Community

Writer in Schools, Libraries and Community Settings

I am happy to work in schools, libraries and community settings for a one off visit or longer residency and talk to you about how a project may be shaped and developed.

I have been running writing workshops throughout my working life and have a flair for working with both young people and adults. My poetry workshops are inspirational, inclusive and I excel in bringing out the best in young people who may not see themselves naturally as writers. I run poetry workshops and residencies in schools for pupils of all ages and INSET for teachers.

Schools
I was writer-in-residence in Padgate, Warrington in 2006 working with five feeder primary schools Key stage 3 and 4, and the library service funded by The Poetry Society alongside poet Mandy Coe:

‘Library staff were fully involved with every session, so were the teachers, supporting less able pupils and freeing up the poets’ time to speak to pupils individually and give them feedback on their work. The poets were very experienced, full of ideas, enthusiasm and commitment. Their session planning and preparation was meticulous, and their delivery inspirational. They took account of different levels of ability; challenging, encouraging and supporting pupils as appropriate.’

Janet Puzylo – Library Manager, Padgate

I am just about to start a new project in 2010 with Creative Partnerships in West Yorkshire that will involved writing workshops with Year 11 pupils at South Leeds Academy and focuses on building confidence and self esteem to encourage achievement.

Libraries
I have run writing workshops, reading workshops throughout Lancashire and the North. For example, I ran a poetry and art workshop for families in 2007 for Calderdale Libraries working in partnership with the museum service:

‘Those who had some experience we able to push themselves in a new direction, and those new to poetry learned a lot about the form. Working with such a mixed group is very hard, but Anne made it seem effortless and natural. Everyone produced something they were pleased with in the two hour workshop. On their evaluation cards a number of the attendees commented on Anne’s relaxed and inclusive style. We have worked with Anne in the past, and we are always delighted with the work she does. We would happily work with her again.’

Anna Turner, Reader Development, Calderdale Libraries

In 2010, I am working with Warrington Libraries through their new Reading for Health officer, Anna Wenlock. We are going to be running community writing workshops at Birchwood Library to promote creativity they are open to all members of the community. I am looking forward to it!

Higher Education
I contribute to Manchester Metropolitan University’s CPD courses Teaching Creative Writing and Enabling New Writing. These courses are aimed at teachers who want to build up skills in creative writing and MA students. I also teache on the MA for Creative Writing at Bolton University, and a course called A215 for the Open University in all aspects of writing.

Community Settings
I hold a strong belief that creativity is an important part of people’s lives and that anyone can write given support and encouragement. I see writing as a powerful tool for working with people who may not have a voice in our society. To that end, I have worked in day centres for older people, youth centres, adventure playgrounds, cinemas, and even worked as a writer in residence in a launderette on a large estate in Middleton. My work in this residency was short listed for the Raymond Williams Community Publishing Prize.
I have worked in mental health day centres running creative writing workshops for
People with mental health difficulties for Oldham Arts for Health project. This work involved working alongside a photographer, video maker and resulted in a highly acclaimed book of participants’ work.