National Poetry Day Writers’ Day

About the event

Pathways into Poetry: Writing for Wellbeing

Thursday 5th of October

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Join us on National Poetry Day as we delve into the world of poetry and explore its transformative power for personal wellbeing. This event, centered around the theme of "Refuge," offers an evening of creative exploration and insightful discussions. Whether you're an experienced writer or just beginning to dip your toes into the world of poetry, this event has something for everyone.

At 6:00 PM, acclaimed poet and educator, Rose Condo, will lead an engaging workshop titled "Have a (kind) word with yourself." Through creative writing exercises, Rose will guide participants in discovering moments of comfort and self-care in their daily lives. This workshop is designed to provide simple and accessible writing prompts that can be easily incorporated into your routine to cultivate wellbeing. All skill levels are welcome to participate and explore the healing potential of poetry.

Following the workshop, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, a panel discussion featuring esteemed writers Dal Kular, Rose Condo, and Isabelle Kenyon will take place. This panel, "Pathways into Poetry: Writing for Wellbeing," offers valuable advice for poets aspiring to be published. Join us for an engaging conversation that delves into various aspects of writing poetry as a means of personal growth and creative expression. Discover the steps involved in getting your work published and gain insights from these experienced poets and writers.

The panel discussion will be followed by a 15-minute Q&A session, allowing you to interact with the panelists and seek answers to your burning questions. We aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can learn and connect.

The event will conclude by 9:00 PM, leaving you inspired, motivated, and armed with newfound knowledge and tools to embrace poetry as a source of wellbeing and self-expression.

Rose Condo is an award-winning Canadian poet and educator based in the UK. With multiple slam championships under her belt, Rose has captivated audiences both nationally and internationally. She has written and toured three solo shows, including "The Geography of Me" (winner of the Spoken Word Award at the 2021 Buxton Fringe), "The Empathy Experiment" (winner of Best Spoken Word Show at the 2019 Greater Manchester Fringe), and "How to Starve an Artist" (Runner Up for Best Spoken Word Show at the 2017 Saboteur Awards). Rose specializes in conducting workshops that explore wellbeing through creative writing. Look out for her upcoming poetry collection, "How to find where you belong," to be published by Flapjack Press in autumn 2023.

Dal Kular is a writer, mentor, and facilitator hailing from Sheffield. Overcoming challenges and rediscovering the power of words and writing in her late forties, Dal has become an advocate for radical self-care and healing through writing. With an MSc in Therapeutic Writing, Dal encourages women to embrace their voices through writing circles, co-writing spaces, and nature-inspired creative writing workshops. Her essays have received recognition, being shortlisted for the Wasafiri New Writing Prize and the Class Action Nature Writing Prize. Dal has also been a recipient of the Arts Council England Developing Your Creative Practice Grant. Connect with Dal and learn more about her work at www.dalkular.com.

Isabelle Kenyon is a poet and novelist based in Manchester. She is the Northern Fiction Alliance and Writer's Days Coordinator for Comma Press. She has managed Fly on the Wall Press, www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk, a political Manchester publisher of fiction and poetry, since 2018 and has a background in Arts Marketing and PR for theatres and publishers. She works on freelance PR Campaigns for authors and publishers under Kenyon Author Services. She also coordinates the annual Northern Publishers' Fair.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of poetry and explore its potential for personal growth and wellbeing.