Ged Thompson has been facilitating workshops in schools, colleges and with children in social care for over a decade. He passionately believes in the power of the written and spoken word to change both people’s lives and the world around them.
His workshops inspire both emotional and cognitive growth and have received great reviews from teachers, social workers and children. He has also been a guest facilitator at many international writing retreats, festivals and storytelling gatherings.
Here’s a taste of what to expect:
Below are some fun poetic prompts from one of his workshops you may want to try yourself. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer — but you might have to close your eyes to find the answer that is right for you.
What flavour is love?
What colour is your voice?
What does hope smell like?
How much does a teardrop weigh?
How fast can a fairy fly?
What does falling taste like?
How loud is a smile?
If you lost your sanity, where are the five places you would look for it first?
If laughter was an animal, what animal would it be?
What story would a smile tell you if it wanted you to be a smile too?
Karen Nock, Service Manager Family Hubs
“I was an Independent Reviewing Officer in Knowsley working with the MADE group which stands for 'making a difference everywhere'. Ged worked with the MADE group over a number of months bringing his poetry to life to a set of care experienced young people, who had no background or understanding of poetry. Ged thoughtfully utilised his poetry to share his own mental health journey and to encourage young people to develop the skills to share their own experiences through poetry and not to feel ashamed or embarrassed of any challenges / trauma they have experienced.
The young people absolutely embraced the work with Ged, they loved him! They were initially curious about him, but this quickly moved into a trusting working relationship where they clearly looked up to him as a role model, someone to aspire towards, particularly for some of the young men who didn’t have many positive male role models in their lives. Ged has his own vibrant character but was also patient, calm, encouraging and therapeutic; he really listened to the young people. He took them on a creative journey but also allowed them to lead their own story. The workshops finished up with creating a YouTube video to share their experiences. The overall view of the young people was that it was a fantastic experience, and they would love to do it again. Ged really is an inspiration to many young people and has a unique skill set, with a passion not only for poetry, but also supporting others to make beneficial life changes.
I would highly recommend any School, Youth club or children’s project to work with Ged, as the results were fantastic and I think the young people will always remember their time with him.”
“Ged challenged pupils to think beyond their comfort zone and to question and reflect on the world around them.
The reaction of one pupil, after leaving one session, summed up the impact he had;
‘My brain is hurting, I have never thought so hard.’ “
Paul Dearing, All Saints Catholic High School