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Writing group shares magazine with library users

Six women standing in a row in a library holding copies of a magazine, with a sixth woman smiling

A North Ayrshire Council-run group has created a magazine that turns the spotlight on health and wellbeing.

Writing For Wellbeing is supported by the Irvine Locality Team, and members have written and designed a zine - which takes the form of an A3 project journal made using photos, drawings, text and artwork - that is available to read now at Irvine Library.

It is called Health And Wellbeing In Our Community and covers topics, including what good health actually is; poetry; health inequalities; community strengths; people and activities and culture.

There is also content examining what people want and need in their local communities such as services for women in crisis and fair pensions.

Caroline said: “I enjoyed being part of this group project and I learned a lot. I didn’t realise how much was going on in Irvine. We hope to start meaningful conversations about creating positive change within our community.”

The aims of the Group include helping people to improve their mental and physical health – including tackling isolation and making new friends - through the medium of writing.

Members come together to share experiences, boost their creative writing skills and take on new tasks together.

Quote: Using poetry and creative writing helped us to express ourselves and feel heard. We want to raise awareness of health and wellbeing issues within our local community by celebrating our strengths and looking forward towards a healthier future for everyone in Irvine.

Quote from: Linda, a member of the Writing For Wellbeing group

A comments box and book have been placed beside the zine to encourage library users to give feedback and suggestions.

Gwen added: “This project was so interesting and thought-provoking. It provided the opportunity for our collective voice to be heard. I really enjoyed working together as a group and sharing ideas. Being part of this Wellbeing Writing group is so uplifting, supportive and creatively challenging. I would recommend it to anyone!

The zine will be on display in the library, 168 High Street, until Tuesday, 28 April. If you are unable to make it along to the library in person, you can see the group’s work online here from 28 April.

To find out more about what activities and events are happening in your community, please email your Locality team on the email addresses below.

Published: 17 April 2026

Wellbeing
Wellbeing
Irvine
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