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Testimonial

Testimonials from the institutions:

PoetsIN have delivered sessions over six weeks to two groups of vulnerable pupils. The needs of the individuals in the groups were complex and diverse ; some of them were very much disengaged with learning. Feedback from pupils, staff and parents has been very positive.

One pupil chose to share his free-writing purge with the group, his form tutor, another teacher and his mum. Both the form tutor and the other teacher said that it made them cry, but also that it seemed that a weight had lifted from his shoulders. The following day, he remained in lessons for the first time in several weeks – then, the next day, he made it two in a row. As this pupil was a reluctant writer, it was phenomenal to see this pupil carry the notebook everywhere he went and putting it all down on paper.

The response from all involved has been amazing and we cannot wait to go again with the next group. PoetsIN – you rock!”


– Neil Campbell, Arnold Academy School

PoetsIN have added tangible value to our education department. In the year that they have been delivering the creative writing workshops I’ve seen mental wellness increase, self-harm decrease dramatically, addictions handled, self-worth improve and marked positive changes in the participants’ behaviour and skills in preparation for their release. The measurements they provide are extremely valuable. I highly recommend them.”


Wayne Peters, Director of Education.

Residents have been involved with the PoetsIN writing group for a number of months [and] initially had reservations about opening up their feelings and expressing themselves. The group was established with a small cohort of potential female residents who were willing to express themselves through the written word.
The group has challenged residents to push the boundaries of their creative skills.
As the weeks progressed, confidence levels improved along with literacy skills and communication. This in turn has developed their functional skills and future opportunities upon release.”

Will Graham, Education Manager.


Residents have been involved with the PoetsIN writing group for a number of months [and] initially had reservations about opening up their feelings and expressing themselves. The group was established with a small cohort of potential female residents who were willing to express themselves through the written word.
The group has challenged residents to push the boundaries of their creative skills.
As the weeks progressed, confidence levels improved along with literacy skills and communication. This in turn has developed their functional skills and future opportunities upon release.

Will Graham, Education Manager.


PoetsIN makes people believe in themselves and gives them hope.

One person in particular has been so low and had no confidence in themselves. They weren’t sure about sharing their emotions through creative writing, but after seeing the feedback in the online group, it made their day; and you could visibly see how much it meant to them. They were so proud that they showed the staff as well as the other residents and it was great to see them becoming so much more confident in themselves.

Sometimes all it takes is for someone to believe in you to make a difference.

Rob Goodliffe – Education Officer.


Testimonials from our service users: (names are left anonymous for confidentiality)


This group gave me comfort, boosted my self-esteem and showed me that caring for each other ease the inner pain or loneliness we might feel. I personally battle with bipolar disorder and to know that an initiative as PoetsIN exists to raise awareness about mental health is a blessing. I love this community. Glad I found you.

– PoetsIN service user


PoetsIN is a refuge. I believe in its vision in aiding and rehabilitating mental health through the power of words. I am so proud to be a part of something that can make a difference in someone else’s life. PoetsIN is definitely writing with a purpose!

– PoetsIN service user


It’s a place to read awesome poetry but I’ve met great people and I feel like I have a place of support even if my poetry seems whiny. I have met great people and gotten great feedback and appreciate everyone in here.”

– PoetsIN service user


It’s a place to read awesome poetry but I’ve met great people and I feel like I have a place of support even if my poetry seems whiny. I have met great people and gotten great feedback and appreciate everyone in here.

– PoetsIN service user


I am new to PoetsIN and came in as someone who wrote through her pain and mental chaos before PoetsIN existed, it’s amazing to see a charity directed toward giving people a writing venue exclusive for writing out emotional turmoil, inner conflicts, and more. I wouldn’t be who I am today without writing through my troubles and am thusly warmly grateful to be able to join in encouraging others to write through theirs!

– PoetsIN service user


Poets In has been a site where I can learn, try my wings, find a good laugh and feel not only unjudged but supported as well and on top of all the that—the cherry on the sundae–read fantastic poetry.

– PoetsIN service user


Poets In is the perfect reflection of honest hearts coming together to share art. The fact that we may come from so many walks of life but still find a way to truly connect with each other’s humanity, is the most beautiful thing about Poets In. I have been inspired and encouraged and even a little challenged at times towards growth. I may not post all the time but in the moments when I have the opportunity to read the words of others, the compassion that is expressed here, makes this group a pleasure to be a part of.

– PoetsIN service user


PoetsIN presents a wonderful opportunity where poets and writers can discover or rediscover the power of words and how they can be used to express ideas or to heal wounds. I’ve met some of the most amazing people in this group, and I can’t imagine what I did before I found it. A nurturing, supportive community.

– PoetsIN service user


PoetsIN was the first place I felt able to post personal writing to where there would be support instead of judgement. The community is some of the most caring and encouraging I’ve ever come across, and almost immediately felt like home. Such a rarity these days. I feel like through PoetsIN I’ve found family, not just transparent connections that don’t mean anything – and for that I’m thankful for it being here.

– PoetsIN service user


I have seen PoetsIN grow in so many wonderful ways – as a charity, it is now blooming, and as a creative tool, it is nurturing. Under the supportive wing of so many here, we can cathartically all write. Write what’s in our burdened minds, restless hearts or sensitive souls. We can write, with freedom and without judgement. We can express, within the safety net of PoetsIN, and within the arms of those who are there.

All that PoetsIN stands for, all that it is doing now, and all that it excitedly continues to do, is something I love to be just a small and creative part of.

– PoetsIN service user


PoetsIN. Reaching the INjured, seeking to right misperceptions and fears about mental health INjustices. Personally, I find this forum INvaluable. This feels like home to me. I consider it my Land of Misfit Toys. (And saying that carries more Love than many of you know!) PoetsIN, literally, gives voice to the voiceless and words to the unspeakable. Thank you for being here and thank you for having me along.

– PoetsIN service user


PoetsIN is a vast community of supportive writers and readers with a focus on mental health. Should I ever doubt myself or find myself in a difficult place, I know I can turn to PoetsIN for support, sympathy, or encouragement without judgement. It is truly a community of wonderful people. On other writing sites where you may hesitate to share something for fear of belittling or rude critique, PoetsIN has no place for that. You will find only praise, support, and helpful feedback at PoetsIN. It is an incredible community.

– PoetsIN service user


This is home, somewhere I can sit with my legs crossed on the couch and read and interact with my favourite people. There is no dearth of encouragement and love around this place. My fears have shaped into words and found a tiny space here. I’ve met the most beautiful people and kept in touch with several friends. Thank you poetsIN for being such a great community and the work done by the charity is incredible. So proud to be a little part of this.

– PoetsIN service user


No longer does the razor blade speak for me upon my skin. The pen in hand calls me day and night.

– PoetsIN service user.


For me, learning new techniques and styles of writing has helped me to express my feelings, deal with the unknown, and beat my demons of self-harming.

– PoetsIN service user.


I finally realise that I am worth more than rotting away behind bars.

– PoetsIN service user.


Before all of this, I couldn’t have cared less about a future I never thought I had.

– PoetsIN service user.


“My grammar and spelling has improved so much. I am much better in understanding where and when to use commas and semi-colons.”

– PoetsIN service user.


“My stress is much more easily managed as I now write all of my emotional turmoil down.”

– PoetsIN service user.


“My self-harm has greatly reduced due to this group and I am now on the lowest stage of care with my mental health team.”

– PoetsIN service user.


“I have blossomed within my skill and confidence. Learnt new techniques and variations of styles. Enjoyed some group work which I wasn’t comfortable with at first.”

– PoetsIN service user.


“Some of the poems I have found hard to do. But I have been able to open up and express myself.”

– PoetsIN service user.


“I have found writing therapeutic and it has helped me deal with my PTSD.”

– PoetsIN service user.


Firstly, may I take this opportunity to say a big thank you both for coming into HMP to start the PoetsIN group. And for including me in your group. Wednesday has fast become my most favourite day of the week. I so look forward to receiving the weekly task and I get so much from the feedback the previous task has received. Initially, I was very surprised that people were actually taking the time to comment on my work!

I’ve not only enjoyed my weekly PoetsIN session with you guys, but I’ve discovered a passion, a hobby, and an interest which I want to continue upon my release. My writing has already, and will continue, to help me stay motivated and keep focused and busy as I’ve identified my triggers for using heroin are loneliness and boredom.

– PoetsIN service user.


Great class; the teacher, Sammie, is so understanding and encourages us to write even through depression and the tasks are inventive and inspire me so much. The comments from the public makes it so much more worthwhile. I recommend it muchly.

– PoetsIN service user.


I have been going to PoetsIN and I have found it very moving due to all of the feedback and Sammie’s listening skills. She has been like a second mum or a support worker at times when I have needed support. I am so grateful for the group and the feedback, thank you Sammie.

– PoetsIN service user.


I enjoy the creative writing class. I like hearing the true stories. I like sharing stories with others.

– PoetsIN service user.


I love PoetsIN, it helps me to express myself. Sammie is great, she’s helped me to learn many things about myself. I’m grateful for it.

– PoetsIN service user.


Sammie has been brilliant. She’s always saying the right things to give me hope. The creative writing side of things has really helped me with my mental health. It helps me to express myself in a way that doesn’t get me into trouble. I enjoy talking to everyone as well.

– PoetsIN service user.