Workshop Leader // Educator
Leanne facilitates writing workshops in a wide variety of settings including schools, care homes, hospitals, libraries and museums. She also provides online workshops, via Zoom, and critical editing sessions in person, and via WhatsApp, Zoom and MS Teams.
Leanne has worked as writer in residence at The National Justice Museum, Nottingham City Council, the Museum of Cambridge, the Ely Folk Festival, Newark Book Festival and with Writing East Midlands, and has provided workshops for Arts Council England, Nottingham Poetry Festival, Creative Nottingham North, Arts Alive in Libraries, Nottingham Writers' Studio, Headway, the University of Nottingham, and Prima Vista Festival in Estonia.
​
She promotes spoken word education in primary schools, secondary schools and further education colleges across the UK.
In 2024, Leanne is supporting programmes with Writing East Midlands, Mansfield Palace Theatre, Green Hustle, Nottingham Writers' Studio, Vibrant Warsop, and First Story.
​
Photo by Kim Gribbons
Leanne particularly enjoys working with diverse groups of people and her recent work with Writing East Midlands has allowed her to work with autistic young people, older people, people living with dementia, and participants from migrant and refugee communities.
During other projects, she has supported groups of young people, vulnerably-housed people, people with acute mental health issues, and adults with acquired brain injuries.
As a workshop leader, Leanne strongly believes that creative writing can promote social cohesion, improve health outcomes and foster self-confidence. She really loves helping new writers to draw on their own experiences, and articulating their stories in creative ways, and she firmly supports community projects that nurture creativity regardless of prior knowledge or experience.
Photo by Kim Gribbons
Testimonials
“Leanne did an amazing job of allowing the children their freedom of expression and yet gently encouraging them to get some of their thoughts down on paper."
Sarah, OneBillion
“Thank you so much for what were awesome morning sessions. You were fantastic with the children and made poetry - which can often be challenging to teach in the classroom - very fun and accessible. Our pupils really liked how they had to think and apply imagery to describe the adjective they chose to describe their drawing - it was fantastic!"
Michael, Y5 Teacher at Victoria Primary School
“During the workshop we saw very high quality engagement from participants who had little previous experience in creative writing. Leanne had an inclusive approach with a friendly delivery style, which supported and encouraged creative expression. She created a supportive atmosphere and had an obvious enthusiasm for the subject matter.”
Lorna, Curator, Museum of Cambridge
"Thank you once again for coming to give us a workshop. It was our girls' last lesson of the year, due to exams, and they all said it was a brilliant way to end the term!"
Sophie, Assistant Head of English, Kimbolton School
“Our group all enjoyed Leanne's workshop and we received lots of good feedback. It was the first time we'd tried creative writing, and we'd love to have Leanne back for future sessions.”
Bill, British Red Cross Young IELTS Group
​
“I enjoy [Leanne's] sessions immensely - she is so clear and reassuring, and so supportive of everyone in the group.”
Ronne, workshop participant
​
“I really enjoyed the session, style of delivery and super, positive feedback. It was very safe and inclusive.”
Janet, workshop participant
​
“[Leanne] has a real passion for poetry, and a wonderful ability to engage with a range of audiences, communicating that passion, and inspiring them to produce works they never thought themselves capable of. Her style is warm and inclusive, friendly in a very natural way, and the attendees all respond to this.”
Alistair, workshop participant
​
“I always find myself looking forward to the workshops because they are inspiring, educational and a lot of fun! Leanne is a kind and encouraging facilitator. Her guidance, feedback and support have really helped me develop my poetry writing skills. Thank you, Leanne!”
Sonia, workshop participant
​
“I would like to thank Leanne for all her excellent work as a workshop facilitator. She is always supportive and insightful, and I frequently come away feeling both inspired and valued.”
Sue, workshop participant
​
“Leanne is unfailingly patient, infectiously cheerful and endlessly inspiring.”
Josie, workshop participant