What was it?
A creative writing project in partnership with the Teenspirit group from Body & Soul. Body & Soul is a charity supporting children, teenagers and families living with or closely affected by HIV.
We approached Body & Soul and created a partnership with them to run a series of creative writing workshops with the Teenspirit group.
Why did we do it?
- People living with HIV or affected by HIV experience stigma, abuse and prejudice like many other disabled people.
- HIV and the arts created by HIV+ people is not visible in Disability and Deaf arts – why not?
- We wanted to read and hear the exciting creations from the group.
- We wanted their work to benefit them individually and as a group. We also wanted the voices of teenagers infected or affected by HIV to be heard.
- Our delight in this project was because we were working with teenagers. Projects are often focussed on adults and children, rarely teenagers.
- This project was part of our service level agreement with the London Borough of Islington.
What was the end result?
- A successful series of workshops led by disabled writer and poetry editor of Chroma – Saradha Soobrayen.
- Teen participants created a range of interesting works of creative writing.
Body & Soul Teen Spirit group.