St. Augustine’s Centre

Arvon worked with St. Augustine’s for the first time in 2022 where nine of members, alongside artists from Ukraine, enjoyed a week of creative expression at Lumb Bank. Anjum Malik and Iryna Shuvalova, accomplished writers and poets, along with the midweek guest Yomi Sode, led members through the week of creative writing. The experience was extremely special and transformative for all those involved, fostering an inclusive environment, celebrating the diversity of languages spoken and showcasing their shared backgrounds of seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Voices from the Residential

George

It was a new experience. I got to meet new people with different perspectives on things.

We were taught how to translate our senses into writing and it was thought-provoking and emotion-provoking, so many emotions mixed together

The highlight of the entire residential was when I realised I could write poems. I followed the direction of the mentors and I soon realised I could write what people could feel. I also realised don’t judge a book by its cover. Anyone can write poetry, it comes from the heart and soul.

The place itself has an ancient archaic feel to it. Lots of interests, thoughts and dreams have lived and died.

Mahin

The best place and the best time were chosen with very good professors…there that everything was so beautiful…I feel that the pen had a soul there and writing was not difficult.

The class was very informative. In my opinion, the most important point of education in that period was the focus on writing and the lack of distraction, at the same time, the courage to use words that come from a deep inner feeling.

Hakar

It was a wonderful experience. We had space to write, time to write, time to express ourselves. Away from noise and with the nature.

If I had the opportunity I would definitely go again.

Lawal

It was an amazing experience in the world of creative writing, as it exposed one to skills and techniques in creative thinking and appropriate ways for readers to get along with the subject matter of the story or events report.

Abdulrabi

I gained so much knowledge and experience the skills of writing, and now I have more interest in writing.

I would definitely love to go back again there.