Bringing Voices Together: Poetry and Song as Healing Tools

During Clackmannanshire's Remembering Together project, poetry and song emerged as two of the most powerful tools for emotional expression and collective healing. Throughout the pandemic, people faced moments of isolation, loss, and uncertainty. Our initiative provided an opportunity for individuals to explore these emotions in creative and cathartic ways, transforming grief into resilience through art.

Image from workshop

The Role of Poetry
Poetry became a unique way for community members to give voice to their innermost thoughts, feelings, and reflections on the pandemic. By using the written word, individuals shared not only personal losses but also collective grief, which allowed others to connect to their stories. The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to distil emotions into a few powerful lines, creating a safe space for vulnerability and reflection. One participant expressed it beautifully: "Writing my poem was like a release, a way to say what I couldn’t share with anyone else."

The project encouraged participants to create poetry that reflected their Covid journeys—some poems spoke of loss, some of the uncertainty of isolation, while others highlighted the strength and resilience people found in their communities. The process encouraged participants to feel heard and validated, providing emotional healing and connection through shared experiences.

The Healing Power of Song
Alongside poetry, music played a profound role in connecting people across Clackmannanshire. A county song was created through collaboration with local musicians and community members. This song became a symbol of unity, a shared anthem that echoed the sentiments of many who lived through the pandemic. Music enabled people to express emotions that words alone couldn’t capture. One community member reflected, "When I heard the song, I felt like it was telling my story."

Singing, whether in groups or individually, offers a therapeutic release. The rhythmic nature of music can calm the mind and provide solace, while the lyrics capture shared struggles and triumphs. By bringing people together to sing and create music, the project fostered a deep sense of belonging and helped many begin their healing process. Studies have shown that group singing can have a positive impact on mental health, fostering a sense of solidarity and connection, particularly in times of crisis.

Through the poetry and song elements of the Remembering Together project, individuals found their voices and shared their stories. This creative collaboration helped Clackmannanshire's community come together, not only to reflect on their collective experiences of the pandemic but also to build resilience and strength for the future.

Quotes from participants:

"Poetry allowed me to release my emotions in a way I couldn't express through conversation."

"Music united us when we felt isolated—it gave me the strength I didn’t know I had."

These creative practices helped transform individual and collective pain into a journey of healing, making poetry and song an integral part of the Remembering Together initiative.