Join poet Laila Sumpton to explore Alan Gignoux’s photography exhibition here in Stratford Library “You can see me, but I don’t exist” and write new poems for Refugee Week. We will read poems and letters by writers supported by Jesuit Refugee Services and learn what it is like to live in limbo whilst seeking sanctuary. Through writing exercises and poetry tips you will create new work, which can be entered into the exhibition online anthology.

The project and exhibition are sponsored by a National Lottery Project Grant awarded by Arts Council England.

About the contributors:

Laila Sumpton is a London based poet, educator and performer working with schools, museums, libraries, universities and charities on a wide variety of poetry projects. Her work has been published in numerous anthologies and publications and she has been commissioned byTate Modern, the Tower of London and the Royal Free Hospital amongst others. Laila believes we all have important stories to tell and loves making spaces where learners of all ages can do this.

Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) accompanies refugees and forced migrants, our brothers and sisters, serving them as companions and advocating their cause in an uncaring world. The JRS Writing Group is made up of those currently seeking sanctuary in the UK and they have been working with poet and facilitator Laila Sumpton for the last three years to develop their writing skills, create poetry shows, a publication and now contribute to a national exhibition.

The workshop is free but please use the Eventbrite link to reserve your place.