Sophie Ducharme and Claire Touzard to Lead Mental Health Workshop and Discussion

Alliance, OH – Sophie Ducharme will lead a writing workshop, “A Grain of Madness,” focusing on the joy of writing and creative expression, as part of the Citizen Factory #11 event, themed “Our Mental Health.” A follow-up discussion featuring Claire Touzard will capture place on Tuesday, March 24th.

Workshop Focus: Creative Expression and Community

The workshop, led by Ducharme, aims to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for writers of all levels. The emphasis will be on the process of writing and sharing work, rather than technical skill. Participants are invited to explore their creativity and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Claire Touzard to Discuss Workshop Outcomes

Following the workshop, Claire Touzard will host a discussion on Tuesday, March 24th, to explore the experiences and insights gained during Ducharme’s session. This event will provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on their writing and engage in a broader conversation about mental health.

About Sophie Ducharme

Sophie M. (Dowdy) Ducharme, a 92-year-old resident of Alliance, Ohio, passed away on September 2, 2011. She was known as a loving mother and grandmother, a faithful member of the Alliance Freewill Baptist Church, and a friend to all. She previously worked at the Sugar and Spice Bakery and enjoyed gardening and canning.

About Claire Touzard

Claire Touzard is a French journalist and writer whose work often centers on mental health, including alcoholism and bipolar disorder, and the challenges faced by women. She has worked for France Inter, Libération, Paris Première, and Grazia, covering topics such as the MeToo movement and violence against women. Touzard published “Sans alcool” (Without Alcohol) in 2021, detailing her personal experience with alcoholism and recovery, and “Féminin” in 2022, a novel addressing patriarchal and domestic violence.

Claire Ducharme (Ottawa)

Claire Ducharme (née Proulx) of Ottawa passed away on December 11, 2022, at the age of 89. She was married to John Ducharme for 67 years and is survived by six children, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two great-great-granddaughters, and one great-great-grandson.

Sophie Ducharme (Montreal)

Sophie Ducharme, based in the Greater Montreal Metropolitan Area, is a notary and freelancer with over 500 connections on LinkedIn.