We are full of worlds that can't be contained by a pill
MAD Poetry is an initiative that originated in the Illawarra. The key focus of the project is on creating a safe writing space for emerging voices with a lived/living experience of mental health issues to express how they see the world, where these poets can define themselves through their creativity not their diagnosis, and explore by pen and page their experience of illness, institutions, recovery, self-care, and beyond.
MAD Poetry returns in October 2023 to deliver a national free online workshop series in partnership with Wellways Australia plus digital republications of select pieces from the first lived experience mental health anthology Admissions
Commissioned Poems
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The Hon. Crazie Ship
By Heidi EverettMay I have your attention please.
Doors will be shut in ten seconds.
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As themselves (believed and seen)
By Pascalle Burton, Wendy Burtonand so, people underestimate you?
yes.
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The Countdown
By Ethan BellI know it ain’t supposed to be. But I hurt the ones who get close to me
I ask that you pity not this deflated soul.
For when this lonely world has taken its toll -
Project poets
MAD Poetry Workshops
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MAD Poetry Workshop: National (online)
Tuesday 03rd October 2023
Until Tuesday 31st October 2023
Workshop poets
The aim of this project is to share lived experiences of mental health via poetry. Therefore, some of the workshop content may potentially trigger some readers. If you require mental health support or assistance, you can call the Wellways Helpline plus a list of free confidential 24/7 support lines can be found here. You are not alone in your journey.
MAD Poetry artwork by Rachel Wenona Guy.
