WRITING FOR CHANGE
Think clearly. Write with purpose. Shape what happens next.
You write every day: funding bids, reports, strategy documents, emails.
Most of it is reactive, squeezed between meetings, decisions and deadlines.
You find yourself starting from scratch again and again.
The result? Decisions get blurred. Funding is harder to secure. Your voice gets lost in the process.
Writing for Change gives you space to think - not just react.
You’ll build a consistent writing practice and turn your insights and expertise into writing you can actually use. So your thinking doesn’t stay in your head, but moves people and decisions forward.
Small group. Eight weeks. Starts 1 June 2026.
Who this is for
You’ll get the most from this if you are:
leading work in a charity, social enterprise or community setting
a senior manager responsible for teams, projects or campaigns
expected to communicate clearly and influence decisions
You want to:
write more effectively and consistently
bring your team or community with you
persuade trustees, volunteers and funders
build partnerships and funding opportunities
share your perspective without burning out
make your writing work for bids, reports, websites and more
Not for you if:
you’re looking for quick fixes
you want surface-level writing advice
You don’t need to be a “writer”.
This is a practical writing and thinking programme to help you develop your ideas and communicate your work more effectively.
THINK MORE CLEARLY
Use writing as a practical tool to clarify ideas, capture your expertise and develop your perspective.
Shape your
story of change
Articulate the change your work is creating and why it matters.
COMMUNICATE
YOUR PERSPECTIVE
Share your thinking with clarity, confidence and influence.
Why Writing Matters
Writing shapes how your work is understood, what gets funded and what moves forward. In complex environments, it’s often where thinking gets rushed and important ideas are lost.
Used well, writing helps you clarify your thinking, make better decisions and communicate them in ways others can use. It gives your work continuity, so you’re not starting from scratch each time.
At the centre is your Story of Change — a clear way of expressing what you stand for, the change you’re working towards and how you communicate it. This becomes a foundation for your day-to-day work.
How It Works
This is an eight-week programme designed to fit alongside a busy schedule.
It’s built around two core elements:
Electric Writing is a guided method for building a consistent practice and turning rough ideas into usable drafts.
The Compass is a four-part structure to help you develop and use your Story of Change:
North — what you stand for
East — the change you’re working towards
South — writing that opens doors for bids, reports and proposals
West — sharing your perspective
The programme combines 12 short, high-impact video lessons with live writing sessions and monthly clinics.
The lessons guide your thinking. The live sessions are where you apply the work, test your ideas and turn them into writing you can use.
INSIDE THE PROGRAMME
DRAFTS
Writing you can develop, refine and use in your work.
ToOLs
Practical prompts and frameworks you can use for reports, communications and bids.
compass
A clear structure to help you shape your Story of Change and think more clearly.
Think on Paper
Make space to think, not just react
Get your ideas onto the page and see what holds
You’ll leave with: a values statement and early drafts
Name the Change
Get clear on who your work is for
Define the change you’re creating and why it matters
You’ll leave with: a clear Story of Change and core narrative
Write to Open Doors
Build trust through your writing
Open doors to funding and partnerships
You’ll leave with: a funding paragraph and partnership message
Share What You See
Turn your experience into clear, useful insight
Share your perspective with confidence and consistency
You’ll leave with: a short leadership piece and a sustainable writing rhythm
meet CLARE BARRY
Clare Barry
Writer, partnerships strategist, facilitator
I’m a London-based practitioner with over 30 years’ experience working in creative health, education, social impact and community leadership.
My essays on mindfulness, creativity and wellbeing have appeared in Psychologies, Stylist, Women’s Health and Vanity Fair, as well as books by Department Store for the Mind. I’ve also contributed to Teesside University’s Masters in Creative Writing and Wellbeing. I currently teach creative writing with Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency.
Through Urban Curiosity, I’ve led strategic consultancy for Somers Town Community Association and delivered reflective writing and arts sessions for organisations including Holborn Community Association, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and Camden Council.
Alongside this, I’ve raised millions in funding and built corporate and philanthropic partnerships at London Business School, the London School of Economics and East End Community Foundation.
YOU’LL LEAVE WITH
MATERIAL
Pieces of writing you can develop and use in your work.
TRUST
Confidence in your ideas and your ability to express them clearly.
HABIT
A simple writing practice that supports clear thinking.
You already have the insight. This programme helps you turn it into clear, usable language that supports your work and builds your credibility over time.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have:
a clear Story of Change you can use in your day-to-day work
a simple system for capturing and developing your ideas
a set of templates for bids, reports and core communications
a consistent writing practice you can maintain
the confidence to share your perspective in your own voice
You’ll also develop:
a personal values statement
a funding narrative
a partnership message
a short piece of writing you can share
These become building blocks you can return to as your work evolves.
The Details
Writing for Change is an eight-week programme combining self-paced lessons, guided writing and live sessions.
Here are all the details:
12 short video lessons (7–10 minutes)
6 live Electric Writing sessions (60 minutes)
2 monthly writing clinics with Q&A and hotseats (90 minutes)
practical exercises and templates
a small, facilitated group (max 15)
lifetime access to all materials
You’ll choose one weekly Electric Writing session:
Friday lunchtimes (12–1pm)
Sunday evenings (6–7pm)
Clinics take place on Tuesdays (12–1.30pm).
The structure is designed to help you learn, practise and develop your writing alongside your work, without adding pressure.
If this feels like the right next step, reserve your place.
Why now?
You’re doing work that matters, but it isn’t always easy to communicate it in a way that does it justice.
You’re writing in the gaps, responding to what’s in front of you. Proposals get rewritten, ideas reshaped and your website or core messages don’t always work as clearly as they could across different audiences.
At the same time, you want to think things through properly, contribute your perspective and communicate in a way that influences what happens next.
A regular writing practice gives you space to do that. It helps you build on what you know and use it with more clarity, consistency and intent.
JOIN WRITING FOR CHANGE
Spring Programme
16 April - 2 June 2026
FULL
Ready to make your writing count in your work?
Join a small group for focused work and real progress.
faqs
Do I have to share my writing?
Not at all. You’re welcome to keep your writing private. Sharing in live sessions is always optional and you’ll never be put on the spot.
What if I don’t have time for this?
The programme is designed to fit alongside your work. Lessons are short and focused, so you can engage with them in a way that feels manageable.
Live sessions are optional, and you’re welcome to attend as many as you can.
How do the sessions work?
Electric Writing sessions are small and practical, giving you space to respond to prompts and spend focused time writing.
Clinics are longer, with teaching, Q&A, and time to explore specific challenges in more depth.
What kind of writing will I be doing?
The focus is on practical, purposeful writing connected to your work, such as bids, reports, strategy documents, or short pieces to share your perspective. There will also be some creative writing as warm-up exercises.
Are sessions recorded?
No. The sessions are designed for live participation and focused attention. We also want to protect confidentiality. You’ll receive a short written summary after each clinic with key ideas and prompts.
How do I access the course materials?
The self-paced lessons are hosted on Teachery. You’ll receive access when the programme starts. You can work through the videos and materials in your own time.
Is the programme accessible?
Live sessions are designed to be calm, flexible and low-pressure, with no requirement to speak or share.
If you have specific access needs, please get in touch before booking and I’ll do my best to support you. Materials can be adapted where possible.
Do you offer bursaries or payment support?
Two reduced-fee bursary places are available on each cohort. If cost is a barrier or you need to spread the cost, you’re welcome to get in touch and we can find something that works.
Can I transfer my place if I can’t attend?
Yes. If something comes up, you’re welcome to transfer your place to a future cohort.
For Teams and Organisations
Writing for Change can be delivered as a tailored online programme or one-day intensive.
It’s well suited to team away days, leadership development or communications strategy work.
Want to explore what that could look like? Get in touch.