Submit your poem now to contribute to the final anthology in the series!

The Hope Collective is exploring how, when, and in what format, poetry could support connection, giving voice to the unspoken and unheard.

Who can submit a poem to Hope Collective 3.0?

There are no age limits. Anyone is welcome to submit a poem, whether you have suffered loss or supported someone who has. There are four categories Silence, Trace, Shadow and Longing. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are not important, it is about connection and sharing. The poem should be around 450 words. Poems should be written by an individual, not a group, and without using AI. Please do not use defamatory or offensive language. If after clicking on the link for the Hope Collective, you do not wish to take part, simply close the form.

Use the following link to submit a poem: https://forms.office.com/e/sg7s3jsN9p.

When is the closing date?

For the third anthology there will be a closing date of 4 June 2026.

Why have we chosen these words for the final anthology in this series?

These words reflect suffering but also act as a goodbye and a beginning. In this way Silence may no longer be a void but a deliberate, peaceful exhale after a long storm following the death of a loved one. Trace may serve as the delicate proof that we or our child was here, the silver lining of a faded memory that refuses to disappear. While Shadow acknowledges the depth of our grief, it may also help to confirm the presence of a light nearby. Finally, Longing may transform unbearable suffering into forward looking hope for what may lie beyond the horizon.

What will happen to my poem?

Following the closing date, a small group will choose the poems to include in the third anthology (book). A member of the team will contact you if your poem has been chosen by the panel to be in the book, with a copy of the book sent once it has been published.

What if I have more questions?

If you have more questions about the Hope Collective, please contact research@swyt.nhs.uk.