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About the course

Capture the essence of your personal journey and transform it into captivating memoir writing in the "Exploring the Self" workshop series. Delve into the power of words as you explore the concepts of history, memory, and self-expression.

Through a series of workshops, you will develop your writing skills, discover your unique voice, and craft imaginative and well-crafted memoir pieces. Gain confidence in sharing and reading your work aloud, while providing supportive feedback to your fellow participants. Expand your knowledge of memoir writing through diverse reading materials and embrace the opportunity to explore new ideas.

Please read the entry requirements for the course in order for us to meet the funding criteria to maintain these very successful and needed courses in our community.

How is the course delivered and assessed?

Our classes provide a nurturing and encouraging environment where you can learn and grow as an individual. The tutor will guide you through various techniques and projects, ensuring that you feel supported and empowered to express your creativity.

Ultimately, the aim is to broaden your knowledge of the memoir as well as provide guidance on how best to craft your writing. Some weekly sessions will be supported by reading material that draws from a diverse community of writers.

About the tutor
Ronnie McGrath is a writer and former associate cultural studies lecturer for the University of the Arts, London College of Communication. He has delivered talks on race and identity for Bristol University and The London College of Printing. He has published work in IC3, The Penguin Book of New Black Writing in Britain, and Black Lives Have Always Mattered, a collection of essays, poems, and personal narratives. His latest publication is Watermelon, rivers of love speeches, a conceptual prose work of things unspoken.
What do I need to join (Entry Requirements)

Applicants must be at least 19 years of age at the start of the academic year, to attend this course. You don’t need to have any experience to join this course, however as part of our series of funded courses, you are limited to one course per term (excluding online, this can be an additional), students need to meet the criteria as set out below. The aim of the course is to improve your well-being, confidence, self-esteem, and creative and vocational skills whilst providing progression routes for your learning through support and guidance from your tutor.

These courses are for self-referring or referred patient/client, making the courses available to all. If you're experiencing conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, behaviour-related health issues, mental health, bereavement, chronic pain, or illness, joining us can provide a beneficial experience and a re-engagement into education or employment. If you have a support worker or have a condition we will need to be aware of, please let us know – there may be other specialised creative courses that are more suited to your needs from other health providers.

During your first session the tutor will spend some time with you 1:1 to support you with your declared needs to ensure we give you the best support and guidance during the course.

What can I do next
The following courses may also be of interest: Discussions on Identity - It's Not Just Black and White with Ronnie McGrath and Creative Writing with Ronnie McGrath.
Additional information

Enrolments for future course dates will be released towards the end of the current term, on the website and via your course tutor.

Each term runs for 10 or 11 weeks. When enrolments open, these dates will be released on the website under Creativity for Wellbeing.

Important Course Fee Information

Understanding Your Course Fees

We are committed to making our Creativity for Wellbeing courses accessible to everyone in our community. While the full cost to run these 10-week courses is £75 (£85 for Stained Glass), the majority of our students qualify for a subsidised rate.

Why do I see £75 on my enrolment form?

Our system is required to display the full, unsubsidised cost of the course for advertising purposes. However, if you are eligible for a Tier 1, 2, or 3 rate, this price will be overridden. Our finance team manually adjusts your record after your first session to ensure you only pay the subsidised amount.

Fee Breakdown by Tier

Your fee is determined by your "Local Flexibility" eligibility.

Tier
Eligibility Status
Your Cost
What is covered?
Tier 1
Low income (under £20,319 - £23,400) or on benefits (JSA/ESA/UC)
£10 (£20 Stained Glass / £3 Online)
Materials only. Tuition is 100% funded.
Tier 2
Carers, PIP, State Pension, Food Bank users, or income under £27k
£40 (£10/£20 of which is for materials)
Materials and a small contribution to tuition.
Tier 3
Annual income between £27k - £30k
£50 (£10/£20 of which is for materials)
Materials and a subsidised tuition fee.
Tier 4
Annual income over £30k
£75 (£85 for Stained Glass)
The full cost of materials, tutor, and room hire.
How your fees are used
  • Materials: Every course fee includes a contribution (£10 standard / £20 Stained Glass) to provide equipment.
  • Subsidies: Remaining costs are covered by funding from WECA and the Department of Education. Without this support, we could not offer these courses.
Enrolment Confirmation

Once you have submit your enrolment, you will receive an automated email confirming it's receipt. Once your enrolment is actioned, you will receive one of the following emails:

1. Welcome to SGS College: This confirms your course, location, start time, and student number.

2. Invoice Summary: This email follows the welcome message.

Important: This invoice will state the full £75 (£85 for Stained Glass).
Please do not pay this if you fall under Tiers 1 - 3

3. Course Full / On Hold: If the course is full, you will be placed on hold and contacted if a space opens.