

Young Writers Retreat with Guest Jennifer Claessen
A full day of writing fun for young people aged 8 - 11 years, with a special author visit.
Time & Location
11 Aug 2025, 10:00 – 16:00
Southend-on-Sea, Chalkwell Hall, Chalkwell Park, Chalkwell Ave, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8NB, UK
About the Event
The Jacqson Diego Young Writers’ Retreat is an inclusive project that enables young writers the space and opportunity to develop their writing skills through fun activities, exercises and workshops.
We see writing as a fun creative way to express yourself, so however you choose to do this is fine! Each day will be structured with a mix of activities and optional free writing time to help the children develop their work in a way that suits them individually and there will be an author joining us in person each day. We fully support children of all abilities to have fun with writing and to challenge themselves to grow,
The events will be run in a safe environment and all of our staff members are DBS checked.
Our special guest on Monday 11th August is Jennifer Claessen, who will be leading us in a a workshop and sharing her new book Netta Becker and the TImeline Crime with us. Everyone will receive a signed copy of the book as part of the fee.
The retreat is being held at Chalkwell Hall, the big white building in Chalkwell park, Westcliff on Sea. Every day will follow a similar structure centred around the guest author, alongside lots of writing activities and challenges. There will also be the opportunity for children coming along for multiple daysto develop a piece of work across the three days if they wish.
Everything required to participate in the writing activities will be provided in the fee, which also includes a copy of the author’s latest book each day.
Children will need to bring a packed lunch, with drinks and fruit snacks provided.
There are limited spaces for each day and booking is essential. This ticket is for one day only.
To Book for multiple days:
The inclusive cost this year remains at £40 for each single day or £110 for all three days. To book for all three days with the reduced fee, please contact us at stories@jacqsondiego.com to book and we will confirm availability.


