Poetry Privy project engages foster families and children in care

Young people in care bring new meaning to Tehidy.

Poets Megan Chapman, AKA MCMC Spoken, and Mac Dunlop, have been working with children in care to explore connection with nature and the idea of privacy as she develops the poetry privy creative and wellness project around an unassuming old toilet house at Tehidy Country Park.

On 12th and 14th of August young people in care in Cornwall were invited to contribute to the Poetry Privy initiative, led by Megan Chapman at Tehidy Country Park. They listened to poetry prepared by the poet and explored the site before coming up with their own words, drawings and poems which will contribute to the reimagining of the inside of the privy block.

The group was supported by Carefree, and feedback from the participants explained how many of them used the experience of exploring nature to increase mindfulness, connection with the present and focus on a creative activity.

The young people engaged said it was nice to be in nature for a change, not stuck indoors and that they enjoyed having laughs and hanging out together.

the poetry privy will be created and open to visitors later this year, along with a book of poetry created by Megan.

Cornwall council would like to thank all of the young people and families involved in bringing life and meaning to the initiative.

Creafree group at Tehidy for poetry Privy session, August 2024