I’m a POET. 
My work explores the psychology of creative writing and its use as a therapeutic medium.

My debut collection ADMINISTER THE LAUGHING GAS is due late ‘23 with Verve Poetry Press.

I’m the founder of ODEHE.ART, a multi-poetry movement encouraging self-authorship for creativity, awareness, strength and healing. 

For the past decade, I’ve worked with organisations to create alternative writing projects. Overall, MY work naturally facilitates the translation of emotional stress, improved well-being, and uses spoken word to validate the human experience.

my debut collection administer the laughing gas is a navigation of grief after losing MY pre-term daughter, and re-encountering life with trauma.

DYCP - poetry therapy

The DYCP grant supports cultural and creative practitioners' who want to take time to focus on their creative development.

My activity's focus is to develop as a poet, network the literary industry, learn about publishing, gain a deeper understanding of how poetry translates trauma, and research the creation of a project that uses poetry as a therapeutic tool for parents of pre-term babies. 

With Cecilia Knapp (Young Peoples Laureate) as my mentor, Deborah Alma (Poetry Pharmacy) as project consultant, Jenny Prescott as an art-therapy tutor, JP Watson (The Pound Project) as publishing advisor, and Victoria Frances as brand consultant, I have put together an artistic development programme that will set the foundation for a future in poetry therapy.

 

Poet in residence at Lindale Recovery delivering poetry for well-being workshops as part of a twelve-week rehabilitation programme.

Poet in residence

Current

 

Poetry Practitioner

2015 – Current

Using poetry and the spoken word, I have over ten years of experience delivering and participating in creative writing projects for performance, social change and well-being. 

Notable collaborations include Ikon Gallery, Apples and Snakes, Midlands Arts Centre Birmingham, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Bedlam Mental Health Festival, Writing West Midlands and Lunar Festival. 

Previous achievements include; 

  • Birmingham Poet Laureate finalist.

  • Wingless Words poetry publication in The National Poetry Library.

  • Spoken Word mentor for Apples and Snakes.

  • Event co-ordinator for Birmingham Literature Festival.

  • Teacher development for the National Association for Writers in Education.

  • Page Talk young writers festival producer with Writing West Midlands.

  • REP Foundry cohort.

  • Performances at Glastonbury, Cheltenham Poetry Festival and Bestival.

 

Etc.

1990 - Current

Outside of work, I am studying Psychology and Creative Writing as a part-time student, training to become a certified poetry therapist with the IFBPT raising two young children with my partner, performing where I can, and make spoken word posters from the cabin in my garden.

MENTOrs

Honoured and humbled by the mentors and teachers who continue to support, educate and influence my poetry practice. What I create and the therapeutic elements of my work are gifts generously nourished by artists, healers, wise hearts and loving minds.

I’ve received; The culture of grief tending from Nici Harrison of The Grief Space. The importance of live poetry from Giovanni Esposito, Joelle Taylor and Yomi Sode. The self awareness born in writing from Cecilia Knapp. The medicinal powers of poetry from Victoria Field, and Deborah Alma of The Poetry Pharmacy and uncovered with Russel Moses. The therapeutic potential of artistic intervention from my dear friend Jenny Prescott. The literary canon and commitment to authorship from JP Watson of The Pound Project.

Most of all, I’d like to show gratitude to my professional teacher Jonathon Davidson who has great integrity, wisdom and generosity whenever called upon.

teachings

  • GESTALT CERTIFICATION : Freefall - Writing as creative therapy. 2020

  • BSc HONs : Psychology and Creative Writing. 2022

  • GRIEF TENDING APPRENTICESHIP : The Grief Space. 2021

  • A PLACE TO HEAL, ARRIGO PROGRAM : The Rewiring Process; neuroscience & the nervous system cohort. 2021

  • PWA CERT : Introduction to Therapeutic and Relfective Writing. 2021

  • INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION for BIBLIO and POETRY THERAPY (IFBPT) : Certified Poetry Therapist. Ongoing.

  • LAPIDUS, NAWE, WRITEWELL Cohort. Ongoing.

  • BIRMINGHAM POET LAUREATE : Finalist 2013/14 2014/15.