Category: Author

• Launch of Tales from Low Newton Jail

  

  For the past year, I have been working in HMP Low Newton with the female prisoners on a therapeutic writing programme. It has been incredible to be able to support the prisoners in their creativity, using writing as a coping mechanism and expression outlet. At the end of the programme, we were lucky enough to…

  Helen Aitchison

  19th Nov 2025

  anthology, Author, Books, Charity, community, Creative Writing, HMP Low Newton, Publishing

  anthology, community, Creative Writing, Group work, Publishing, teaching, Write on the Tyne, Writing

• Guest Poet

  Recently, I met an inspiring person who uses writing as therapy. Their foster child also uses writing as a form of creative expression. They sent me this moving and beautiful poem to share. I’m sure you’ll agree that is both poignant and phenomenal!

  Helen Aitchison

  13th Dec 2024

  Author, Charity, community, Creative Writing, Guest article, Poetry

  community, Creative Writing, Poetry, Write on the Tyne

• When the Small Creatures Wake release and White Ribbon Campaign

  

  White Ribbon Day was on the 25th November and the start of sixteen days of action to end male violence against women and girls. This year, the theme is ‘IT STARTS WITH MEN’ and the aim for men to address the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their…

  Helen Aitchison

  27th Nov 2024

  Author, Books, Business, community, Creative Writing, End violence, North Tyneside, Poetry, Publishing, Uncategorized, White Ribbon Campaign, White Ribbon UK, Write on the Tyne Publishing

  Author, Campaign, community, domestic-violence, health, Library, news, Publishing, white ribbon, Women, Write on the Tyne, Writing

• A Home for Every Cat

  

  Our published book, A Homes for Every Cat, is now available to buy online and in bookshops. The children’s book shares the story of our rescue cat, Eric, who went from streets to su-paw-star! Eric won the National Cats Protection Social Media Star Award last year and featured on BBC’s One Show. All profits from…

  Helen Aitchison

  18th Nov 2024

  #adoptdontshop, Author, Books, Business, Charity, children’s book, Eric, Publishing, Write on the Tyne Publishing

• Introduction to Creative Writing – course complete

  It was wonderful to facilitate the free six-week Introduction to Creative Writing course at North Shields Library. With funding from NSCQ, a number of diverse learners at different stages of their writing journey, attended. Learners shared some incredible pieces, plans, and personal goals during the sessions. An amazing bunch of enthusiastic learners who gave some…

  Helen Aitchison

  2nd May 2024

  Author, Business, community, Creative Writing, Group work, Training, Tutor, Writing

  community, Creative Writing, Library, North SHields, teaching, Training, WOTT, Write on the Tyne, Writing

• White Ribbon 2023

  

  White Ribbon day was on the 25th November, and the start of sixteen days of campaigning to end men’s violence against women and girls. This year, the focus was on encouraging organisations and individuals to make consistent choices and actions to #ChangeTheStory, allowing women and girls to live without fear of violence. Write on the…

  Helen Aitchison

  13th Dec 2023

  Author, Books, Business, Charity, community, End violence, event, White Ribbon Campaign, White Ribbon UK, Write on the Tyne

  Author, Books, Charity, community, domestic abuse, Group work, white ribbon, Write on the Tyne

• DUTY by Jeff Stephenson

  

  Last Friday, Write on the Tyne celebrated the release of DUTY by Jeff Stephenson. A brilliant night was had for a brilliant book. Already a #1 bestseller on Amazon, DUTY documents Jeff’s childhood in North Shields, his life as a young Royal Marine, including conflict in the Falklands and Northern Ireland, as well as his…

  Helen Aitchison

  22nd Nov 2023

  Author, Books, community, DUTY, Firefighter, Jeff Stephenson, Memoir, Personal Trainer, Publishing, Signed author, veteran, Write on the Tyne, Write on the Tyne Publishing, Writing

  book, DUTY, Memoir, military, Publishing, veteran, WOTT, Write on the Tyne, Writing

• Recovery Voices Launch!

  

  It’s been a busy and brilliant few weeks here at Write on the Tyne. Two weeks ago, we launched Recovery Voices in partnership with the phenomenal charity, Recovery Connections. Recovery Voices is a collection of poetry and prose from the minds, heart, and soul of people who have lived experience of addiction. Their moving musings…

  Helen Aitchison

  20th Nov 2023

  addiction, anthology, Author, Books, Charity, community, Creative Writing, event, Poetry, recovery, Recovery Connections, Write on the Tyne, Writing

  addiction, anthology, Charity, community, Creative Writing, Group work, Poetry, recovery, Recovery Connections, Write on the Tyne, Writing

• Pottery Bank Community Centre Book Nook

  

  It was a pleasure to assist Pottery Bank Community Centre in creating their free library this week. With funds from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, I was able to purchase a bookcase and collect books for the community to enjoy. A large number of books were generously donated from Durham Cricket Club, which massively helped…

  Helen Aitchison

  15th Oct 2023

  Author, Books, Business, Charity, community, Creative Writing, Write on the Tyne

  Book Nook, Books, community, Durham Cricket Club, free library, Pottery Bank Community Centre, reading, sharing

• Mentee’s Shortlisted for Local Competition

  

  My local libraries hold an annual short story competition. This year, two people I have mentored over the last year, entered. Both were shortlisted and I was delighted to be invited along to the award evening as their guest. The pieces (from all shortlisted writers) were excellent and it was a great night in a…

  Helen Aitchison

  24th Sep 2023

  anthology, Author, Award, community, event, Tutor, Write on the Tyne

  community, competition, Creative Writing, libraries, short stories, teaching, Write on the Tyne, Writing