Everyone Left Feeling Calmer: Inside Our Spoken Word Poetry Workshop
On the 18th February 2026, something powerful happened.
9 people living with sickle cell/chronic pain came together at the London Dockland Museum for an afternoon of creative expression, community, and healing. Some arrived feeling tense. One had never written poetry before. Another wasn't sure they could be creative.
By the end of the session, everyone left feeling calmer than when they arrived. All seven said they'd come back.
This is the story of what happened when Akanji Studio Wellness, My Friend Jen Charity, and spoken word poet Dialectic Dee created a space for people to write, breathe, share, and heal.
The workshop was built on three foundations: softness, honesty, and creative release.
Over 2.5 hours, participants explored their lived experience
Before the workshop:
- 3 out of 9 arrived feeling tense
- 1 out of 9 felt at ease mentally
After the workshop:
- 5 out of 9 left feeling calm or very calm
- 7 out of 9 felt at ease or very at ease mentally
- 7 out of 9 felt calmer than when they arrived
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
What Participants Said
"The session gave me a space to release. I loved how intimate the session was because it really gave time to create and hear everyone's stories without the pressure of running out of time. I was able to take tips, insights and prompts from the session that I will apply when it comes to creative writing at home or hospital."
"It gave me the confidence to know that I can be very creative and use my creativity to express myself/tell my story, and also channel my thoughts/illness in a productive way."
"A creative outlet for my heart and mind. It also gave me positive vibes that I'll carry with me for days, months and years — amazing experience!"
Why This Matters
Managing chronic pain isn't just about managing symptoms. It's about finding language for the things you carry. It's about connection with people who understand. It's about seeing your experience reflected back to you and knowing you're not alone.
Creative wellness creates space for all of that.
One participant had never been in a room where everyone present truly understood the sickle cell experience. For them, this wasn't just a workshop, it was the first time they felt fully seen.
Another participant who had never written poetry before left with the confidence to continue. They discovered a tool for expression they didn't know they had.
This is what happens when you create the right conditions. When you bring together skilled facilitators, trusted community partners, and people who are ready to show up for themselves.
Partnership
This workshop happened because three organisations came together with a shared mission:
Akanji Studio Wellness designed and delivered the workshop, bringing expertise in creative wellness for chronic illness communities.
My Friend Jen brought deep connection to the sickle cell community and a foundation of trust with participants.
Dialectic Dee facilitated the session with skill, care, and an understanding of how to hold space for difficult experiences.
When we work together, we create something bigger than any one of us could alone.
What's Next
This was one workshop. Seven people. One afternoon.
But the impact doesn't stop there.
Participants left with prompts and techniques they can use at home, in hospital, or whenever they need a creative outlet. They connected with others who understand their journey. They discovered confidence they didn't know they had.
And they want more.
100% said they would attend another workshop. Multiple participants asked us to continue creating these spaces.
We're committed to doing exactly that.
Help Us Create More Moments Like This
This workshop was made possible by the National Lottery Community Fund. But to keep these workshops free and accessible, to reach more people in the sickle cell and chronic pain community, we need your support.
Every contribution helps us:
- Deliver more free workshops
- Partner with skilled facilitators
- Create safe spaces for healing and expression
- Build community for people who need it most
Whether you can give £5 or £500, every contribution makes a difference.