You probably wouldn't expect there to be much inspiration for an aspiring writer on a cold and wet Monday afternoon in Clapham, in south-west London - but you'd be wrong. Thanks to funding from the Consignia Stepping Stone Fund, the Ace of Clubs drop-in centre for the homeless has been able to establish a creative writing group to support aspiring writers among the centre's homeless and vulnerable clients. Those using the centre have been requesting these classes for a while because they want to go to college but would prefer to start off in a less intimidating setting. The classes at Ace of Clubs allow them to build confidence and develop their own writing skills while in a familiar environment.

During one session in February 2002, the group was fortunate to have writer and local resident John O'Farrell come along to give advice on getting started as a writer, finding an agent and getting published. He also entertained the group with tales from his own career, which started as a sketch writer on Spitting Image in its 1980s heyday. He now writes a regular column for the Guardian and his first fiction novel, The Best a Man Can Get, was published in 2000.

John provided the group with lots of practical advice on developing writing skills and finding their own style. This included simply to "read lots - comedy, drama, poetry and so on," to help decide what kind of writing you like and how it is done well. He also advised the group to be original and interesting by finding their own voice and style rather than trying to imitate others. "Every piece should have its own narrative shape and structure, a 'built in story', and both fiction and non-fiction should have characters, themes and values."

Since becoming involved in the group, many participants have gone on to do other things that would not have been possible without the extra confidence gained from attending the Ace of Clubs classes. For example, one member has joined a drama writing class with homeless people's theatre company Cardboard Citizen, and another is involved with a London-wide poster competition. What was clear from the session was that there is certainly no lack of material among the group - each person present seemed to already have a 'projet' in mind and many were inspired by their time on the street. One member has already resolved to write a book about her own experience of homelessness. The enthusiasm sparked by taking part, and the practical advice offered by both John and the group's tutor David, should ensure that these stories are heard by many more than those present on that cold and wet afternoon in Clapham.

For more information on the Ace of Clubs project call 020 7720 0178.

Stepping out Consignia's Stepping Stone Fund was launched in January 2001 to provide support for literacy and creative writing projects for people aged 16 and over. During its first year the fund supported 58 projects across the UK covering a variety of needs, from support for the basics to writing for pleasure, in a wide range of both urban and rural settings. As at Ace of Clubs, many were undertaken by small local groups that had recognised a need within their community and, with assistance from the fund, were able to put their plans into action and make a real difference to participants' writing skills. £250,000 has been awarded to 45 successful projects in the second round of Stepping Stone funding for 2002/3. The projects again address many issues across the broad categories of disability, disadvantage, English as an additional language, creative writing and basic skills. For example, a Braille writing group will provide equipment to enable visually impaired members to work at home between classes; a creative writing class will provide support for those with mental health problems or life threatening illnesses; a carers' group in the north west will produce newsletters to share some of the issues they face; a project in the north east will support women asylum seekers learning written English in conjunction with other basic skills; and a writing group in the south west will help those recovering from alcohol or substance abuse to express themselves through creative writing.

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