Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is inviting people across the Black Country to come together on World Suicide Prevention Day for a special poetry and spoken word event.
Taking place on 10 September, 12-3pm at The Hub at Wolverhampton Train Station, the event will bring together performers, storytellers and community voices to share poetry, reflections and personal experiences inspired by the theme, "The things we don't say".
We all have things that go unspoken - worries, fears, memories, struggles or even words of hope that we never quite find the right moment to share. Through poetry and spoken word, the event aims to create a welcoming space for people to reflect and feel connected to others.
Held on World Suicide Prevention Day, the event also supports this year’s international theme of changing the narrative on suicide. Its focus on the things we do not always say reflects the need for more open, compassionate conversations that help reduce stigma and bring people closer to support.
David Stocks, Strategic Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We all have things we don't say. Sometimes it's because we don't have the words. Sometimes it's because we don't want to worry other people. And sometimes it's because we think nobody else will understand."
"This event is about creating space for those conversations. Through poetry and storytelling, people can explore difficult experiences, but also the things that help us keep going, whether that's friendship, family, community, kindness or simply knowing someone is there to listen."
The event will feature performances from local poets and contributors who will share their own interpretations of hope. Some stories may be uplifting, others reflective, but all will encourage audiences to think about the connections that bring people together and the role we can all play in supporting one another.
(Un)spoken Word is a regular open and welcoming poetry group created by the Trust to give people space to share, listen and reflect on mental health, wellbeing and life through spoken word. This event is a special World Suicide Prevention Day gathering, using the familiar format of the group to explore hope and encourage more open conversations about suicide prevention.
Black Country Healthcare hopes the event will spark conversations that continue long after World Suicide Prevention Day. Across the Black Country, partners are working together to encourage more openness around mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention, helping to build a culture where people feel able to seek support and look out for one another.
David added: "(Un)spoken word is a place not just of words, but of like-minded people who come together using poetry as a tool to heal and share experiences in a supportive environment.
"It leaves a warm feeling inside, a feeling that is special to (Un)spoken Word, an inclusive feeling of being part of something where barriers are replaced by empathy, care and hope. I wish we could bottle it, for it contains the essential ingredients for wellbeing and recovery. A tonic for the mind."
Everyone is welcome to attend, whether they enjoy writing, performing, listening to poetry, or are simply curious. You do not need to be a poet to take part. People are welcome to come along, listen, reflect and be part of a shared event about hope, connection and looking out for one another.
The event is also part of Wellbeing Week held at The Hub, which is run by Rethink Mental Illness. Wellbeing Week is a partnership working event in which different services and community groups come together, to work side by side to create a week-long drop-in event. Wellbeing Week will offer holistic support, information and signposting, activities, expression and, most importantly, hope.
Kirsten Rose, Service Manager at Rethink Mental Illness, said: "We are delighted, as always, to have this event as part of Wellbeing Week and grateful for the inclusive and safe space that the (Un)spoken Word poetry always provides. This event creates a safe space for expression, acceptance and sociability.
"We are thrilled to have so many wonderful and life-saving services and groups join us for Wellbeing Week and hope that the week is well-attended, in order for us all to support those who need it and empower people to manage and maintain their wellbeing, using person-centred and holistic approaches."
By bringing people together through creativity, (Un)spoken Word aims to shine a light on the power of hope and help make conversations about mental health feel just a little easier.
The (Un)spoken Word poetry group welcomes all. Find out more at blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk.
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