U Cre8
In the summer of 2016, Literature Wales in partnership with Newport Mind and Big Issue hosted creative writing workshops for young people who struggle with mental health or have experienced homelessness. Held in Newport’s Grade II listed building, Beechwood House, the workshops were led by poet and playwright Patrick Jones.
According to the Arts & Health Foundation, engaging in creative activities can provide ‘a mental boost’. Writing creatively has the potential to relieve stress, improve concentration, provide an outlet for emotion, and offer opportunities to connect and collaborate with other writers. The group wrote A-Z poems about positive thinking, made cut-up poems from old books and assembled poetry from magnetic words, often over a picnic in Beechwood Park.
The Big Issue ran a Q&A session for the group about writing in journalism and how to get their poetry published.
Accept life as it is
Be yourself
Call out negativity
Differences make you unique
Everything will fall into place
Failing doesn’t make you a failure
Give yourself a chance
Have the courage to speak your mind
It’s ok to stand out
Jump for opportunities
Knock out the demons
Live to the fullest
Make it work for you
Never underestimate yourself
Open your eyes
Persevere
Quit quitting
Restarting isn’t an option
