Beyond The Page
Beyond the Page is a new regular creative storytelling group for women aged 18+ who have spent time in prison during their life.
Led by an experienced facilitator, the weekly sessions will provide a consistent creative outlet for ex-prisoners in a safe and supportive environment.
The sessions will provide the opportunity to focus on positive self-expression and for attendees to gain new skills in storytelling.
Sessions will take place at The Devon & Exeter Institution, a beautiful independent library and educational charity, on Wednesday’s 11am - 1pm from March 26th*.
Participants don't need to have any writing or drawing experience, just an appetite for expression and a willingness to try new things. Refreshments and materials will be provided.
*Please note there will be no session on Wednesday 2nd July.
How to apply
Spaces are limited, so if you are interested - or know someone who would be - here’s how to get involved.
If you are currently on probation, your probation officer will need to complete this referral form. We can also accept referrals from mental health services, GP surgeries, charities, or any related service or agency.
If you are not currently on probation but have previously been in prison, you can self-refer using this form.
If you have any questions about this project, you can contact Liv Hooper (Public Programmes Manager) via email - liv@exetercityofliterature.com.
With thanks to The Hilden Charitable Trust for project funding, and to HM Probation Service Exeter and Women’s Centre Cornwall for their advice and support.
About The Facilitator
Wallis Eates is an autobiographical and collaborative comics practitioner based in Devon. Shortlisted for the Myriad Editions First Graphic Novel Award in 2014 for her childhood memoir. She has since worked with community groups to share stories in the graphic narrative format, including prisoners, adults with dementia, amateur boxers for social change, and survivors of brain injury.
Funded by Arts Council England, her long-form graphic narrative ‘Like an Orange’ documenting her creative residency with the charity Headway, is due to be published this year through Cast Iron Books. She is also a mentor, workshop facilitator and is on the Board of Directors for the all-women lead graphic novel forum, LDComics CIC through which she launched the initiative, 'Safe Space for Hard Stories' - an online reflective practice group for autobiographical comics-makers.
Wallis graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2001 and is currently studying for her PhD at Kingston University.
Photo by Jim Wileman
About The Venue
The Devon & Exeter Institution is an historic library in the heart of Exeter. Established in 1813, it has long been a home for creativity and exploration, and after a huge refurbishment project in 2024 to update and upgrade their facilities, they are looking forward to hosting Beyond the Page. Sessions will be held in The Green Room.