How two students are bringing poetry to patients
Listening to the hospital radio is one small way for patients to escape the noise of a hospital ward. As part of the NUH Arts Programme, we were delighted to support University of Nottingham students Heidi and Becca, who provided a different type of show for patients to listen to.
Becca and Heidi used what they had learnt during their studies to provide special poetry reading episodes for patients listening to the radio.
Becca explained: “We’re both studying Creative Writing at university and saw an email for a poetry placement. One of my friends recommended it to me, and thought I’d be perfect for it, so I decided to apply. I love everything poetry, so I knew that it would be a great way to bring my passion to the wider public.”
“It was a similar process for me as well,” Heidi added, “I think knowing that I would be making a difference to people listening in the hospital was the most important part for me. That was what originally drew me to the position. Knowing that I could be making a difference to patients listening in hospital, especially those who are staying in for a long time, and allowing them the chance to indulge in something creative during their stay.”
“I think that’s why poetry is so important,” Becca said. “It connects people, over centuries and distance, and to think that it can help connect people in a space where they are focused on healing and making each other feel better, that’s beautiful to think about. It helps poetry feel more enjoyable than it already is.”
“I’ve really enjoyed doing this together,” Heidi added. “We met up weekly in a café to discuss what we will talk about that week and what patients and listeners might want to hear.
“We’re so grateful for the continued support of the Arts Coordinators and the team at the Nottingham Hospitals Radio, who have all supported us throughout. It’s set me on a path and I’m going to see where the wind takes me from here, but knowing I’ve made a difference to those listening is something I’ll remember forever.”
Projects like these may seem small, but they make a big difference to patients, visitors and staff across Nottingham’s NHS hospitals. Your donations help us deliver the NUH Arts Programme, which is funded solely through charitable donations. If you want to help support this programme, please donate below.