New poet in residence opportunity centres mental health and racial justice in Leeds

A brilliant opportunity to play an important role on telling the stories of mental health

The Trust is proud to be playing its part in supporting Synergi-Leeds, Words of Colour and Khadijah Ibrahiim in creating a new poet in residence opportunity for Leeds-based, emerging poets of black and South Asian heritage who wish to centre lived experience narratives of mental health – and amplify racial justice.

Part of the city-wide Remembering What’s Forgotten programme, the eight-week poetry residency is a creative response to the over-representation of black and South Asian men detained under the Mental Health Act and as in-patients in psychiatric wards, in Leeds – and nationally.

Open to Leeds residents with lived experience, of all genders and ages – from 18+, the selected poet will produce an original piece of work informed by newly collected narratives covering 50 years of unheard community history.

As part of the residency, the poet will receive:

• a £2,500 bursary as funded time, space and travel to develop their work
• a creative entrepreneurship masterclass with Words of Colour
• access to studio space and mentoring, courtesy of Khadijah Ibrahiim
• career signposting and advice from New Writing North
• workshops and talks at Manchester Poetry Library

Co-produced by Khadijah Ibrahiim and Heritage Corner, who host the award-winning Leeds Black History Walks, the residency is funded by the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Two leading Northern writing and poetry agencies – New Writing North and Manchester Poetry Library – are project allies.

Sharon Prince, Deputy Director, Psychological Professions, at Leeds & York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Synergi-Leeds Lead, said: “The Remembering What’s Forgotten poetry residency is an opportunity for creative expression and storytelling, allowing the selected poet to share powerful narratives that might otherwise remain unheard. I hope the poet in residence can further develop their sense of agency and identity in their craft and that the final piece provides our city with a better understanding of the mental health challenges, historical exclusion and systemic barriers faced by racially minoritised people.”

More details about applying for the poetry residency can be found here or via bit.ly/RWFpoetinresidence.

Page last updated: 25th Jul 2024 4:09pm