News
Inspirational Poetry Launch in Dumfries
Local Dumfries poet Byron Anderson launched his new book of poetry in front of a packed audience at a special event in Dumfries.
Byron, an individual supported at the Millhouse Service in Dumfries, performed poems from his book, The Paranoid Poet, a collection of highly personal poems inspired by his life experiences and struggles with mental ill-health.
Local politicians, dignitaries, community groups and members of the public attended the launch, which Byron used to raise awareness of mental health issues and raise funds in aid of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSF).
Commenting on the event, Byron said:
“I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and felt proud to be asked to sign copies of my book. I was amazed at how many people turned up; my family said they were very proud of me and I was happy to raise funds for my chosen charity. I hope my book inspires others, especially young people, that there is always hope out there, and that you can recover from mental ill-health and achieve your goals in life, no matter what life throws at you. I celebrated the rest of the evening with my family and a few glasses of the amber nectar! It was worth all the effort and I’d like to thank everyone involved.”
Click here to view Byron's appearance on Scottish Borders Television.
The event coincided with World Mental Health Week, an annual global mental health education project that aims to raise awareness around mental illness, promote mental wellbeing and challenge the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental ill-health.
Copies of Byron’s book, The Paranoid Poet, are available priced £3.99. To obtain your copy, please call Caroline Cravens on 01387 279 966.