Do you enjoy reading, writing or listening to poetry? Do you find comfort and hope from sharing your feelings through poetry, writing or spoken word?
On Thursday 12 September we will bring (Un)spoken Word poetry to Wolverhampton to give the gift of hope, as part of a local campaign to raise awareness of mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention.
The (Un)spoken Word poetry group was born in 2021 at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; the title chosen because talking about mental health, wellbeing and life can often remain unspoken. Over the past three years it has welcomed many people to online and face-to-face events, including those who have never written poetry before, but have left inspired! In 2023 we published a volume of poetry from some of our members.
On 12 September we welcome new and old friends to join us at the Urban Rooms/01902 space opposite the ‘man on the ‘oss’ statue in Queen Square, Wolverhampton.
From 12-3pm we will share poetry in a friendly, informal and supportive space. Bring along your own poems to share or if you’d prefer to just listen, that’s fine too. Poet, David Stocks will run a mini poetry workshop for all; from beginners to those who regularly write their own poetry. So why not come along and give it a go?
There will be food and refreshments to keep everyone going!
“There is something special about our poetry groups, it’s the connection that poetry brings, a connection that is hard to make any other way. You don’t have to be a poet to participate in our groups, it is fine to just listen and absorb the heartfelt words that can only be expressed through poetry. I have made so many friends and been inspired by so many people through these poetry groups, words that resonate deeply with everyone involved. Join us and be part of the magic of (un)spoken words on the 12 September.”
David Stocks, (Un)spoken Word host and poet
The (Un)spoken Word event is part of a series of events organised by Wolverhampton’s Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum on or around World Suicide Prevention Day (Tuesday 10 September).
The theme for this year’s global campaign is ‘changing the narrative around suicide’ with the call to action: ‘start the conversation’. Sharing our feelings and connecting with each other through poetry or spoken word can be an important way to have open and honest conversations about how we are feeling.
“My poetry journey started at (Un)spoken word when I nervously ‘gave it a try’ and wrote about my own experience of losing a friend. It helped me understand and explain how I was feeling, and I felt the warmth of connection and comfort from the group; something I still feel now as I cope with another sad bereavement. From those first few emotional lines, it has now sparked a love of writing poetry that – like my much-loved friend and cousin - will be with me for ever.”
Kate Pritchard, (Un)spoken Word group member
There will be Mental Health First Aid Support at the group meeting.
Please let us know if you intend to come along so we can know how much food and refreshments to plan. Register online for your free place.