Writing course raises funds for local charity

With the current cost of living crisis, local charities providing essential services benefit from support more than ever.

The Compass Centre, also known as Rape Crisis Shetland, provides confidential and practical support for those who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. They also work to help prevent violence through education and empowerment.

Wirds o da Haert, a creative writing and meditation course, will be raising funds to support The Compass Centre in their essential work.

All proceeds from next Wednesday’s taster session at Kergord Hatchery Bookshop and 25% of course fees will all go directly to The Compass Centre.

The course is being offered by the Shetland based social enterprise Flowing with Life.

“Combining heart meditation with writing, we find our voices and support each other to express ourselves,” notes course facilitator and local writer Vishwam Heckert. “This has a clear resonance with the work of The Compass Centre. We are honoured to support them,” he adds.

Before training as a yoga teacher and meditation facilitator, Vishwam worked as part of the Sexual Health Team in Edinburgh talking with S5 students about a range of issues including consent. He also completed postgraduate studies on related issues. “Learning to have healthy relationships, in every aspect of our lives, is a subject close to my heart,” says Vishwam.

Lisa Andrew Ward, Service Manager at The Compass Centre, said: “We are grateful to Vishwam and Flowing With Life for choosing to support the work of The Compass Centre. Creativity and connection play a very important role in a happy and healthy life. Any funds raised will go directly towards our work providing free support and advocacy to anyone in Shetland (aged 13+) who has been affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives.”

The course taster day will be held on Wednesday 30th March at Kergord Hatchery Bookshop. Places are limited and advanced booking, by donation, is required.

For more information, visit FlowingWithLife.org