Textherapy Workshops Across Slovenia
Author: Maša Urbančič
Photo: Lara Pezdir
On Friday, Jan 26., in the town of Logatec, Lilalab organized a workshop titled Textherapy that aims to promote mental health and literacy through creative writing.
The workshop in Logatec is the fourth one that Lilalab has organized since November 2024 and aims to hold three more by March 2025 throughout Slovenia. Lilalab, a creative hub for leaders, wants to give citizens the opportunity to learn some simple creative writing tools to incorporate them in their everyday life in order to strengthen their mental fitness. But that is not the only goal – the project also aims to encourage literacy among the population. As the founder of Lilalab, Meta Pezdir said, “literacy has declined tremendously among young people and adults, and we don’t know how to use writing in practice for various purposes, not just well-being but also just to read instructions. And this is one of our goals - to give a tool to empower people in literacy.”
The project’s long-term objectives are to bring these skills to less advantageous areas of Slovenia, which is why all workshops take place outside major cities and to encourage intergenerational connections within local communities. This goal seems to be working as some participants have already started their own groups following the workshop.
“There is a need for this [workshop] and we have a huge response. Ever since the first workshop at least three people ask when the next workshop will be held so there is a deficit in the community. I am happy that some people continue on their own, at least with writing and connecting with one another”, said Meta.
Photo: Meta Pezdir
The 10-month project is co-funded by the European Union, specifically the European Solidarity Corps that supports young people to build a more inclusive society, address societal challenges and gain new skills. Lilalab also aims to train volunteers in moderating creative-consulting workshops and to develop a model for future workshops in creative writing and mental health that can be used in schools, organizations and other groups.
Participants responded positively to the workshop. Blaž, who was one of the partakers in Logatec, commented after “I really liked the feedback I got, and people liked what I wrote so I see I have this skill within me.” When asked whether he would attend more workshops like this he said “yes, definitely. If I find another, I will be there.” Another participant Maja shared a similar sentiment when she said, “I like to write, writing is a form of expression that we don’t use enough. I wish to find some continuity of such workshops so that they give you some sort of rhythm because self-discipline can be hard, and they give you something to begin with.”
Organizers hope these workshops will also contribute to the debate on local and national levels about how writing can aid mental health.
The project is co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible for them.
