The idea for the poetry project came from the Recovery College tutor, Sally Brett, after the restrictions of Covid-19 meant that being together in the traditional ways changed for everyone. The theme emerged as ‘we are better together’ and focused on ways of connecting within the restrictions of Covid-19 and ‘ward bubbles’.
Staff and service users used lockdown to get creative and write their thoughts and feeling into poetry. After expressing themselves through poetry the team wanted to share their poems as a way to show their strength and support for each other in the toughest times.
“I thought all of the authors were creative and an inspiration.”Service user
Staff and service users attended a ceremony in order to receive a copy of their book and an award for their wonderful writing. Service users and staff alike said how much they had enjoyed celebrating together, there was a suggestion to make this an annual event.
The hospital manager, Suzie Adams, who celebrated her birthday, congratulated all of the published authors. Each poet read their poetry out and received a round of applause from the awaiting audience.
Congratulations to all the authors, you are all amazing.