In October 2021 Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held a spoken word event as part of Black History Month, focusing on stories of suicide prevention and hope. The small group event felt very special; a space where everyone connected on a human level. Some people had never shared their poetry with others. Some had never written or read poetry before. All connected around open, honest and supportive conversation.

At the end of the event there was a real desire to continue the conversation through further spoken word events and possibly more; including other forms of creative expression such as art or photography.

During 2022 we held a regular '(Un)spoken word' space for people to come and read or write poetry, or simply listen. We chose the name (Un)spoken word because talking about mental health, wellbeing and life can often be difficult and remain unspoken.

At the end of the series of sessions we didn't want the words that were shared to only stay within the four walls, hearts and minds of those who took part. We wanted the unspoken words to be spoken out loud for all to hear, so we have created a collection of some of the poetry people shared with us during this time.

If you would like a glimpse inside the hearts and minds of our Black Country folk please get in touch: bchft.communications@nhs.net.

There is no cost to receive a copy however we welcome donations to our (Un)spoken Word charity campaign, that will enable us to fund more creative activities with service users, patients, carers, families, staff and the communities we serve.