Last night I had the absolute honour of reading two poems from an anthology written by writers who are currently inside, at an event held at Trinity House by @the_merrittocracy and Bang Up Books.
An incredible project that amplifies voices too often unheard, and an absolute privilege to stand in that space and share their words.
Thank you to everyone involved.
#onceuponatime #bangupbooks #overgrown #poetry
This week I travelled to Yorkshire to deliver workshops in HMP Leeds and HMP Humber as part of a life changing campaign from the National @literacy_trust
Two days. Four workshops. 40 books signed.
Real conversations. Real moments.
What started as something personal has become something much bigger than me.
A couple of the lads told me I gave them hope.
That’s what this is all about.
The work continues.
An honour to work alongside one of Essex’s finest poets, @ralphdartford
This one meant a lot. Yorkshire, I’ll be seeing you again 🙏🏻❤️
#literacy #creativewriting #poetry #overgrown #secondchances
Back with some more episodes of Life After Prison!
This week we are joined by author and poet Will Pendray. His debut poetry collection Overgrown contains extracts from throughout his sentence, where he would use poetry to work through the things he was dealing with. Whilst serving his sentence, Will began studying at Open University and would go on to complete an MA in Creative Writing. He now uses poetry to inspire change, returning to prisons and communities to share his work and story.
For the full episode search ‘Life After Prison’ wherever you get your podcasts 🎧
Video out at 5PM!
Yesterday I returned to HMP Guys Marsh to run a creative writing workshop with the National @literacy_trust
The men showed up fully. The writing was honest, and a couple of the guys said they forgot where they were for a moment. One of them even gave me a Christmas card.
This is what literacy work in pr!sons can look like when it is rooted in respect, creativity and lived experience.
Grateful to be part of it 🫡
#overgrown #nationalliteracytrust
Yesterday I took Overgrown into the @bbc to speak with @prisonradiouk
We talked about the book, the past, and what comes after.
Grateful for the chance to share my journey 🙏🏻
#overgrown #bbc #npr #poetry
Italy, you were a dream.
A week at @ahavenforstories at the incredible @villa_pia as part of the @the_longford_trust_ family. World-class tutors, great company, food and wine on tap.
I came here to grow as a writer, but grew as a person too. Grazie 🙏🏻
#villapia #creativewriting #italy
Workshop for National Poetry Day at HMP Lewes.
⛓️💥🍂
#nationalpoetryday #poetry #poetrycommunity #artsinprison #prisonarts #prisoneducation #poetsofınstagram #creativewriting
From no scenery or views… to the evening news.
Grateful to @itvmeridian for sharing my story.
Book & full interview in bio 📖🌱
A massive thank you to everyone supporting!
#overgrownpoetry #itvnews #itvmeridian #poetry #fromprisontopublication #resilience #poetrycommunity #criminaljustice
I’ll be on ITV Meridian Evening News tonight sharing my journey from prison to publishing my first book.
📖🌱
#overgrown #itvmeridian #itvnews #eveningnews #secondchances #resilience #fromprisontopublication #southeast #poetrycommunity #poetry
