Poets and writers join push to get more interested in literature in Wales
CREATIVE writing projects have been launched across Wales in an effort to encourage “engagement and inclusion” in literature.
Literature Wales identified nine projects in the Literature for Wellbeing Funding scheme, which will be led by Wales-based writers.
Each project has been devised with a target group in mind, including those who have experienced homelessness, those seeking asylum, survivors of domestic abuse, and those at risk of disengagement, marginalisation and exclusion.
The announcement follows a callout for writers and arts practitioners to create and deliver a series of creative writing workshops in the community last August.
Lleucu Siencyn, chief executive of Literature Wales, said: “We are extremely pleased that we’re able to support these writers and artists to create and deliver activities which aim to tackle issues that are not only close to their hearts, but are of great importance to their communities.
“Supporting community-led activities is an integral part of our work, and is one of the most effective ways we can contribute towards the wellbeing of the nation and ensure that individuals across Wales, whatever their backgrounds, abilities or situations, have the opportunity to discover their voices.”
Among the projects are spoken word poetry workshops led by Frank Thomas with those who have experienced homelessness or social exclusion in the Swansea and Newport areas.
Poet Christina Thatcher will lead six creative writing workshops for people in recovery from substance misuse in Cardiff.
Writer Sian Northey will assist Welsh-speaking prisoners at Carchar y Berwyn in Wrexham through a creative writing project.
Helen Sandler and Karen Gemma Brewer will be leading creative writing workshops for members of the LGBT communities in Aberystwyth and Carmarthen.
Poet Jaffrin Khan will be providing workshops for young BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) girls in Cardiff aged between 11 and 18, with participants contributing to an anthology of writing.
Writer Gwion Hallam and movement artist Cai Tomos will deliver a series of workshops at Galeri, in Caernarfon with local dance group for over 60s Cain.
Survivors and woman ar risk of domestic abuse can attend poetry and song workshops with writer Mel Perry in Carmarthen.
Rosey Brown and Teddy Hunter will lead creative writing workshops for women, including those from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds.
Lastly, there will be a poetry residency at the palliative care unit for Hywell Dda Health Board at Bronglais Hospital, in Aberystwyth, where poet Mererid Hopwood will meet with staff and the families of patients at the unit and those cared for in the community.
These activities are delivered in partnership with a number of organisations, with a number receiving additional funding.
■ Visit www.literaturewales.org/our-projects/lit- for-wellbeing for more information about the projects.