At Camden Roundhouse, Evoke partnered with Phosphorus Theatre, a drama group supporting asylum seekers, to lead a transformative workshop that fostered gratitude, hope, calm, and creative expression. This space offered participants—many of whom have faced immense challenges—a chance to reconnect, realign and envision a positive future.

The session began with a simple gratitude exercise, where participants noted three things they were thankful for, from small joys to significant milestones. This practice, as Evoke’s founder Cam explained, helped reduce anxiety by focusing on positive thoughts. Building on this foundation, participants engaged in “box breathing,” a mindfulness technique to clear the mind and prepare for introspection.

The core of the workshop centred on a creative writing exercise. Participants imagined their ideal day five years from now, asking themselves, “If all my dreams came true, what would I see the moment I opened my eyes?” Free to write in their native languages, they expressed deeply personal aspirations and reflections, often through poetry. This freedom fostered a powerful, inclusive atmosphere, where everyone could authentically share their dreams and cultural identity.

Participant feedback highlighted the workshop’s impact. One attendee felt “enlightened” and “light,” while another reflected on the joy of writing and exploring new ideas. For many, the experience was more about reconnecting with the process of self-expression than reaching any specific outcome.

This Phosphorus workshop embodied Evoke’s mission to use creativity as a tool for emotional healing and empowerment. By blending gratitude, mindfulness, and open-ended expression, Evoke helped these individuals find solace, connection, and a renewed sense of possibility.