Children’s Laureate Wales inspires the young people of UCAN Productions

Published Tue 21 Nov 2023 - By Literature Wales

At the beginning of November 2023, Children’s Laureate Wales, Alex Wharton, led poetry workshops with members of UCAN Productions, a creative arts charity run by, and for, blind and partially sighted children and young people.

Children’s Laureate Wales is a national ambassadorial role which aims to inspire and empower children and young people across Wales through literature. The laureate is committed to empowering children and young people through creativity and increasing children and young people’s enjoyment of literature.

Award-winning writer and performer of poetry, Alex Wharton, currently holds the role and began his tenure in September 2023. As Children’s Laureate Wales, Alex invites children and young people to explore the magic and playfulness of language and experience how creative expression can enhance how we live, feel, imagine, create, and communicate. He believes that poetry is for everyone and can be created anywhere. Poetry can be a tool to help us understand the world around us and navigate a challenging time, as well as being a means of celebration and laughter. He is also eager to demystify poetry and make it more accessible.

UCAN Productions focuses on empowering visually impaired young people and children across Wales by helping address isolation, developing physical and vocal confidence as well as learning new skills and improving well-being through the arts.

The workshops were held at Sight Life in Cardiff with 16 children and young people. With support from UCAN’s team of staff, Alex worked with members of UCAN Production on exploring and creating poetry, limerick, rap, and song.

Jane Latham, Development Director UCAN Productions said:

“It has been a fantastic opportunity for the young people of UCAN Productions to take part in Alex’s workshops. Everyone absolutely loved the sessions and had great fun creating their own poetry. “

UCAN Productions are The Lord Mayor of Cardiff’s nominated charity for 2023 to 2024. On 19 December 2023, at 7.30 pm, Alex will be making a special appearance as a part of UCAN’s concert at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The evening will be showcasing the extraordinary talents of UCAN’s blind and partially sighted children and young people. Further details can be found on our What’s On Section.

Alex Wharton is busy running workshops and projects with children and young people across Wales as the Children’s Laureate and you can find out more about the project and how you can work with Alex on the Children’s Laureate Wales project page.