Highlighting creative arts for well-being for World Mental Health Day
The role of poetry and the creative arts as therapy for supporting wellbeing is being highlighted by a senior peer support worker to mark World Mental Health Day.
Rose Smith, who works for Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, has written a powerful collection of poems, recounting her lived experience of mental health.
Rose, an experienced mental health advocate currently working in Specialist Perinatal Services, says her verses serve as therapy for everyone’s wellbeing but especially those receiving care from GMMH.
She says: “I have volunteered in mental health services for around 15 years, following my own journey through mental ill-health which started more than three decades ago, and found that my poetry carries a personal truth which has collective resonance.
“It speaks directly regarding the challenges faced by those with lived experience of mental health issues and their contribution to influencing how support services are delivered.”
As Rose continues her work in perinatal mental health, she hopes her poems, some of which have been co-written with a friend and published in Exchange Magazine — from the national peer support organisation with-you — will spark conversations and inspire change.
She adds: “The aim of my poetry was initially to help me when I felt unwell but has now become words that others can use to help them understand that movement forward is possible and things can change for the better. It is OK to talk about your darkest moments and through this expression, healing can begin.
"How transformative words can be. People often listen to a song or read a poem and think ‘wow, that is talking about me’ or carry the lyrics in their hearts helping them get through a tricky chapter in their life. Words have the power to damage but they also have the amazing capacity to heal.”
Rose says that working as a peer support worker has enabled to her to share parts of her story with service users and help them start their journey to improve their wellbeing.
She also highlights the value of singing, such as karaoke sessions, and music and movement to boost mental health and well-being.
“I’ve really enjoyed holding expressive spaces for service users through the karaoke sessions, for example, and currently I facilitate Singing Mamas sessions in the Mother and Baby Unit where I have received feedback words including “connected and empowered. It has been, and always will be, a privilege to see the magic healing powers of music.”
This World Mental Health Day, we are sharing a range of information that our communities can access to support their mental health and wellbeing. You can find this here: World Mental Health Day 2025 | News and Events | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT
For additional resources to support your health and wellbeing go to Health and Wellbeing | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT .
More information on World Mental Health Day can be found on the Mental Health Foundation website.
If you, like Rose, are interested in volunteering for mental health services, please take a look at our current volunteering opportunities here: Volunteering | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT
Here is a selection of Rose's poetry:
The Promise of Spring
The dark footsteps that follow me today are cold –
And the bright rays of sun will not release me either.
The deathly grip of light holds fast –
As the growing darkness surrounds me.
Void of joy – there is no solace in the birdsong.
As I walk – is the grass not green?
Do the leaves not bud for spring?
All I see are the withered branches of Winter –
The fallen trees of the gale.
There is a birch whose leaves cling to it’s body;
Dead they have clung on all winter –
They refuse to pass from this realm to the next.
How eerie the sound, reminding me that death is ever present.
As loud to me as a ringing bell;
All shiny and prompt –
heralding a new era.
But please spare me the joy of Spring –
I see the crocus leaves, the daffodil leaves.
They spring forth merrily from the ground –
as if to torment me!
Such joy they bring, but such joy I will not feel –
For today I find that hope is lost;
And the promise of hope a masquerade.
For surely it will bloom for only a short while;
Before returning to wait again –
in the slumber of the earth.
Uncertain Times
The times I cried for the mountain to move –
But it stood there strong + proud.
The times I begged for the path not to curve –
But again it took me round.
The days I screamed for the sun to shine –
But it rained and no shelter was found.
But the climb gave me strength,
The journey brought wisdom, and the rain –
it helped me grow.
GUAG
Spring has sprung
But I’m not feeling springy
Or bouncy
Or jolly
Energised
Or zesty
My get up and go
Has got up and gone
But I sit here and wait
It won’t be long…
Til I’m feisty
And mighty
My usual self
Will emerge from within
Giving new birth
To passion
To direction
Empowered
To rebuild
From the shadows of illness
A light rekindled.
In the God's Blues
You may think that I am sad,
that I’m not happy, or not glad.
That I have seats so way up high,
perched aloft where birds may fly.
But I have learned, through many years,
that there are pluses to these tiers.
I’m far less likely not to see,
the steep incline, it works for me!
The noisy music can be alarming,
but from back here is far more charming.
Another note, for those of you,
sat in front row with ‘perfect view’…
You may be able to see up close,
those on stage and get your dose –
of theatre magic in ‘status seats’,
but my needs they do not meet.
I’m reassured that the next day,
my neck won’t crick – I won’t be in pain.
So keep your front row package seats,
enjoy your champers + feel the heat –
up close you are but I can leggit,
much quicker to the toilets, bar and exit!
Dear Cat
I know it is your natural urge,
to hunt and play with prey.
To bring it in my house each time,
your love for me displayed –
With field mice from my garden,
hidden underneath my shed.
Innocent families live,
care free and without dread.
I really do appreciate,
the love you show to me.
But really don’t appreciate,
getting down on my knees –
To steal from you and chase,
the mice all round my rooms.
It’s really hard to catch them,
so fast the creatures zoom!
So please show some kindness,
to your dear old Mother.
Play with them in the garden,
and stop causing me such bother!
