Gateshead Central Circle Winter Term

The Shipley Art Gallery is a majestic spot for our MotherFolk circle, offering a true cultural landmark steeped in history and art, all encased in a stunning architectural setting. The beautiful Edwardian building is filled with historic paintings and local crafts that provide instant creative inspiration. The circle is held in the quiet of the Sensory Warm Space, a place that invites a deep breath. With its soft lighting and furnishings, the space both soothes a tired brain, and lets thoughts flow into writing. Our Writing Circles are weekly mother and baby groups, using writing and community in beautiful settings to support the transition into motherhood. The circles are open to anyone who self-identifies with mothering or motherhood, whatever way that looks.

Wednesday Morning

10:45 – 12:00

£87.50

7 weeks · £12.50/session

Wk	Date	Time
1	Wed 4 Nov	10:45 – 12:00
2	Wed 11 Nov	10:45 – 12:00
3	Wed 18 Nov	10:45 – 12:00
4	Wed 25 Nov	10:45 – 12:00
5	Wed 2 Dec	10:45 – 12:00
6	Wed 9 Dec	10:45 – 12:00
7	Wed 16 Dec	10:45 – 12:00

Book now →

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

Access

There is step-free access and nearby baby-changing facilities.

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 someone feeling it all, I was amazed by the natural, soft power of sitting with mothers 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 my life 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!

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.