Gateshead Bensham Circle Autumn Term

Bensham Grove is a true Gateshead institution. It holds a powerful 'HERstory' rooted in women’s leadership, community, and the arts and crafts movement. Every room tells a story, the walled garden offers a quiet escape, and the entire space hums with creative energy. Our circle takes place in the light-filled Conservatory, a space adorned with unique floor tiles and stunning stained-glass windows. It is the perfect, inspiring sanctuary to let you rest, reflect and for your writing to flow. Our Writing Circles are weekly mother & baby groups, using writing & community in beautiful settings to support the transition into motherhood. The circles are open to anyone who self-identities with mothering or motherhood, whatever way that looks.

Taster session

Experience the magic of a writing circle before committing to a whole term. Please note: Buying a taster session doesn't automatically hold you a place on the current term - if the term you've tried is already full by the time you come to book, we can't guarantee a spot. If that happens, you won't lose out: we'll guarantee you a place on the following term instead.

Wed 9 Sept · 10:30 – 11:45 · £12.50

Wednesday Morning

10:30 – 11:45

£75.00

6 weeks · £12.50/session

Wk	Date	Time
1	Wed 16 Sept	10:30 – 11:45
2	Wed 23 Sept	10:30 – 11:45
3	Wed 30 Sept	10:30 – 11:45
4	Wed 7 Oct	10:30 – 11:45
5	Wed 14 Oct	10:30 – 11:45
6	Wed 21 Oct	10:30 – 11:45

Book now →

Taster session

Wed 9 Sept · 10:30 – 11:45

£12.50

One session · come and experience the circle before committing

Book taster only Book taster + circle →

This circle is independently owned and operated by Alexandra Hughes trading as MotherFolk Gateshead & Sunderland.

Access

We're committed to making MotherFolk spaces as accessible and welcoming as possible. This venue has step-free access. If you have access needs of any kind, please let us know on the form when booking. We're always happy to discuss alternative arrangements to ensure you can take part fully.

About the host

Hello, I'm Alex

Circle Holder for Gateshead & Sunderland

I am a mum to two young kids. I am also a practicing visual artist and art educator. To borrow some words, I am "dancing to a tune of radiant exhaustion" (Jade Montserrat, 2015).

My path to becoming a circle holder began when I first attended MotherFolk circles. Arriving as a mother feeling it all, I was amazed by the natural, soft power of sitting with women in a circle - a space where every voice belongs and every story shares equal weight. In this, I experienced the immense relief of writing about life as a woman in flux.

Just naming what it feels like to be a mother - whether you keep it to yourself or share it with others - can change things. It can repair you, unlock creativity, and deepen connections. I hope to offer you a safe space to process who you are today - honouring what has been, what is, and what is yet to come.

In my circles, you can show up exactly as you are.

I look forward to meeting you!

This circle is independently owned and operated by Alexandra Hughes, trading as MotherFolk Gateshead & Sunderland.
Correspondence address: 3 Heaton Grove, NE6 5NN

Frequently asked questions

Absolutely not! Our circles are not writing classes, and they’re not about producing perfect pieces of writing. Writing is simply the tool we use to connect with ourselves and unpack our experiences a little bit. We will always give you very easy prompts to jump into, and you will never be asked to read your writing aloud to the group.