Members of Stockport Write Out Loud read at the launch of Stockport council’s Warm Spaces initiative earlier this month in Cheadle. More than 60 people heard Stockport poets Linda Cosgriff, Dorinda McDowell and Andy Millican read poems written for the occasion.

Warm Spaces is a nationwide initiative which aims to provide an emergency response to the cost of living crisis where people, who are struggling financially or with mental health issues, can grab a brew, have a chat, or perhaps take up a new activity in libraries, community centres, churches and coffee shops where they will be warmly welcomed and made comfortable. Most importantly it is free.

Linda, Dorinda and Andy read a number of poems which captured the sense of hope, comfort and positivity envisaged by Warm Spaces. Council member Malcolm Allen was particularly complimentary of the poems which struck a chord with many representatives of the different organisations present including Age UK, Samaritans and leaders of church and community clubs. The networking event that followed led to the poets being invited to read their poetry at subsequent events for connected organisations. 

A journalist from HITs Radio who was present also recorded Andy reciting his Warm Spaces – To Eat or To Heat soliloquy. This video is to feature as part of a wider piece the journalist is putting together on the Warm Spaces theme in the Stockport/Greater Manchester area.

As for Stockport Write Out Loud, this was yet another welcome collaboration with the local council - and adds to their growing reputation for joint events that feature their eclectic bunch of poets.