Writing Competition – ‘Finding my calm during Covid’ – is now open

 

The Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched its 2021 writing competition on the theme of ‘Finding my calm during Covid’.

 

They are asking service users, carers, Trust members and staff, stakeholders, partner organisations and volunteers to share their experiences of how they have coped during the COVID-19 pandemic and help challenge health stigmas.

 

The last year has been challenging for us all. We have been living with COVID-19 and have experienced three lockdowns. Many of us have put coping mechanisms in place to deal with these stressful times.

 

Challenge stigma, celebrate equality

 

The Trust is keen to share your experiences of how you coped through the pandemic and celebrate your achievements. Prizes of book vouchers will be awarded to the winning writers.

 

The Trust and its Council of Governors hope that this competition will challenge the stigma around mental ill health, substance misuse, learning disabilities and wider services provided by the Trust, and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion by giving entrants the opportunity to explore these topics.

 

How to enter

 

You can write a poem, short story, letter, diary entry or blog post (maximum 500 words). The closing date for entries is midnight on Friday 2 July.

 

Entries will be in two age categories – up to 18 years old, and 18 and over. Entries from people under 18 must be signed by a parent or guardian. Your entry can be typed or handwritten, but must be clear and legible. 

 

They encourage entrants to submit their writing via email to dhcft.membership@nhs.net. Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form. Entries cannot be returned, so please make a copy of your entry before you submit.

 

Announcing the winners

 

Winning entries will be announced at the Trust’s Annual Members’ Meeting, which will be held virtually on 9 September 2021. Prizes will be posted after the meeting. Shortlisted entries will be featured on the Trust’s website, in Trust publications and in a booklet produced in-house.

 

To find out more…

 

If you would like to find out more about the competition or request an entry form and guidance, please email dhcft.membership@nhs.net or call 01332 623723.  You can download the entry form using this link.

 

Writing competition 2021 poster.pdf (462 KB)

 

Writing Competition entry form with guidance.doc (224 KB)