Words from the Waiting Room – A Creative Success Story

Empowering Voices Through Creative Expression

The Words from the Waiting Room creative writing workshops, proudly supported by the Sussex Cancer Fund, have proved to be an inspiring and uplifting initiative for those affected by cancer.

Led by writer and facilitators Deborah Humphrey and Karina Patfield, the workshops were held in Brighton and Hastings and created a calm, supportive space where participants could explore their experiences of oncology waiting rooms through writing, poetry, and creative exercises. The sessions welcomed people with personal experience of cancer, as well as carers, friends and family members, offering a unique space to reflect, connect and be heard.

The workshops were described by participants as “safe”, “empowering”, and “deeply moving”, with many highlighting the sense of connection and emotional release the space provided. One participant shared that although they had never read aloud before, they felt so supported by the group that they wanted to share their words. The project also received outstanding support from local networks and community organisations. Brighton University played a pivotal role in championing the initiative, which also gained media coverage from BBC Sussex. This wider visibility generated strong interest, and there is now a waiting list for future sessions.

As well as requesting more workshops, many participants expressed a desire to see their writing shared more widely. Plans are now in motion to produce a printed anthology of their work, which could be made available in oncology waiting rooms to offer comfort and solidarity to others going through similar experiences.

The Sussex Cancer Fund is proud to have supported this creative and meaningful project and is now exploring ways to expand it to other areas across Sussex, including Eastbourne and West Sussex.We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of Words from the Waiting Room and look forward to what comes next.