“Most people ignore most poetry because most poetry ignores most people” – Adrian Mitchell

Well, obviously we disagree (and so do others), and besides that was written in 1964. But lots of people don’t (yet) know that poetry speaks exactly to and about and for them, and what’s more they can be the ones writing it!

Poetry is self-expression, catharsis, lamentation, celebration, and healing.

Poetry is observation, witness, complexity, truth, empathy and rage.

Poetry is gift, comfort, mindful reflection, sense-making and beauty.

Watch what Sue and Jayne from We Are With You have to say about writing poetry with us:

We’re delighted to have been awarded charitable status this year, and look forward to developing more lived-experience projects with community groups, bringing the power of poetry to bear on the real stories of Teesside.