The power of words
Poetry can be a powerful therapeutic tool for people who have experienced mental health problems or are survivors of abuse or addiction. That is what motivated and inspired four poets to found Survivors’ Poetry in 1991. This London-based national charity promotes and publishes the writing of people who have experienced mental distress – many who have never written before. And it has evolved into a truly grassroots organisation, with survivors represented at every level – from board, to staff and volunteers.
Specialist support for a vulnerable group
But like many ‘arts based’ charities, Survivors’ Poetry has had a difficult time getting sufficient and consistent funding. Recognising the value of the specialist support they provide to a group of extremely vulnerable people, the Foundation supported the Artistic Director post at a difficult time of transition for the charity.
“Our one-off £20,000 grant was a superbly sympathetic one since it broached that much maligned ‘c’ word – core funding. It specifically allowed me to work on a three-fifths salary for a year – enabling a grant from the John Ellerman Foundation to fund our office costs for two years.
(Simon Jenner, Director)
The two foundations liaising together literally provided Survivors’ Poetry with the means to survive – and aim for an orchard of funding for 2007–08. We’re incredibly grateful for that, and for briefings with grant-making staff before and long after the grant.”
Want to find out more? Visit www.survivorspoetry.com
