Through Read and Weave we are creating a space where adults with a learning disability feel at ease to share poetry. Reading poetry aloud in real-time means that everyone is involved in a shared, live experience. There is no obligation to read or even to say anything, we can each experience the text in our own way. Poetry provides a shared language that can help us to understand ourselves – and others – better.

In order to deliver the Read and Weave project I have become artist in residence at East Kent Mencap’s Herne Bay Hub. This residency has been possible with funding support from The Margate Bookie. The Read and Weave group gives me time to reflect on my relationship with people from East Kent Mencap and will contribute to the direction of future projects that we might develop together.