Peer Mentor Leads Creative Writing Sessions
09 February 2024
At Elizabeth Fry House we believe in the importance of self-expression and encourage residents to explore different ways of achieving this.
Earlier this week Luke (he/his), an ex-resident of Elizabeth Fry House who now volunteers for the Charity as a mentor led a session on Creative Writing.
Luke states ” I came to Elizabeth Fry in December 2022. During my time here I battled with poor physical health which had an impact on my mental health. However, the staff, particularly Magda, my keyworker and Emma, my housing worker, stood by my side and helped me through every step of the way. I’ve flourished in my time here and have successfully moved on. Now I come back as a volunteer peer mentor to help support residents with their move on plans and run creative groups – this gives me a great sense of purpose.”
During the session residents used poetry and creative writing to share their thoughts and experiences with others. Luke shares his own Hiku here:
I loved my time here
It gave me joy and comfort
From prison to home
Elizabeth Fry
Thank you for keeping me safe
From myself and others
Now I’m back to help
For others to find their way
Hoping they will win.

Latest News

27 October 2025
“It’s More Than Housing – It’s a Fresh Start”: Emma’s Role Supporting Women in Recovery
Tagged as:News
As a child, Amanda had had to care for a sibling and put other’s needs and feelings first and fit in around them. This left her with a weaker sense of self. Always feeling the odd one out, she has been bullied for being different. Amanda has worked in cafes, shops, and pubs. She was unable to complete courses, due to stress, domestic abuse, five children, pain, alcohol and drugs and a mental health crisis resulting in hospitalisation.

3 December 2024
Amanda’s Story
Tagged as:News
As a child, Amanda had had to care for a sibling and put other’s needs and feelings first and fit in around them. This left her with a weaker sense of self. Always feeling the odd one out, she has been bullied for being different. Amanda has worked in cafes, shops, and pubs. She was unable to complete courses, due to stress, domestic abuse, five children, pain, alcohol and drugs and a mental health crisis resulting in hospitalisation.
24 October 2024
Jo’s Journey from Addiction to Sobriety
Tagged as:News
This my story, my journey from addiction to sobriety.
I have not had a childhood that I would want any child to ever experience. Addition to alcohol and drugs has becomes my shelter, my way of keeping myself alive. Sadly, I was still a child -I was 13- when I discovered that substances could provide some sort of relief to the pain I felt. It was as soothing as it has become disruptive. But it was an escape from the harsh reality of the world and from the trauma.