WRITE Where We Are NOW presents new poems inspired by the current crisis

The WRITE Where We Are NOW project offers new poems inspired by the events of recent weeks by leading poets including Carol Ann Duffy, Imtiaz Dharker, Gillian Clarke, Jackie Kay, Raymond Antrobus, Andrew McMillan, Roger McGough and Ian McMillan as well as many other established, new and emerging poets.

'I hope that these poems will provide an opportunity for reflection and inspiration in these challenging times, as well as creating a living record of what is happening as seen through our poets’ eyes and ears, in their gardens or garrets,' said former Poet Laureate Carol Ann, who is creative director of Manchester Writing School. 'We need the voice of poetry in times of change and world-grief. A poem only seeks to add to the world and now seems the time to give.'

'The cliche, perhaps, of poets is that they’re always isolated, scribbling away in solitude,' said Andrew McMillan, who is senior lecturer in creative writing at Mancester Metropolitan University where Manchester Writing School is based. 'This isn’t true. Poetry is intrinsically linked to the places around us, to the accents we speak with, to the experiences of our everyday. It’s true that poets are generally used to being alone with our own thoughts, and so maybe we can use that to reach out to people and to encourage them to record this moment of history in their own unique words.'

For more details, and to read the poems, see the website.

Enjoy writing advice and inspiration every month when you subscribe to our bestselling monthly magazine and receive your first 3 issues for just £3. Claim this offer here