Richard Walker-Hardwick is a writer and creative and therapeutic writing tutor with extensive experience in social care and working with those both vulnerable and volatile.
An ex BBC journalist, a qualified teacher and social worker and a master practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Richard has facilitated creative and therapeutic writing sessions with a huge range of people, from Durham University students to high security prisoners, from homeless young people to those with mental health illnesses.
As well as writing and facilitating creative and therapeutic writing sessions, Richard currently supports homeless young people in a hostel, as well as facilitating online wellbeing sessions for male staff and volunteers and running a course with young men that celebrates and challenges masculinity.
As Richard W Hardwick, he has had five books published. 'Kicked Out’ was published by Beautiful Books in April 2009, becoming Waterstone’s Recommended Read . In 2011 he created his own publishing company, Lapwing Books, to release his memoir ‘Andalucía,’ described by Booker Prize winner Pat Barker as “told with great skill, both moving and inspiring.” 'The Truth About Prison' allowed inmates, their family members and prison staff to anonymously speak their truth and was described by Guardian journalist and writer Erwin James as "breath-taking, unlike any other book on prison." In 2013, he won a national Butler Trust Award for his “outstanding skill, dedication and creativity” working with prisoners. One of the prisoners wrote “Richard encouraged lots of men to dig deep into their emotions & feelings they thought they'd left at the gate, resulting in some showing remorse for their crime, as well as some winning recognition and prizes. Nothing is too much work for Richard. He gets the best out of people by working with and constantly encouraging others.”
Meet Richard
I believe, to be best person we can, we should work holistically on various aspects of ourselves; our inner child, the experiences, people and environments that have continued to shape us, our social, spiritual, physical and mental health. Love School brings this holistic way of life to myself and others
Services & Expertise
Novel writing - Helping people plan, write and rewrite a novel.
Poetry writing - Technical and insightful advice and guidance, with exercises working through various poetic forms.
Life writing - 1-1 sessions that help people consider their life thus far. With exercises and guidance on how to write this all down, steering through the difficult parts as well as the proud moments.
Therapeutic writing – Exercises & guidance that help people consider aspects of their live and move on with greater purpose and self-esteem.
Gain a year of access to ALL of our Love School curriculum, invitations to our live events become part of our exclusive private community where you can enjoy a stream of supportive content & regular support sessions.
In this space, we share our journey of natural recovery, explore holistic healing as we learn about loving self, others & life together! Considering body, mind, spirit, relationships & environment.
