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Surrey Poet Laureateship: Our Outreach Work
Empowering Communities Through Poetry
At Surrey Poet Laureateship, our mission transcends beyond celebrating and elevating poetry across the county. We are committed to harnessing the transformative power of poetry to touch lives in the most meaningful ways. Through our extensive outreach programmes, we aim to bring the therapeutic benefits of poetry to various sectors of our community, fostering healing, expression, and connection.
Care Homes
Our poetry workshops in care homes are crafted with joy and ease at their core, steering clear of heavy theory and complex poetry writing techniques. These sessions are all about fun, offering a gentle pace that suits everyone. They aim to illuminate the benefits of poetry writing as a form of expression, providing a delightful escape for those who might be facing loneliness or seeking a break from the monotony. Through engaging activities and shared storytelling, our workshops foster a sense of community and personal achievement, all while celebrating the simple pleasures of poetry.
Schools
Our school workshops, tailored for students in years 5-6 and 7-11, emphasise the power of expression through the art of poetry. We approach poetry not merely as an academic subject but as a vibrant form of self-expression that liberates and empowers. These sessions are designed to inspire students to explore their feelings and thoughts freely, using poetry as a tool to navigate and articulate their experiences. By fostering a creative and supportive environment, our workshops aim to reveal the joy and therapeutic benefits of poetry, encouraging young minds to find their voice and use it confidently.
Prisons
Our prison workshops place a significant emphasis on the reading and writing of poetry. They are designed to help participants find solace and connection in the writings of others, discovering relatable pieces that offer comfort and understanding. These sessions aim to highlight the therapeutic benefits of writing, providing a constructive outlet for the expression of feelings and experiences. By engaging with both the works of established poets and creating their own verses, inmates are encouraged to explore poetry as a means of reflection, personal growth, and emotional release. Through these workshops, we strive to foster a sense of hope and community, emphasizing the power of poetry to transcend barriers and bring people together.
Through Therapy
We maintain an active dialogue with therapists across the county, advocating for the integration of poetry writing into their therapeutic practices for clients who might find solace and expression through this medium. Our commitment extends to regularly updating and distributing information pamphlets, which therapists can then share with their clients. These pamphlets are designed to illuminate the benefits of poetry writing as a therapeutic tool, offering guidance on how to begin, prompts to inspire creativity, and examples of how poetry can serve as a powerful conduit for healing and personal exploration. By collaborating closely with mental health professionals, we aim to widen the reach of poetry as a form of emotional expression and recovery, making it an accessible and valuable resource for those on a journey towards well-being.
Laureate's Lounge
"Laureate's Lounge" is our acclaimed series of open mic nights, held regularly across Surrey, designed to celebrate and amplify the voices and stories of its residents. These events, championed by our Poet Laureate and featuring special guests, offer a welcoming platform for poets of all levels to share their work, from deeply personal narratives to reflections on our community and environment. Beyond showcasing Surrey's poetic talent, "Laureate's Lounge" aims to foster confidence and connection among participants, creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone's story can be heard. Join us for an inspiring evening of poetry and community, and let "Laureate's Lounge" be where your voice finds its strength and resonance. Keep an eye on our website and social media for details on the next event.
Poetry Hubs
The Poetry Hub is our weekly gathering, designed to be a haven for adults seeking connection and creativity through the power of poetry. Held every week, our morning sessions offer a warm and welcoming environment where participants can engage in various activities centered around verse. From writing challenges to a cozy book club atmosphere, each session is a chance to explore the beauty of language and share stories in a supportive community. With limited time but endless possibilities, join us at your local Poetry Hub for enriching conversations, inspiring challenges, and the joy of discovering the poet within.