United Kingdom
I am a freelance writer based in North Staffordshire. I write on a range of topics, with a particular interest in disability and mental health, wellbeing, the arts, and travel. My work has appeared in publications including the Guardian, Mslexia, Planet Mindful and Adventure Travel.
I also write short stories for children and adults, and have worked as a copywriter producing case studies for projects at Staffordshire University and the University of Wolverhampton.
As writer Caroline Butterwick tackles the climb up Loughrigg Fell in the Lake District, she is acutely aware not just of the natural environment, but of other walkers’ opinions of her. While her visual impairment means she needs to pay careful attention to the rough terrain, the fluctuating challenge of disabled identity is always on her mind too.
I was born with a visual impairment, but coming to terms with its effect on my life wasn't straight-forward. Then, as a teenager, I began to experience mental health issues. I was uncertain and worried, and at times felt like I was the only person going through these things even though, according to the disability charity Scope, there are 14.1 million disabled people in the UK.
Worryingly few disabled students are aware of the funding and support available to them. This needs to change
Whether it’s leading a discussion with social work students about how to support someone in crisis or sharing our story as part of a campaign, there are lots of ways we can use our experience of living with disability, as Caroline Butterwick explores.
Article for Mslexia exploring my experience of running creative writing workshops for wellbeing
Whether it's exploring a local park, or finding solace tending to plants in the garden, over the past year many of us have come to better appreciate nature closer to home. According to research from charity Mind, spending time in nature can support our mental health, and anyone who has experienced the feeling of a winter morning's air can attest to how it can clear our minds.
Explores the support available to disabled artists and how to get into the arts, and draws on my experience of being mentored through an artist development programme
Shares my experience of attending an Arvon writing retreat
Feature exploring how I came to accept my identity as a disabled person
Staying in touch with friends and family isn't just about being sociable - it's something that actually supports our wellbeing. But not all our loved ones live close by, which can make meeting up for a meal, or popping round for a coffee, hard to do as often as we'd like.
From friends guiding me through crowded bars, to strangers helping me find a seat on the train, I've experienced lots of support as a partially-sighted person. But I've also come across plenty of misconceptions about what it means to live with sight loss.
Caroline Butterwick heads to the Lake District to tackle Helm Crag, one of the area's most distinctive peaks, with a summit rock formation known as the Lion and the Lamb. "The re's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes," I said to my partner as we clutched our coffees and listened to the rain hit overhead.
Starting a new job can be exciting. It may be a wonderful chance to do something you enjoy, make new friends, develop your skills, and, at the very least, earn a living. But, for many of us, the build up to our first day can also come with increased anxiety.
Located on the edge of the Peak District and a popular base for those visiting Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire have a growing vegan scene, says Caroline Butterwick. Published on 12 Jun 2019 The Quarter 65 Piccadilly The Quarter is located on Piccadilly, an area of the city centre that's great for unique independent businesses and also home to two other Stoke vegan favourites, Rawr and Klay.
Listen Starting university was daunting enough. How would I cope living away from home? Would I make friends? Would the workload be okay? These are all fears most people have when packing up boxes of crockery and clothes ready to become students. But on top of these anxieties were worries about how I would manage [...]
Case study exploring the creation of a piece of community art, as part of the evaluation of Appetite, an Arts Council England funded project in Stoke-on-Trent.
Case study on community art project produced as part of the evaluation of Appetite, an Arts Council England funded project in Stoke-on-Trent
Case study exploring the role of community arts events for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as part of the evaluation of Appetite, an Arts Council England funded project in Stoke-on-Trent
Case study on community theatre project, as part of the evaluation of Appetite, an Arts Council England funded project in Stoke-on-Trent
Case study on a community arts project, as part of the evaluation of Appetite, an Arts Council England funded project in Stoke-on-Trent
Two Weeks After The World Ended by Caroline Butterwick Will Tesco still deliver? She thinks this while her fingers sting through the freezer on a numb hunt for anything to make a passable meal. She pulls out half bags of green beans and roast potatoes, throws the packets on the kitchen counter, then runs her stinging hands under the hot tap.
The UK is home to dozens of theme parks offering fun days out. Accessing attractions can be a challenge for people with disabilities, but parks have plans in place to make it easier. Check the park's website for their disability guide, which will tell you about their individual policies, or phone their customer services team.
The move to university is daunting for anyone, but it is especially so for many students with SEN. Knowing what support is available and getting it set up before starting university is a key part of making the transition to higher education go as smoothly as possible.
Travel feature for Simply Vegan on vegan-friendly places to eat in Stoke and North Staffordshire
Article on the restoration of the Jorvik Viking Centre in York
Feature about the Calvert Trust centre that offers outdoor activity breaks for disabled people near Keswick, Lake District
Feature looking at the history and conservation of Castlerigg Stone Circle
Piece giving advice to parents, carers, and new and prospective students on accessing disabled student support at Staffordshire University