Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to invite people to a special event featuring two local authors who have bravely navigated mental health challenges and shared their experiences through writing. The event will take place on Zoom on Friday 7 February 2025, 12.30-2.00pm.
Lisa M Billingham; an author, inspirational speaker, and workshop facilitator and Julia Sutton, a talented author who is currently writing her 13th book will talk about their journeys with mental health and writing, read an excerpt from their books, and answer questions from the audience.
In 2020, Lisa wrote her debut novel, Katie, A New Chapter, a self-help work of fiction based on her life experiences with mental health, abuse, and trauma. Lisa is proud to say that her book has helped to save a life.
She found the writing process so therapeutic and enjoyable that she has continued pursuing her passion and published three further fiction books. She has also released the audio version of Katie, A New Chapter, narrated by herself.
As an inspirational speaker, Lisa openly shares her story and speaks on topics including developing good mental wellness, being your authentic self, and building your confidence.
“I thought stress, chronic anxiety, and depression were normal. Once I realised I had a problem and it was either end it all or bounce back, I looked for ways and people to support my recovery.
“Writing was my saviour. I began with journaling then progressed to novel writing before turning my hand to children's stories. My passion is my writing, but I doubt I would have discovered it had it not been for my poor mental health journey and recovery.” said Lisa.
Julia Sutton was born, raised and still lives in Wolverhampton. She previously worked as a teaching assistant and lunchtime supervisor in primary schools, but retired in 2019 to concentrate on her writing. She has recently completed a Masters in Creative Writing with The Open University.
Julia shared "The inspiration for writing my first novel came about during my recovery from psychosis. Creative writing has helped to refocus and relax my mind, and provided an extremely enjoyable outlet where I can express myself with confidence. I fully believe that participating in a creative pastime has played a significant role in my recovery."
This special event has been organised by the Trust’s Library and Knowledge Services who help colleagues across the Trust access evidence-based healthcare information and resources, support training and development of staff, and provide access to books for patients on wards.
Describing what inspired the event Kal Dhanda, Head of Library and Knowledge Services said:
“The Library and Knowledge Services team is dedicated to providing evidence-based resources and information, but we also recognise the profound impact that creative writing and reading can have on mental health. This event offers an exciting opportunity to share Lisa and Julia’s inspiring journeys with a wider audience, encouraging meaningful conversations and learning from their experiences.”
Learn more about each author below.
Lisa is an author, inspirational speaker, and workshop facilitator.
In 2020, she wrote her debut novel, Katie, A New Chapter, a self-help work of fiction based on her life experiences with mental health, abuse, and trauma. She is proud to say the book has helped to save a life.
She found the writing process so cathartic and enjoyable that she has continued pursuing her passion and published three further fiction books:
- Tom, The Next Chapter
- Falling in Love at 40
- Sedrick's Adventures in Hopeland
She has also released the audio version of Katie, A New Chapter, narrated by herself.
Lisa hopes you enjoy reading her books as much as she has enjoyed writing them.
As an inspirational speaker, Lisa openly shares her story and speaks on topics including but not limited to:
- Developing good mental wellness
- Being your authentic self
- Building your confidence
She is open to collaborations and strives to bring love, light, and inspiration to those around her. In her spare time, she loves to walk, sing and read.
Find out more about Lisa and how to buy her books on her website.
Julia Sutton was born, raised and still lives in Wolverhampton. She is married with two grown up children and an adorable Border Collie named Guinness. Julia previously worked as a teaching assistant and lunchtime supervisor in primary schools, but retired in 2019 to concentrate on her writing.
She has written and published 12 books and is currently scribbling away on her 13th. When she’s not procrastinating, she enjoys reading, walking, drinking tea and anything arty.
Julia has recently completed a Masters in Creative Writing with The Open University. She also has an English degree from Wolverhampton University.
Learn more about Julia and how to buy her books on her author profile.
