Poetry workshops in York will explore the impact of ill health

Posted on 28 February 2014

The University of York is to host a series of hands-on reading and poetry workshops to explore the way we talk, think and write about ill health.

These stimulating and free two and a half hour workshops will be led by poet Peter Sansom, described as "the best poetry teacher in the world” by SiânHughes in The Guardian.

Developed as part of a University of York and Wellcome Trust funded project, Order, Chaos and Chronic Illness, the workshops aim to use poetry as a way of exploring the impact of chronic illness.

Project Officer in the University of York’s Department of Health Sciences, Richard Morley said: “If you are a member of the public affected by chronic illness, as a patient or carer, healthcare worker or researcher, you are warmly invited to join one of our ten poetry reading and writing workshops running in York from April to June 2014. If you can’t make it to a workshop you can take part online too.”

Poets Simon Armitage, Gillian Clarke, Ian McMillan and Blake Morrison will visit York for two major events on 17 and 19 June 2014 during the York Festival of Ideas. They will read from their own work and discuss issues related to the theme of order, chaos and chronic illness.

Mary Madden, Lecturer in Applied Health, School of Healthcare, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds said: “With the involvement of major poets, members of the public, health professionals and researchers, the project will explore whether poetry can open a different window on communication about the lived experience of chronic illness and the impact of research into chronic Illness.”

Professor Karl Atkin, Deputy Head of Department (Research) based in the Department of Health Sciences, University of York said “This project is an important part of the Department’s research strategy and its commitment to innovative and creative work that makes a difference to people’s lives.”

Notes to editors:

For further information or to book your place contact Richard Morley on 01904 321105 or email richard.morley@york.ac.uk. Follow the project on Twitter by searching for @poetryillness or visit www.poetryandillness.co.uk.