Poets and photographers across the Black Country are invited to spread some hope this spring through a new creative competition.

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched the ‘Give the gift of hope’ competition this month to celebrate brighter days coming with spring and summer approaching.

Anyone is welcome to submit a poem or photo inspired by the theme of hope, from Trust staff and patients to the public.

The competition has two categories, one for photography and another for poetry, and a £50 gift card is up for grabs for the winner of each category.

The winning entries will be chosen by a panel of Trust staff and people with a lived experience of being supported by the Trust’s services.

David Stocks is a suicide prevention community inclusion worker at the Trust, who is also a talented poet and photographer. He has experienced first-hand the power of hope and creativity to aid mental wellbeing.

David said: “Hope, is what has got me through some of my darkest days. Photography and poetry have provided me with a creative outlet and given me a focus. This competition is about combining creativity with hope and sharing that most important of all messages.”

Entries should be emailed to kate.pritchard3@nhs.net by midnight on Tuesday 30 April, along with the full name of the entrant and preferred contact details.

For more information on the competition, visit: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/get-involved/creative-corner