Joe shared his poetry with tide in summer of 2020. This video was shared and eventually led to Joe enrolling on a creative writing course at Goldsmiths. Hear from Joe below about his journey pursuing creative writing as an outlet and how it all started with sharing his story.

Listen to Joe read his poetry here

 

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Many years ago I used to enjoy writing but at that time my caring role had to take first place. I’m very proud I cared for my loved ones although it was stressful and isolating. My caring role came to an end after many years. Because of bereavement and the big change in my life I didn’t handle it well, I couldn’t open up and didn’t say much for twelve months. However, through the help of Carers services I began to get my focus back. Using my experience I became a volunteer which helps me very much. For some time I had thought about starting to write again but was always on the back burner Tide gave me so much encouragement to pursue this. Last year while on a zoom call I had the pleasure of meeting two ladies from Goldsmiths university in London in which they gave me a place on there online creative writing course. I’ve always believed to write well you have to open up. This has helped me open up personally which is a great help to me and to share my experiences. This is important for Carers to be honest and keep talking and be open. Caring is important but please look after yourself and accept support in order to be your best. I’m so thankful to tide in there continued encouragement and that little push in the right direction…