You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
As part of a new writer in residence initiative instigated by New Writing North and Newcastle Hospitals Charity, author Laura Lindow will support staff from The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to share their experiences, providing them with creative writing skills and editorial support. Lindow will then edit a book showcasing the contributions.
New Writing North will launch the collection as part of the NHS 75th anniversary celebrations at an event in 2024 that will feature readings from contributors.
The Writer in Residency programme aims to offer NHS employees new opportunities to express themselves and to strengthen bonds with other colleagues across the hospital trust.
Staff will be supported and encouraged to choose what they want to write about, in any form. Some of the work will also form part of “NHS Staff Stories”, a national NHS initiative artistically directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, artistic director of the Young Vic Theatre.
Participants will be able to engage at whatever level suits them – attending anything from informal drop-in sessions to taster workshops to interviews or working with Lindow to develop complete writing projects. Lindow will also generate her own piece of work, as part of her residency.
Lindow said: “This residency creates a space for staff to tell their stories. To write. To explore. To learn. Whether with a pen on a page, a script and a screen, or just in conversation. Of worlds behind hospital walls or far beyond. Everyone has stories. And I can’t wait to support their telling.
“The NHS hasn’t just touched my life: it’s improved, extended, and at points rescued mine and those I love. The power of the organisation is made from the incredible work of its exceptional people, and I feel immensely proud and privileged to be in this exciting new role that can hopefully give something back.”
Anna Disley, New Writing North’s executive director for programme and impact, said: “We’re delighted to have Laura’s help in identifying hidden talent in our health services. We hope to support staff to write for pleasure and their own wellbeing, as well as to identify the next Adam Kay! Together, they will literally help to pen a new chapter in the story of our NHS – and all that it has been through in the last 75 years.”
Katie Hickman, Newcastle Hospitals Charity arts programme manager, said: “Through our Newcastle Hospitals Charity Arts Programme, we are looking forward to working in partnership with New Writing North, and our new Writer in Residence, Laura Lindow. This exciting collaboration aims to centre Trust staff and their stories, to make visible their experiences, and bring their creativity to light.
“We can’t wait to get started and encourage all Trust staff to get involved, whether that be through writing workshops, email submissions, or drop-in taster sessions. Creative writing is proven to help our wellbeing, recognise thoughts and feelings that we might find difficult to explain, and the best thing about it… there are no rules!”