Our health matters
by Chetna Patel

The Introduction to Community Development and Health Course has been running successfully over the last six years with over 45 local people trained on the course. Many have used their course experiences subsequently, for example becoming paid trainers themselves, gaining voluntary or paid work, or getting involved in organising and developing very successful women’s health days which have been featured in the Messenger many times.

The group participants produced excellent creative writing during the course, which has led to a collection of their poems being printed. Below is a sample of their good work…

My health matters
My family’s health matters
My community’s health matters

My power is ok, sufficient unto the day
My family’s power reaches around like a tree’s branches
My community’s power is rising, is feeling its way

My powerlessness is only human
My family’s powerlessness is lessened when shared
My community’s powerlessness is not something that should be kept quiet

My strengths are in keeping going
My family’s strengths are love and intelligence
My community’s strengths are humour and self-respect

Can’t see the sea but can feel its tides
Taking me for a ride each day
Until a beach is near, the roar
Is heard but the tide’s turning power
Matters more, is more imprinted
Than is safe to know

by Alan Robinson

Participants in previous courses have found it useful as illustrated by the following course evaluation comments:

“Everybody got something out of the course and developed ideas for what to do in the future.”

“The course has helped me to overcome my shyness, given me lots of confidence and a sense of achievement.”

“The course has enhanced my creative writing skills and developed hidden skills like acting!”

The launch of this poetry book will take place on Tuesday 9th September 12.30–2.30pm at Forum House. Come and meet previous course members and talk to them about their experiences on the course and find out if the course is for you! Lunch will be provided.

For more details about the course check out the flier enclosed in this month’s Messenger. For further information or details contact Chetna Patel on 271 6978.