Finding a Kindred Spirit in ‘The Emergency Poet’

I've been inspired enormously by Deborah Alma aka #theemergencypoet, now a founder member of @poetry_pharmacy_ which spreads the healing power of poetry.

Deborah bought herself an old ambulance and set herself up to invite people into the back of her ambulance, lie on the couch and tell a little bit about themselves. Deborah would listen, take notes then 'prescribe' a poem.

Perfect. Inventive, fun, inviting, and inspiring all at once.

Perhaps you might remember my vintage caravan I bought some years ago? We set up on a couple of beaches here in Suffolk and invited people to draw with us, lending out drawing materials and boards so people could draw on the beach.

We called them our 'Social Drawing Pop-ups'. I loved them and we reached alot of people (photo behind the drawings)

We don't have our caravan anymore, we loved her but she was quite hard work and definately a two person job each time, I loved her though and miss her of course.

Introduced to Deborah's work via a (brilliant) coaching session with wonderful @jane_willis_bristol yesterday, I have spent a happy time reading all about Jane's work and her inspiration, which has grown into a movement.

The thing that strikes me, is that none of this just happens.
It begins with an idea and the bravery (and gumption) to take it out on the road and make it happen - reaching other humans who may have not read poetry - (or in our case, drawn) anything for years.

I am now hoping for two things.

1. That a suitable something set of wheels comes my way that we can get back out on the road for more 'Social Drawing Pop-ups'

2. That the inspiration to do these events ALWAYS stays with me. It's easy for doubt to creep in, Deborah is a proper inspiration, and I'm so happy that Jane told me about her and her fellow poets.

Much love,
Sam x