Launch of Mid West addiction poetry anthology

 

Mid West Regional Drugs & Alcohol Forum (MWRDAF), in association with the Limerick Writers’ Centre’s community publishing iniative will launch an anthology of poetry called 'Voices from the Cave - an anthology of poems about addiction and recovery', in Shannon Rowing Club, Limerick on Wednesday May 17th at 7.30pm.

 

The anthology grew out grew of their recent Drugs & Alcohol Awareness week, which ran last November. The anthology focuses on the increasing awareness about drugs and alcohol related issues. Many of the contributions to the book were made by those in recovery themselves or were submitted by their family and friends.

It also includes people affected by mental health problems and the families of those who died by suicide. There is a limited print run of 500 copies and they will be available free at the launch. It will be officially launched by John Carr (Chairperson of the NDS Steering Group). A selection of contributors to the anthology will also read their work on the night.

Ron Carey, one of the co-editors of the anthology, said: “We were staggered by the amount of hurt and bewilderment, desperation and darkness in the poems received. But there was also hope and forgiveness everywhere and it made an indelible mark on us”.

 

Gearoid Prendergast, Co-ordinator of the MWRDAF commented: “One of the aims of our recent Awareness Week was to challenge society to identify and explore alternative social outlets for young people, families and communities which are less likely to involve alcohol or drug consumption. Through poetic expression we believe that we have found such an outlet. The response to the celebratory night in the Belltable, which ended our Awareness Week, left us in no doubt that embracing culture and the arts is an innovative way to increase health and wellbeing among those affected by drug and alcohol misuse.'

 

Michael Lacey, Chairperson of the MWRDAF stated: “We are delighted that the strategy of embracing a community focused approach to raise awareness of the complex issues surrounding drug and alcohol misuse has resulted in the publication of this anthology of poems. On behalf of the Forum I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who made it possible, including the Department of Health, the HSE and the Limerick Writers’ Centre.'

 

The Mid West Regional Drugs & Alcohol Forum (formerly Task Force), was established under the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008, and continues under the Interim Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 to research, develop, implement and monitor a co-ordinated response to substance misuse related issues in the Mid West (counties Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary & Limerick City), based on evidence of what is effective.

 

The Limerick Writers’ Centre is a non-profit voluntary run organisation established since 2008. The aim of the Centre is to provide an inclusive environment for those wishing to express themselves through writing from the serious career minded to people who write for pleasure, healing, personal growth, insight or just to inform. Through their community publishing initiative they have published over fifty books covering a broad range of writing including poetry, history, memoir and general prose.

 

All are welcome to attend and refreshments will be served with music by The Mysterious Mr Valentine.