Worcestershire Hospitals announce first ever ‘‘Poet in Residence’

Worcestershire’s current Poet Laureate, Ade Couper, was announced for the role at the Trust’s board meeting in December.

Ade’s role will be to explore how poetry can provide comfort and enhance wellbeing and healing for patients. 

Worcestershire’s Poet Laureate, Ade Cooper.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be given the honour and privilege of being the first Poet in Residence for the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

“Poetry is a great way for people to articulate their feelings and emotions and as a disabled person myself, I can attest to how powerful words can be in acceptance and in healing.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the Trust, to use poetry creatively, and to hopefully prompt patients, carers, staff and volunteers to maybe even try writing themselves.

“We are all poets, it's just that some of us write them down."

The Trust is exploring the idea of encouraging anyone with a connection with the Trust to submit their poems which can be showcased on hospital wards, as well as running some live events to mark any events such as Carers' Week and Volunteers' Week.

Anna Sterckx, head of patient experience and engagement at the Trust said: “We are always keen to find new and creative ways to engage with our local community and we are delighted that Ade has said yes to become our first ever Poet in Residence. 

“Ade has worked with our Trust voluntarily in the past, developing poetry slams at Christmas and sharing reflections to support awareness for Carers’ Rights Day.

"Now we are formalising that partnership to explore how we can raise awareness of issues and enhance the patient, carer and family experience when coming into our hospitals.

“We aim to enhance the hospital environment through our developing focus on poetry to provide comfort and enhance wellbeing and healing.”

For additional information on how to get involved in poetry projects, you can contact Anna Sterckx here.