Odin's Poems
As part of our digital inclusion programme, we are open to all kinds of suggestions of help from the members of the community. Odin has been to quite a few of our sessions, and we have helped him in all kinds of ways to get reconnected. This week I was personally delighted that he brought along some poetry that he has written, to share with us, and asked for our help to digitise.
Editing Poetry
As most of you know, I am a trained English teacher, so a member of the community coming to me asking for some encouragment in their poetry writing was a pleasant surprise that I was thrilled to support. Most people need the reasurance of someone checking their work before making it public, but I only made a few tweaks. With Odin's permission I read the poems to the group. He was absolutely delighted, and then asked if we could digitise them for him.
Odin's Poems
There are two that he wanted us to publish - 'Freddie and Alex' about his encounter in hospital with ex-soldiers with what was then called shell-shock, and is now called PTSD. Plus, 'The Dog in the Forest' about the connection between humans, nature and dogs, Please take a read and enjoy Odin's poems! Hopefully, there will be more to follow.
As an extra surprise, Sophie has added borders to the poems, and we are going to frame them for his as a special memento of the sessions.
Come Along
If you would like our help with anything digital, our sessions run every Tuesday morning, 10-12. There is tea, toast and biscuits, and a very warm welcome. Bring along anything you need to support you digitally, pop in for a chat, or bring along your poetry for us to celebrate and admire.
Youth Social Action / August 29th, 2025
Celebrating Stanley / August 29th, 2025
Libby's Celebration of Stanley
Libby tells us all about how she feels about the town of Stanley, and how it could be improved for young people.
Youth Social Action / August 14th, 2023
A Greener Future for Stanley
Gardening is one of the best activities to support health and wellbeing, and the love and dedication our Year 9 Eco Ambassadors have shown for their North Durham Academy Community Wellbeing Garden is a classic example of this.
Aspirations and Future Planning / October 17th, 2024
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / October 17th, 2024
'Inclusion - How to Include without Excluding' A talk for the Digital Leaders online Conference
A talk by Christine Thomas with thoughts about how to empower individuals, particularly those with SEND, and within the context of her experiences as a teacher and manager of English in secondary schools.