#Chances4Children: Sheffield care-experienced teenagers publish poetry book

The Can in Can’t which launches tomorrow (12 November) includes more than 90 poems from the city’s Children in Care Council.

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The teenagers, aged 13 to 18, have worked with author and Sheffield writer in residence Nik Perring, rapper and facilitator Dominic Heslop and Vicky Morris from youth centre The Hive to produce the book during the Covid-19 pandemic.

An extract from the book:

Listen up, listen up,

We are who we are, don’t try and change us into perfect people

I am not afraid of who I am

I am not afraid of your judgement

I am as clever as everyone else

I am not distraction in class I am a learner with aspirations and goals

I will break the mould my family couldn’t

I am love

I am dreams

I am hope

I am not your stereotype

The group, who have all experienced the care system, met online with Nik, Dominic and Vicky every week during the first national lockdown to help them write the book. 

It will launch this week at a black tie event on Zoom while a copy of the book will be sent to every Sheffield looked-after child and care leaver.

The poems will be displayed on the shop fronts in Sheffield City Centre.

Joe, aged 16, who took part in the project, said: “I have absolutely loved this project. 

“When we started out I didn’t think I would be able to write anything. Now I am a published author, have spoken on the radio, made a podcast and also delivered a writing workshop last week with other looked-after young people. I’ve loved it. I feel more confident and am definitely going to keep writing and spread the magic.”

Councillor Jackie Drayton, cabinet member for children and families at Sheffield City Council, said: “I love these poems, they are wonderful - they moved me, made me smile, made me think and brought a tear to my eye. They also provide a real insight into what it feels like to be a child or young person in care.

“Congratulations and well done to all our children and young people involved in this great achievement - they are all stars.”

Alongside the book the young people have also created a podcast for Sheffield’s literature, media and art festival, Off The Shelf.