NHS Charities Together are elated to announce the launch of ‘These Are the Hands – Poems from the Heart of the NHS’ in March 2020.
These poems give a unique insight into the real experiences of the people at the heart of the NHS, caring for us from the moment of birth to the end of life.
In crystallising the most beautiful and painful moments of being human, they speak directly to us all.
“A wonderful anthology to celebrate the NHS, which itself is the greatest poem a country has ever written.” Stephen Fry
“A wonderful collection. It is utterly humbling to experience our world of healthcare through the eyes and ears of poet-practitioners. Some are exhausted and others exhilarated; some reflect the very edges of life… I particularly relish the including of poems from clerical, housekeeping and other oft-unsung colleagues who keep the show on the road every day and night…This is a five-senses celebration of our workforce, our ideals and our sense of pride in being people who provide a health service for the very people we come from. Of us, by us and for us: our NHS.” Kathryn Mannix
The anthology also includes poems donated by Michael Rosen, Roger McGough, Lemn Sissay, Sabrina Mahfouz, Kate Clanchy, Sam Guglani, Charly Cox, Mollu Case, Wendy Cope and the estates of UA Fanthorpe, Danny Abse and Julia Darling.
All proceeds will generously go to NHS Charities Together to further support our 144 official NHS Charities raising money for NHS Hospitals, ambulance services, community and mental health services across the UK.
With a forward by Michael Rosen and edited by Deborah Alma and Dr Katie Amiel, this anthology is getting mass endorsement in the celebrity world and will be published in time for World Poetry Day on 21st March 2020. Many thanks to all poets who have donated their work and to Nadia Kingsley at Fairacre Press.
“The very heart of who we are and what we are here for: An exciting and wonderful book.” Michael Rosen
“Every ward and waiting room should have a copy.” Simon Armitage
“Beautiful, heartfelt, intimate.” Adam Kay
