Maggie Sawkins is a published poet, inspirational workshop facilitator, and tutor for The Poetry School. She is available for readings and workshops and is particularly interested in working in community and health care settings. Maggie has extensive experience of delivering creative writing projects for people in recovery from addictions. She is also the founder and organiser of Tongues&Grooves Poetry and Music Club in Portsmouth.

Maggie's live literature production 'Zones of Avoidance' won The Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry 2013.

A pamphlet collection, 'Charcot's Pet' is published by Flarestack. A first full collection, 'The Zig Zag Woman' was published by Two Ravens Press in 2007. 'Zones of Avoidance' was published by Cinnamon Press in 2015.

Poems in:

Acumen, Brittle Star, Connections, Iota, Obsessed with Pipework, Seam, South, Smiths Knoll, The Interpreter's House, Lapidus Journal, Magma, Myslexia, Pendulum, Quattrocento, South, Spokes, Weyfarers, Writing Women.

Anthologies:

Sussex Seams Two: Four Caves of the Heart: Images of Women: The Book of Hopes and Dreams:Dreaming Beasts: Beyond Stigma, The tall-lighthouse Review, Said and Done: Did I Tell You (101 Poems for Children in Need); Soul Feathers.

Co-Editor: 'My Mother Threw Knives', an anthology of contemporary women's poetry. 'This Island City' Portsmouth in Poetry.

A short story, 'Sometimes the Sky's too Bright' was published in the anniversary issue of The Frogmore Papers 2007.

I have known Maggie for a number of hears, as a teaching colleague. During this time, she has taught students with a wide range of support needs, including the teaching of creative writing and literacy skills to a group of adult learners with mental health difficulties, on our 'Fresh Start' programme.

I have been impressed with Maggie's imaginative approach to teaching creative writing. She has an ability to encourage learners to access and develop their own creative skills and to facilitate them to produce written work of a high quality. This was particularly apparent with the adult learners with mental health difficulties. I would have no hesitation in recommending Maggie to teach creative writing.

Head of Foundations for Learning South Downs College, Hampshire

Maggie is a professional poet and skilled workshop facilitator. At different venues round the country she has run a series of successful creative writing workshops where she has worked with adults with mental health problems, learning difficulties as well as facilitating groups for other poets at literary festivals. Maggie has the ability to adapt her style according to the needs of the group. She plans each session according to the groups's need with sensitivity and knowledge.

Chair Lapidus