07/2011 - Chelmsford’s children in care become published poets

18 July 2011

A group of talented children in care from Chelmsford today celebrated the release of a printed anthology of their poetry called ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’.

Sixteen young people took part in a six-week series of creative writing workshops at the Galleywood Youth Centre in Chelmsford, where they wrote poetry about their experiences of being in care. The workshops were organised by The Who Cares? Trust and Essex County Council and run by Lemn Sissay, an acclaimed poet who was himself in care.

Jenny, one of the young people who took part in the project said: ‘I’ve gone up a whole level in literacy because of coming here. It’s helped me express myself. I’ve also learnt that I’m not lonely, I’m not the only person in foster care.’

Natasha Finlayson, Chief Executive of The Who Cares? Trust, said: ‘We wanted to run creative writing workshops for young people in care that inspired them, allowed them to experiment and have fun, and to produce work they could rightly be proud of.’

Reflecting on the project, Lemn Sissay said: ‘These were no ordinary workshops and these were not ordinary young people. Whatever task I set them, they took it on. Even when it seemed difficult, they took it on. What they reveal is sometimes witty and sometimes harrowing, but always powerful. Creativity and imagination are often the most dynamic and yet the most unexplored territory of our lives and yet at times in life they are the most needed.’

- ends -

Notes to editors

1) The Who Cares? Trust is a UK-wide charity that works to improve the lives of children and young people in care. We do this by:

- using our expertise and influence with government policy-makers
- informing, empowering and supporting children and young people in care, through our magazines and other publications and through projects and campaigns which directly benefit them, and
- producing information and support materials for foster carers and professionals as a means to improving the lives of children in care

2) Media enquiries and requests for images should be directed to Jemma Roche, Head of Communications at The Who Cares? Trust on 0207 017 2788, or 07812 086913 or email jemma.roche@thewhocarestrust.org.uk.

The Who Cares? Trust is a registered charity (No. 1010518). A Company limited by guarantee. Registered in London (No. 2700693). VAT Reg. No. 577853091
Charity web design by Fat Beehive - Main photo by epidemya