A WRITER is heading up a project close to her heart by setting up a group in support of Crohn’s disease.

Julie McKiernan was a lecturer in Performing Arts and Creative Writing for 25 years at Leigh Sixth Form Centre before she took redundancy in January 2015.

The following month she had bowel surgery that she was waiting to have for years to treat her Crohn’s disease, which she was diagnosed with in 1992.

Julie, who is now a self-employed writer and tutor, is looking to start a group for 10 people to help them cope with Crohn’s disease by journalling, a form of diary writing.

It is a system of simple creative writing exercises through psychology by using techniques to increase self-awareness, reduce stress and manage the symptoms of Crohn's.

There is an emphasis on focusing on the mental impact the disease can have on sufferers rather than just the physical effects.

Julie, who has been keeping a diary since 1989, said: “Crohn's is a bowel disease and people do not like talking about it.

"Many suffer in silence because they don’t know how to talk about what they’re going through or who they can turn to.

"Journalling can make people feel more positive and put things into perspective.

"For me keeping a diary has helped.

“It may help them to cope with dealing with this awful disease.

"There are seven basic techniques that I will use in the sessions."

Julie has also written a play called The Bowel Blues which brought the experiences of Crohn's disease sufferers to the stage.

There will be four free two-hour sessions which will take place on consecutive Mondays at Wigan and Leigh Pensioners Link on Charles Street in Leigh at 7pm from March 4 to March 25.

The scheme is being funded by A Live Well Make Art grant from Cartwheel Arts.

For more information or to sign up for the course contact Julie by emailing juleswriter@hotmail.com.