Olive Tree House

Voicing the Void presents Feeling Unseen, Seen – Unheard, Heard,facilitated by local poet Matthew Rice. Matthew joined Voicing the Void as our Creative Writing and Storytelling Assistant. He is a published poet whose second book, plastic, was released in January 2026. He is also the 2026 Ciaran Carson Writing and the City Fellow at the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen's University Belfast. Alongside his own creative practice, Matthew is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where people can explore their experiences through writing, discover their own voice, and build confidence through creativity. In this workshop, participants are invited to gently explore feelings of being unseen and unheard within a supportive and safe environment. Through poetry and storytelling, Matthew will guide you through creative writing activities that encourage reflection, self expression, and connection with your own experiences. Sharing personal stories can help build empathy, deepen understanding, and create meaningful connections with others. The session also introduces the principles of restorative storytelling and explores how creative expression can support healing, resilience, and a greater sense of belonging. We hope you'll leave feeling more confident in expressing your experiences through writing and with a renewed appreciation for the power of your own story. No previous poetry or creative writing experience is needed. Just bring openness, curiosity, and a willingness to explore, share, and learn in a relaxed and supportive group environment.

Creative Writing Workshop with Matthew Rice – Belfast Fleadh Join us at our city centre office on Fountain Street for a unique creative writing workshop led by acclaimed Belfast poet Matthew Rice, whose work is celebrated for its thoughtful exploration of memory, place, and identity. An experienced facilitator, Matthew creates engaging and welcoming spaces where writers of all levels can develop their creativity and confidence. This year, Matthew published his second collection, Plastic, which was featured as The Guardian's Poem of the Week in February 2026, bringing his work to an international audience and further establishing him as one of Northern Ireland's most exciting contemporary poetic voices. This is the second session in a series of workshops designed and facilitated by Matthew. Participants will have the opportunity to explore memory through poetry and creative writing, using a restorative storytelling approach to reflect on and draw from personal experiences. Through a range of creative exercises and prompts, you'll be supported to transform memories into original poems in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment. As part of the Belfast Fleadh celebrations, this workshop offers visitors and locals alike the chance to experience Belfast's vibrant literary and cultural scene. Whether you're visiting the city for the Fleadh or you're a local looking to try something new, this is an opportunity to connect with Belfast's creative spirit, meet fellow writers and festival-goers, and discover how stories and memories can be transformed into poetry. No previous writing experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore your own stories.

Join our workshop to explore experiences of being unseen or heard through poetry and creative writing with local poet Matthew Rice. Voicing the Void presents Feeling Unseen, Seen – Unheard, Heard,, facilitated by local poet Matthew Rice. Matthew joined Voicing the Void as our Creative Writing and Storytelling Assistant. He is a published poet whose debut collection, Plastic, was released in January 2026. He is also the 2026 Kiaran Carson Writing and the City Fellow at the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen's University Belfast. Alongside his own creative practice, Matthew is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where people can explore their experiences through writing, discover their own voice, and build confidence through creativity. In this workshop, participants are invited to gently explore feelings of being unseen and unheard within a supportive and safe environment. Through poetry and storytelling, Matthew will guide you through creative writing activities that encourage reflection, self expression, and connection with your own experiences. Sharing personal stories can help build empathy, deepen understanding, and create meaningful connections with others. The session also introduces the principles of restorative storytelling and explores how creative expression can support healing, resilience, and a greater sense of belonging. We hope you'll leave feeling more confident in expressing your experiences through writing and with a renewed appreciation for the power of your own story. No previous poetry or creative writing experience is needed. Just bring openness, curiosity, and a willingness to explore, share, and learn in a relaxed and supportive group environment.

Chaos to Calm: Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation is a free, gentle session during the Belfast Fleadh. Voicing the Void is offering a free Mindfulness and Meditation session during the Fleadh. The Fleadh is a time for celebrating, connecting and experiencing the very best Belfast has to offer. However, we also recognise that busy spaces, loud music and large crowds can feel overwhelming for some people. We wanted to create a calm, welcoming space where people can step away from the excitement, take a moment to reset, and learn practical techniques to support their wellbeing The evening will begin at 6.00 pm with a short introduction to Voicing the Void, our mission, and the restorative storytelling work we do to empower people whose voices are often unheard. This will include a chance to learn more about how storytelling, community connection and wellbeing can support recovery and resilience. At 6.30 pm, we'll begin Chaos to Calm: Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation lead by Swapnali, a gentle, practical session designed to help you understand your nervous system and discover simple tools to feel more grounded in everyday life. In a world that often feels overwhelming, learning how to regulate your nervous system can make a meaningful difference to how you respond to stress, anxiety and uncertainty. During the session, you'll explore: How the nervous system responds to stress and overwhelm. Simple, science-informed breathing techniques to support nervous system regulation. Practical tools you can use every day to build resilience and emotional balance. Quick grounding techniques to help during moments of anxiety or panic. No previous experience is needed—just come as you are. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, reconnect with yourself or simply enjoy a moment of calm during the Fleadh, you'll leave with practical skills you can continue using long after the event. 🎁 Bonus Giveaway: Everyone who attends will be entered into a draw to win a FREE 1:1 Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation Session, with personalised practices tailored to your needs. This free event has been made possible through funding from the Belfast City Council Community Recovery Fund.

Overview Join poet Matthew Rice for a creative writing workshop exploring memory through poetry and storytelling. Creative Writing Workshop with Matthew Rice – Belfast Fleadh Join us at our city centre office on Fountain Street for a unique creative writing workshop led by acclaimed Belfast poet Matthew Rice, whose work is celebrated for its thoughtful exploration of memory, place, and identity. An experienced facilitator, Matthew creates engaging and welcoming spaces where writers of all levels can develop their creativity and confidence. This year, Matthew published his second collection, Plastic, which was featured as The Guardian's Poem of the Week in February 2026, bringing his work to an international audience and further establishing him as one of Northern Ireland's most exciting contemporary poetic voices. Participants will have the opportunity to explore memory through poetry and creative writing, using a restorative storytelling approach to reflect on and draw from personal experiences. Through a range of creative exercises and prompts, you'll be supported to transform memories into original poems in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment. As part of the Belfast Fleadh celebrations, this workshop offers visitors and locals alike the chance to experience Belfast's vibrant literary and cultural scene. Whether you're visiting the city for the Fleadh or you're a local looking to try something new, this is an opportunity to connect with Belfast's creative spirit, meet fellow writers and festival-goers, and discover how stories and memories can be transformed into poetry. No previous writing experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore your own stories.