Poetry Sundays at Dove Cottage bring together great literature, good company, tea and cake, as feelings of loss explored

The former South Cumbria Poet Laureate is a qualified counsellor, and the Poetry Sundays at William Wordsworth's Grasmere home are bringing together her long-standing passions for literature and emotional well-being.

These friendly gatherings are designed for anybody who is interested in "exploration and reflection" and no expertise is necessary, says Lucy, a former academic with a PhD in Victorian literature.

Lucy has lived in Kendal for almost 20 years and has been involved in the local arts scene in many ways, including solo and ensemble singing with choirs and taking part in poetry groups and literature events.

She told Weekend: "How can poetry help us during the difficult times? What can it teach us about being human? Wordsworth wrote out of his deep conviction that poetry could help us live.

"Through reading and discussing the work of Wordsworth and other poets - from the 15th century to the present day - this series of informal workshops will explore loss, one of the central facts of human experience.

"We will deepen our understanding of the poetry, of loss and of how we respond to it. We will be fortified by each other and by delicious home-made cake."

Although designed as a series, each workshop stands alone, and people are welcome to come along to one, some or all of the sessions. "It’s about taking time out from the busy-ness of life to think about what’s happened to us, how we feel, where we are in our lives - and about making connections with other people, too, who may share some of our feelings and experiences," said Lucy.

"The workshops are about enjoying great art and getting more confident about responding to it, but also about taking time for ourselves and coming to terms with things.

"The therapeutic aspect of creativity is well acknowledged in the healing professions, and there’s something very special about the way poetry ‘works’ on us, and in us. It’s a particular kind of language which can speak directly to your heart, even when you don’t really understand how or why.”

Lucy has taught English at Liverpool University and the University of Cumbria, and her style is warm, informal and inclusive. The Dove Cottage workshops are relaxed affairs with no expertise or previous reading required.

“Dove Cottage feels like a particularly suitable place to be running this series, not just because of Wordsworth’s poetry, but because of his beliefs about how poetry could help us live, help us understand what it is to be human," said Lucy.

"Too many people get put off poetry, and feel it’s not for them, or that they can’t understand it, and I feel really passionate about helping people be less 'scared' of it."

She chose the theme of loss because "it’s something no one escapes". Supporting people during loss has a very personal meaning for her as she has experienced losses herself during recent years, including the death of her father.

"But loss isn’t just about bereavement. We can lose jobs, relationships, our hopes, health and independence, and, as we are all only too aware at the moment, our homes, personal possessions and memories, our sense of safety and security. Loss is an inevitable part of our lives."

However, Lucy added: "It’s important to add, though, that despite having a serious subject, these workshops aren’t sombre experiences, but lively, with a lot of shared warmth and a surprising amount of laughter. And, of course, tea and cake."

The workshops run from 2pm to 4.30pm and future topics will be:

14 February - changed... from what I was: the losses which come with age and illness

13 March - a ravenous bird of prey: thinking about death

10 April - the passion the sorrow and the strife: grieving (i)

8 May - deep distress hath humanized my soul: grieving (ii).

Places are limited, so to book a place phone the Wordsworth Trust on 015394-35544. More details from www.lakescounselling.co.uk and www.wordsworth.org.uk, or call Lucy on 01539-727295.