A creative writing charity based in Huddersfield has just received a major grant … and is now looking for a project manager.

Serendipity Creative Writers was set up six years ago to use writing to help people struggling with their mental health and became a registered charity in December 2022.

It has just been awarded £250,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund for its work across Kirklees.

Serendipity was founded by Sonia Zoref who has suffered with mental health most of her life before discovering that the power of writing and other creative arts can really help to improve it.

She said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work. Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will expand our services across a wider area. Our aim is to reduce isolation and loneliness and build stronger, more resilient communities in a fun, safe environment.”

The group runs three weekly community based Creative Writing workshops for 350 people in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley, regular pop-up sessions across Kirklees and offers a mini lending library service. All are free, including refreshments.   

The charity also holds open mic poetry events and collaborates with other organisations such as literature festivals.

 

 

Sonia added: “I created Serendipity after gaining an English Literature with Creative Writing degree. Over the last six years we have proved how the power of words and talking can not only help in maintaining good mental health for individuals, but can increase confidence and a sense of achievement.”

Serendipity volunteer Marty Hay added: “Serendipity came into my life when I most needed it. After four years of not leaving the house I made new friends who I now call family.

“I was made to feel valued. I get so much joy from the workshops that now, three years later, I am a volunteer facilitator. It has changed my life.”

The charity is now recruiting a project manager to develop a business plan to deliver the organisation’s objectives, someone who can contribute to the design of the Creative Writing Workshops to increase the scope and benefits.

The salary is £28,000 a year for the full-time role for the next four years. The closing date is September 9.

For more details and to apply email Sonia at soniazoref@hotmail.com or phone 07751 254609.

The Serendipity Creative Writers website can be found HERE and its Facebook site is https://www.facebook.com/serendipitycreativewriters/

Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content and copywriting.