Welcome to Undertow

Undertow is dedicated to providing creative and transformative sessions that harness the power of storytelling to support mental health, wellbeing, and recovery among vulnerable groups in our local community of Margate and beyond.

With expertise in working with refugees, migrants, individuals affected by domestic violence, people who have experienced homelessness, and other vulnerable groups, we create safe and nurturing spaces where healing and empowerment can thrive.

Our mission is rooted in the belief that storytelling is not just a means of expression but a powerful tool for processing trauma, building resilience, and fostering connection.

Through our tailored programs, we help individuals share their experiences, rebuild their confidence, and create a sense of belonging, all while supporting their journey toward recovery and personal growth. At Undertow, we are committed to amplifying voices, strengthening communities, and turning stories into catalysts for change.

What we do

  • Workshops

    At Undertow, we specialise in delivering tailored writing workshops designed to empower individuals, amplify their voices, and foster meaningful connections. Our sessions are thoughtfully crafted to meet the unique needs of each audience, whether working with vulnerable communities, organisations, or groups seeking creative and therapeutic outlets.

  • Community Projects

    At Undertow, our community projects, like Statement of Asylum, use the transformative power of words to engage audiences with essential social topics. By connecting communities through shared narratives, these initiatives not only amplify underrepresented perspectives but also inspire dialogue and action.

  • Corporate Services

    At Undertow, our community projects and workshops use the transformative power of words to engage audiences with essential social topics. To support these impactful projects, we also offer tailored corporate workshops that use storytelling to enhance communication, build connections, and foster inclusivity within organisations.

Our Founder

Undertow was founded in 2020 by Dr Kat Lewis.

Founded by Dr. Kat Lewis in response to the profound isolation of the 2020 lockdown, Undertow emerged from a powerful realisation: the innate human need for creative expression transcends all boundaries. Just as the ocean’s undertow flows with a hidden strength beneath the surface, Undertow operates on the belief that every individual possesses a wealth of untold stories and perspectives waiting to be discovered.

Undertow speaks to the subtle yet powerful emotional currents that move beneath the surface of our everyday lives. Like the ocean’s undertow—often unseen but deeply felt—these inner forces can quietly shape our thoughts, behaviours, and sense of self. At Undertow, we use writing as a way to wade into those deeper waters. Through reflective practice, we create space to acknowledge, explore, and understand the feelings we might not always name—grief, uncertainty, longing, or quiet joy. The process isn’t about fixing or forcing clarity, but about honoring the truth of what pulls beneath. Writing becomes a way to meet the current, rather than resist it—offering a path, with the undertow, toward emotional balance, self-awareness, and growth.

Our mission is to create inclusive spaces where people from all walks of life can confidently explore their inner landscapes through writing. By providing a supportive environment, we empower individuals to articulate their experiences, fostering self-discovery and a deeper understanding of their own narratives. The benefits of engaging in creative writing extend beyond personal growth. Anecdotal evidence and compelling research highlight its positive impact on emotional well-being, cognitive function, and the development of crucial social skills.

The act of listening deeply to our own voices through writing cultivates empathy and understanding towards others. Undertow is deeply committed to inclusivity and awareness. We actively seek to platform diverse voices and stories, believing that amplifying these narratives is essential for building a more equitable and understanding society. By providing a platform for underrepresented perspectives, we aim to foster a richer tapestry of human experience and challenge existing societal norms.

‘Dr Lewis is amazing to work with. She’s trauma informed and puts the people she works with at the centre of what she does. She creates safe, creative places and the results she produces lift people and share their unique voices while protecting their privacy. ’

— Kent Refugee Action Network