As we reach the halfway point of Writing a New Chapter, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the impact the project is already having on participants affected by cancer.
Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the ten-week programme combines professional coaching with creative writing, helping people process their experiences, rebuild confidence, and explore life beyond cancer. While every participant’s journey is unique, some common themes are already emerging from the feedback we’ve received.
Finding New Ways to Process Experiences
Many participants have spoken about the value of writing as an outlet for thoughts and emotions that can be difficult to express aloud.
One participant described the course as:
“A great form of therapy without the awkwardness of sitting in front of a human telling them your thoughts.”
Through writing, participants have explored everything from treatment journeys and bereavement to hopes for the future, often discovering new perspectives along the way.
Looking Forward with Confidence
The coaching sessions have encouraged participants to reflect on their strengths, values and goals, helping them focus on what comes next rather than solely on what has happened in the past.
As one participant explained:
“The coaching sessions helped me focus my thoughts on the future and most importantly… realise how fortunate I am and what a safety net I have.”
This growing sense of confidence and self-awareness has been one of the most consistent themes across the programme.
Reconnecting with Creativity
For many, the writing workshops have reignited a love of creativity that had been pushed aside during treatment and recovery.
One participant described the experience as:
“Simply joyous.”
They went on to say the programme had helped them:
“Fall back in love with putting pen to paper.”
Participants have explored poetry, journaling, memoir and storytelling, discovering that creative writing is not about being a “good writer” but about self-expression and personal growth.
Building Lasting Habits
Perhaps one of the most encouraging outcomes so far is that participants are continuing to use the tools they’ve learned beyond the sessions themselves.
One participant shared:
“The course finished a number of weeks ago and I still write most days about things on my mind or random thoughts.”
This suggests that Writing a New Chapter is not only supporting people during the programme but helping them develop sustainable wellbeing practices that can continue long into the future.
A Community of Understanding
Alongside the coaching and writing, participants have consistently praised the welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The opportunity to connect with others who understand the challenges of living with and beyond cancer has helped create a space where people feel comfortable, respected and free from judgement.
While there are still more stories to be written as the programme continues, the reflections so far are clear: Writing a New Chapter is helping participants rediscover confidence, creativity and hope for the future. We look forward to sharing more of their journeys as the project progresses.
We have a new course starting in August and then two more in November, if you think this might be for you, please email your interest to Hannah at – Marketing@cancerunited.org.uk
