Wolverhampton Literature Festivals

“Tell me about the Literature Festival. How did you feel in that environment, that space? 

…I actually felt normal. I didn’t feel like a drug addict. I felt accepted. I felt included. I didn’t feel judged, just felt like someone else trying to express themselves, and it was great because it gave me ways, loads of ways…learning to be around people in that setting, you have to be around people and learning to talk to random strangers about your art. You’ve taught me all of that, so it’s not just how to paint, but how to focus, find a different way”  

(Catherine, SUIT client, now volunteer; heroin & crack user for 22 years). 

Our ‘Voices of Recovery’ project that was initiated by volunteer Christiane, has gone from strength to strength. What began as a University of Wolverhampton research project has now become part of the bedrock that makes SUIT what it is today. Allowing our clients the opportunity to express themselves through art whilst also providing a space for clients to share experiences of their individual recovery paths so far” (Marcus Johnson, Project Manager).  

“I was approached by a poet friend, who suggested that I get together some clients, and take part in the Wolverhampton Literature Festival. This was November 2022, and the Lit Fest was happening in February. Many of my clients had never painted or produced written work before, but they wanted to learn, and felt honoured to be part of the event. We moved quickly, and I taught my group to paint, delivering workshops surrounding colour, shade, and perspective, and exploring ways to express our experiences of addiction and recovery. The exhibition is on permanent display in the SUIT office and is a working progress” (Christiane). 

SUIT have exhibited at Wolverhampton’s prestigious Literature Festival for the last two years, celebrating clients’ and volunteers’ art and spoken word. 

ANNOUNCEMENT

Join SUIT & Peter Chand, The Indian Storyteller, for “Forest Face” at the Wolverhampton Literature Festival 2025.

SUIT have been working with Peter Chand Storyteller and composer & editor PKC the First, to produce 5 short documentaries that record the lived experiences of SUIT clients & volunteers. The films have been co-designed by the SUIT cohort and describe the journey of addiction, recovery, and mental health, as navigating through a deep, dark forest.

The films will be premiered at the Literature Festival 2025, including workshops and a panel discussion, and will eventually be used as a creative resource for other clients in recovery, treatment services, agencies and staff to draw upon.

The “Forest Face” has been kindly funded by Wolverhampton City Council’s Public Health.

Date: 30th January 2025

Time: 11:00 – 16:00

Location: Wolverhampton Art

Gallery