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• Together Through the Seasons: Stories of Resilience

Together Through the Seasons: Stories of Resilience

An evening of powerful poetry and storytelling that brings our community together to reflect on resilience and connection during the festive season.

Welcome renowned poet, writer, and mental health advocate Hussain Manawer as our headliner. Hussain’s impactful work explores themes of mental health, identity, and social justice. Known for his collaborations with prominent figures like Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry, and as the author of the acclaimed poetry collection Life is Sad and Beautiful, Hussain’s words are sure to inspire and resonate.

Supporting Hussain are talented local artists, including Louise Hill Davis, an established poet with a unique voice in exploring themes of identity and community; Jaidah, a poet from Weston-super-Mare known for her powerful reflections on resilience and personal growth; and Jemma Hathaway from Plymouth, whose recently published book has deeply touched her readers.

This event is an opportunity for young people and the wider community to come together, celebrate the season, and share in stories of strength and unity. Don’t miss this inspiring evening at Loves Café.

Supporting Artists’ bios:

Jaidah:

Originally from South London celebrated star of South West Spoken Word Jaidah, whose extraordinary, thought provoking soulful verse odysseys traverse whole worlds of feeling and shine a light of joy on what it is to be human. In the first year of sharing her work Jaidah Won 3 poetry slams including Rhyme against the tide, Clevedon slam & Litfests Weston Vs Bristol, has featured on BBC Radio & was one of the poets chosen to participate in the future voices project with Apples & Snakes

Jemma Hathaway:

Jemma Hathaway likes to put words next to one another and see if they hit it off. Her poems have been featured on BBC iPlayer and @bbc on Instagram. Jemma is a multiple slam-winner, was the 2020 Hammer & Tongue champion for Bristol and is a Button Poetry Short Form contest winner. She has supported Joelle Taylor, Jasmine Gardosi and Roger McGough, performed at the Royal Albert Hall, WOMAD festival, Bristol Harbour Festival and appeared on Sky Arts Life & Rhymes. She self-published her first poetry pamphlet, January in 2021 and her first full collection, I’ve been looking everywhere for you, was published by Verve Poetry Press in May of this year. Her poems are a sticky dancefloor for the ongoing dance-off between her head and her heart. She hopes you like her moves.

Louise Hill Davis:

Louise Hill Davis is a published storyteller who has worked with the London Poetry Society. Her work explores resilience, identity, and shared human experiences. Louise’s story Gas and Air is featured in Hussain Manawer’s book I Wanted to Quit Too. On this special night, she will share Gas and Air with the audience, offering a poignant and personal perspective as part of the evening’s line-up.