About Us

Angela Diggle

I am a qualified Wellbeing Life Coach, and a certified Mindfulness teacher with over two decades of experience working in mental health and emotional wellbeing. Alongside this, I’ve developed my creative practice in theatre and the third sector, and have a degree in Drama from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Writing has been a constant and vital part of my life; professionally, as creative expression, and as an act of self-care. The thread that runs through my passion for drama and writing is a drive to understand what makes us tick – what lies behind the stories we choose to tell about who we are, and how we can change the narrative.

Jilly Sumsion

I am an experienced drama teacher, creative learning practitioner, qualified teacher of the Deaf and writer. Inclusivity and play are at the heart of my writing, teaching, and directing. The TED Talk, ‘Seeing the Ability’ expresses clearly my educational philosophy.

I write for radio, theatre and television. My writing contains elements of social justice and features under represented characters. I am an advocate for better representation for Disabled people within the creative industries.

I am a sensitive practitioner, a highly skilled communicator and naturally empathic; someone who sees the creative potential in everyone.

PROFESSIONAL COACHING & MINDFULNESS TEACHING

Qualified Wellbeing Life Coach, training accredited by The Association for Coaching and NHS Personalised Care Institute

Certified Mindfulness Teacher, training

accredited by CMA, and Professional Member of the Teach Mindfulness Academy

Like many during Lockdown we found ourselves managing stressful, challenging situations, professionally and personally, as we struggled to make sense of a profoundly changed world. We realised how much we rely on writing to explore and reframe those challenges. And so Well Beyond Words was born.

We first met and worked together at The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster, co-creating original plays with Disabled talent. We went on to establish the Redbananallama cabaret evenings which were built on the values of empowering through creativity, self advocacy and fun.

As well as creating plays we were creating communities for young people experiencing social isolation; a place for them to be seen and heard, to connect, build relationships and create incredible original work.

Well Beyond Words builds on these values and seeks to empower participants to discover their own strengths, skills and potential.

We will accompany you on your journey, creating a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, discover your authentic voice, and work towards a rich and meaningful life.

About Us

Our Story