December 2025
Writing for Wellness: bringing people together for The Healing Well
When people feel connected to their communities, they feel safer and stronger, and they are healthier. This is a core part of our work across the city.
On Saturday 6 December, the Culture Company launched its newest publication 'The Healing Well', a new collection of poetry and prose.
Since mid May 2024, as part of the Culture Connects @ Richmond Barracks programme, we have hosted creative writing workshops called ‘Writing for Wellness’.
The workshops were developed and facilitated by poet Trudie Gorman and gave an opportunity for people to try something new. During the workshops the participants explored the connection between their creative voice, their body and their wellbeing through creative writing. Each workshop included writing prompts and exercises, meditation and gentle movement.
Whilst taking part in the workshops, some of the participants expressed an interest in creating a collection of their own writing. Nine workshop participants worked together with Trudie to create 'The Healing Well' publication, sixteen pieces of prose and poetry that touch on themes such as grief and healing, displacement and finding home, individual journeys, shared community and calls to action.
Scattered throughout the collection of writing there is also original artwork and photography made by the programme participants. Copies are now available in Dublin City Library branches across the city.
Trudie Gorman, the workshop facilitator, talks about how the publication came about and the stories that people shared in the workshops:
What began as a six week series of workshops in Richmond Barracks exploring ‘Writing for Wellness’ evolved into more workshops and a longer programme. The individuals who joined us each week had endless stories to share.
Each week, I was moved and honoured to witness the groups share memories, laughter, tears and meaning-making through their evolving writing practice. As a group we immersed ourselves in not just creative writing, but in community, deep connection and imagination”.
Mim Greene, one of the workshop participants and contributor to The Healing Well said about her experience of being part of the project:
“Being part of The Healing Well was a rare gift - a space where creativity, illness and resilience intertwined. In the company of talented artists who’ve faced their own health challenges, a true cauldron of hope and magic emerged. Under the gifted guidance of Trudie Gorman, connection and sharing became alchemy, creating beautiful work and unexpected healing.
I feel a part of me transformed through this experience, held by support, validation, and creativity. I am deeply grateful to Richmond Barracks and to Trudie Gorman for guiding us through such a powerful, life-changing journey”.
Laura Howe, Culture Connects Programme Manager, featured recently on Counselling Psychologist Maeve Halpin’s radio show “Wellbeing for Everyday Life” on Dublin South FM. You can listen to the show on the player below.
The Culture Connects programme of activities at Richmond Barracks is created based on feedback from the community, and celebrates the experiences and interests of the local communities and people.
Laura talked about the value of listening to people in the community when it comes to creating relevant and meaningful programming.
“Our programming is very much people-led. First of all we listen to what people say they are interested in, and then we respond to that by putting on things that they say they want to do".
Similarly, Mary McCarthy, a longtime participant at Richmond Barracks workshops also spoke on Maeve’s show about taking part in Dance Delights, a series of lively movement workshops that introduce you to simple ways of creating dance.
“It’s great fun, and it’s very much about community, because you’re engaging with the other people during the dance as well, so you’re getting that connection, and I know I come out energised”.
Culture Connects
Culture Connects is a year-round programme of cultural activities that celebrate the experiences and interests of the local communities and people. It invites people in Dublin to try out new things, to make and create together, to share ideas, and connect through culture and conversation.
When people feel connected to their communities, they feel safer and stronger, and they are healthier as outlined in many sources including the report on Social Connection published in 2025 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Culture Company's work has shown that participation in culture strengthens bonds, enhances active citizenship, and accelerates social integration. Our approach is grounded in listening and responding. This enables us to offer experiences that have relevance and resonance in people’s lives, while recognising that everyone connects with culture differently.
As recommended by the WHO report, Community strategies are where meaningful change can happen.
“Communities are where connection happens. They are where people live, work, learn, play, and age. That’s why community-level strategies are important for helping people feel more connected and less lonely.
One of the best ways to improve social connection is by making community spaces and services – also known as “social infrastructure” – stronger and more welcoming. This includes places like parks, libraries, cafés, public transportation, schools, and healthcare centres. Even if these spaces weren’t originally built to encourage socializing, they often become spots where people naturally meet and form relationships.
To really help people connect, these spaces should feel safe and welcoming to everyone, whether they are young or older, have a disability or health problem, or are new to the area. Good community areas offer something for everyone, whether it’s group activities like sports or community gardening, or quieter spots like walking paths or benches where people can relax and chat.
Communities can also help people feel connected through events and group activities. Exercise classes, community choirs, and festivals are great ways to bring people together.
Another approach is social prescribing, where doctors or health workers suggest people participate in community activities instead of giving medical treatment.”
In 2026 The Culture Company will continue working to support cultural participation. Our method puts people firmly at the centre of our work.
We designed it specifically to support cultural habit forming behaviour and connections between people and place.