Creative writers urged to enter
Would- be writers and poets in West Lothian are being encouraged to submit prose to a national Creative Writing Competition run by the charity, Carers UK.
The Ca rers UK campaign, supported by the Poetry Society and the Reading Agency, is looking for compelling stories and poems that explores the relationship between health, connectedness, and caring for a loved one.
Specsavers is sponsoring the competition for the third year.
Guided by this year’s theme, ‘ Well and Connected’, writers are invited to enter poems or short letters by July 31. First, second and third place winners stand to win £100 in high street gift vouchers and £ 125 to spend on eyecare and glasses at Specsavers.
Individuals can submit two poems that are up to 40 lines long and one short story of up to 1000 words. Entries will be judged by the award- winning poet, Cheryl Moskowitz, who reprises her role as judge for the fifth year running.
The winning and commended poems and stories will be announced in September 2018. Those making the shortlist will also see their work included in the charity’s anthology that launches in November.
This special collection comprises stor ies, poems and photography selected by Carers UK staff, volunteers, trustees and Specsavers. The anthology will be launched at a Creative Writing Celebration event in central London, with proceeds going to Carers UK.
Specsavers ongoing support of the writing competition campaign aims to i n c re a s e awareness of its homevisiting ser vice to individuals who are unable to make it to a store unaccompanied.
Ted Akil, director of Specsavers home-visit service in Livingston, said: “We regularly hear a wide range of inspirational stories that deserve to be told. We hope that this year, as with the last, this competition encourages people to recognise the importance of home care, and to come forward for support if they have care needs themselves.”
Heléna Herklots, chief executive of Carers UK, added: “As in previous years, the winning poems and stories will play a vital role in helping carers to identify with the writing of others and come forward for information that could help them.
“Last year, we were overwhelmed by the quality of entries, with many of the most moving works being submitted by entrants with more caring than writing experience.”
Visit www. carersuk. org/ creative for more information. For practical advice and information about caring, visit the Carers UK website on www. carersuk. org or email advice@carersuk. org.