Organised by London-based independent artist Ra’eesah Kai, the Self Expression Sessions were a series of spoken word workshops set up to allow people to share their feelings in a safe environment surrounded by other creative people.

Volunteer facilitators of various ages, backgrounds and experience, all with a passion for spoken word, designed the workshops, which took place every two weeks. Participants created poems and songs, both individually and collectively, and facilitators added new things to the mix such as incorporating movement and acting techniques.

“This project allowed creative development of the volunteer facilitators, some of whom were facilitating for the first time, as they had to think outside the box to teach a straightforward art form in a unique way.

The workshops brought a diverse (in every demographic) range of people together and created a sense of community whilst improving their writing and performing skills, allowing them to feel more confident with sharing their work.” Ra'eesah Kai