To scale the impact of Textherapy by preparing a new generation of facilitators through a structured online and practical training program, enabling them to deliver creative-writing-based workshops that foster mental health, literacy, and community connection in Slovenia and beyond.

We combine internal training, an online facilitator course, community-based workshops, and public sharing, guided by the Creative Cycle – Plant • Grow • Harvest:

• Plant: Internal training for the project team with expert instructors (dr. Alja Adam and Vid Merčun) to deepen facilitation, creative writing, and online teaching skills. Development of a complete online training program with theoretical modules and practical exercises.

• Grow: A cohort of 6–8 selected facilitators completes the online program and conducts at least one practical Textherapy workshop in their own local community, focusing on creative writing for personal growth and emotional well-being.

• Harvest: Sharing outcomes through local media, social media. Preparing a strategic plan to expand the program to other EU countries, starting with Sweden.

• Target group: Volunteer facilitators, ideally from geographically remote areas, interested in creative methods, mental health support, and community building.

• Workshop beneficiaries: Intergenerational community members in rural and urban areas, including youth, adults, and older adults.

• Project team: Meta Pezdir (coordination & development), Alenka Pirih (project coordination), Tadeja Mirič (communications), Tea Tomažič (course content support), Lara Pezdir (facilitator-in-training), with instructors dr. Alja Adam (creative writing) and Vid Merčun (digital learning).

• Partners: partner from Sweden, potential local youth and cultural centres, and alumni from Creative Writing for Teaching: Train-the-Trainer.

PLANT

• Kick-off meeting (August 2025) to set vision, goals, and responsibilities.

• Intensive internal training (September–November 2025) with dr. Alja Adam on facilitation and creative writing, plus online learning design with Vid Merčun.

• Development of a 9-module online training program covering theory, exercises, and facilitation skills.

GROW

• Launch of the online facilitator training program for 6–8 participants, including:

  1. Experiential workshop

  2. Writing and personal growth

  3. Creating safe spaces

  4. Methods for discovering personal stories (meditation, visualisation, etc.)

  5. Writing techniques

  6. Feedback and responses

  7. Closing and reflection

  8. Facilitator authenticity

  9. Organising workshops

• Each participant delivers at least one practical Textherapy workshop in their own community.

HARVEST

• Public sharing of results through local media and the Lilalab Instagram account.

• Preparation of an EU expansion plan (with Sweden as the first international partner).

• Co-financed by the European Solidarity Corps.

• Online learning platform and digital tools (Zoom, Google Drive, Miro, WeTransfer).

• Expert instructors in creative writing and online course design.

• Partnerships with community venues for participant workshops.

• Program completion: 6–8 facilitators trained and certified.

• Geographic reach: At least 50% of participants from remote or underserved Slovenian areas.

• Community benefits: Each trained facilitator delivers one local workshop, increasing access to creative writing as a mental health tool.

• Capacity building: Enhanced facilitation, digital, and organisational skills for both trainers and participants.

• Public awareness: Local and national media coverage highlighting the role of creative writing in personal growth and community building.

• Knowledge transfer: A structured online program ready for replication in Slovenia and abroad.

• Expand the facilitator network nationally and strengthen alumni connections.

• Pilot the program in Sweden and explore partnerships in other EU countries.

• Develop advanced modules for experienced facilitators.

• Integrate feedback from the 2025–26 cohorts to refine the methodology.