Poetry Competition 'Survivor Stories'
On 29 July, we had a unique lecture event because we were joined by award-winning broadcaster, poet and author Michael Rosen. Michael shared his experiences with the NHS and how he has overcome various challenges throughout his life.
Under the theme of Survivor Stories, Michael spoke to us about how he was able to cope with grief and difficult moments in his life through writing. He explained how writing gives him the perfect way to express his feelings, helping to release emotions and relieve pain.
Michael shared his appreciation of the doctors and nurses at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust who helped him during his hospital stay in 2020, as they dealt with COVID-19.
He also emphasised on the importance of bottom-up approaches that put the needs of people and communities in the centre of decision-making when it comes to delivering services. Towards the end of the talk, Michael highlighted that we should live each day as it comes and continue to be hopeful for the future.
Poetry competition
Following this wonderful event with Michael, The Advocacy Project and Healthwatch have launched a new poetry competition under the theme of Survivor Stories. This is a chance for anyone who is an unpublished poet to creatively share their experience of living with, or alongside, any form of physical or mental health challenge.
As Michael said, creativity helps people to express themselves and handle challenging times throughout their health journeys and recovery processes.
Presenting your poem
You can write, record or film your poem (we know some people prefer to record the spoken word or film their entry instead of writing it down).
Your poem should be a maximum of 25 lines.
How to enter
Print out and fill in the entry form then send it with your poem. You can:
Email your poem to comms@advocacyproject.org.uk
Post it to: The Advocacy Project, c/o SEIDs Hub, Empire Way, Wembley HA9 0RJ
Hand it to staff who work for The Advocacy Project and they will make sure it’s entered into the competition.
The closing date is midnight, 31 August 2024.
Judging
The poems will be judged by Michael Rosen, broadcaster, poet and author. We will keep the names of everyone who enters anonymous until the winners are announced.
For more information
If you’d like more information on the competition, please email comms@advocacyproject.org.uk
