AWA offers the Caregiver Project to help those in a caregiving role build resilience and community.
The Caregiver Project is an online writing workshop for those who, in taking on the care of another or others, may have lost much of their former lifestyle and the social activities and supports that were in it, and who, as a consequence, are feeling stressed and isolated.
Research has shown expressive writing is associated with fewer visits to the doctor because of stress-related illness, improved immune system functioning, reduced blood pressure, improved lung and liver function, improved mood and affect, and a feeling of greater psychological well-being.
Open to everyone
You do not need to consider yourself a writer to join and benefit from these workshops. The AWA Method has a proven track record of holding safe, generative and supportive space where both writers and writing can flourish.
The Caregiver Project is a chance to experience writing in a group with peers, both professional and family caregivers, who deal with similar challenges every day. Connect, express yourself, and have affirmed, through bearing witness and having your own writing listened to, that you are not alone.
Registration for one-off events is on a donation basis, from $10-$30. If you are a Writer Member or AWA Affiliate, one-off Caregiver events count toward one of your 8 free online sessions included in your annual or monthly dues. Bursaries are also available for those whom finances are a barrier.
What to expect from the writing session
These groups are offered via Zoom and are structured by the AWA Method. During the two hours, you’ll write on the spot to a prompt or two provided by the facilitator. Then, you’ll break into small, facilitated groups to read aloud what you’ve just written. If you choose to share, you will receive positive, affirmative feedback from the small group.