Ceartas ‘I am…’ Book Launch

Ceartas are delighted to announce the publication of “I Am…” an anthology of the work created by some of the individuals who use our services.

Ceartas provide independent advocacy to people over the age of 16 living in East Dunbartonshire. Thanks to generous funding from Big Lottery Scotland, Investing in Ideas, we were able to employ a Writer in Residence to facilitate an 8 week programme for people who have used the services of Ceartas.

Many individuals who seek advocacy only do so when all other routes have been exhausted. Many feel disempowered, voiceless and personally deconstructed. Using your voice and telling your story is the antithesis to being recognised only by a label.

Independent advocacy is about ensuring individuals have a voice and what better way to assist that process than using creative writing as a means of providing an outlet for that voice. There are so many labels attached and assumptions made about people living with long term conditions;  many face stigma and discrimination as part of their daily lives; they are often denied a voice or lack the confidence to use their voice and speak up for themselves.

Writer in Residence, Donna Moore from Glasgow Women’s Library, worked with the group over a period of eight weeks to create a portfolio of participant’s work to include in the anthology.

The highly anticipated ‘I Am…’ publication featuring stories from those on the course will be released over two days this February at; the Glasgow Women’s Library on Thursday 15^th February, 2.30pm and the William Patrick Library in Kirkintilloch on Wednesday 21^st February, 6.30pm

Creative Writing fits perfectly into the work that Ceartas does: it’s about assisting individuals to express themselves in a manner that does not focus solely on their literacy skills; it is about demonstrating to others the impact that having advocacy support can have on individual circumstances; it is about coming together to learn new skills, reduce isolation and to evidence their effective skills in communication no matter what level of literacy skills they have.”

                                                                                                                Sharon Bairden, Services Manager

All are welcome at both events but please let us know if you intend on joining us and can do so by contacting 0141 775 0433 or info@ceartas.org.uk