Warwickshire-based charity calling for budding bards to enter its poetry competition

A Warwickshire-based charity is calling for budding bards to create a poem to bring joy and hope to older people who have been missing their families during lockdown.

The charity Kissing it Better has launched a poetry competition in partnership with Leycester House Care Home.

It is open to schoolchildren of all ages, and entrants will be judged by members of the Leycester House weekly Poetry Club.

“It’s a chance for young people to use their creativity to help inspire older people,” says Caty Oates of Kissing it Better.

“We’re looking for creative ways to convey hope and joy, at a time

when many older people have been feeling isolated and lonely.”

The theme of the competition is “What happiness means to me.” The closing date for entries is Monday March 8, and the results will be announced in time for World Poetry Day on March 21.

The winners will be invited to read their poems on Zoom to residents.

Entries can be sent to via email to: [email protected]. Those who enter should also include their age and the school which they attend.