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 Welsh Writer Paul Rees' Latest Commission

The Manor Women’s Project was founded in 2003. It is a rehabilitation programme for drug-users based in a residential centre in Walsall, West Midlands. Welsh writer, poet and artist Paul Rees has recently been involved in the project. Commissioned by The Manor Project, he helped residents to use creative writing and poetry as a positive release for their emotions and to help increase self awareness. This work has now resulted in a short book, entitled Drugzkillzthatzfactz, which includes original poetry from the residents and support staff, as well as taking a look at statistics from the inside and discussing creative methods of working with addiction. Ultimately, it provides an overview of the work of the Manor Women Project. BBC Radio Five Live are spending a day at The Manor Project on 30 July 2009 and it is proposed that some of the poetry shall be read by individual contributors.

The Manor Women’s Project has won several national awards for its success in working with addicts who have funded their addiction through vice or criminal behaviour. The current client group includes 17 female residents, a proportion of whom had become addicted to heroin and crack cocaine. Alongside members of The Manor Women's Project, Paul has appeared on the BBC and other media networks pro-actively supporting their positive work.

Funding for the project was secured from the Body Shop Foundation, who have a special interest in promoting community social health initiatives, particularly in relation to STDs and other forms of diseases transmitted via needles. Drugzkillzthatzfactz discusses this vital area whilst exploring, through poetry and creative writing, the individual experiences of female residents who are at different stages of recovery. Its production demonstrates the positive contribution that the residents and support staff to the work. It is hoped that Drugzkillzthatzfactz will be welcomed by a broad section of society and institutions, including readers who are either intrigued about the concept of drug addiction or frightened by the prospect of learning how widespread this pandemic is. The aim of the publication is to add to and promote social and financial information to improve the understanding of the serious implications of social and health education. It is also intended to serve as an educational tool in tackling and gaining insight into the traumas associated with addiction, physical and sexual abuse. The 80 page book includes graphic images.

Paul Rees, born in Gilfach Goch, worked in the National Probation Service as a Case Manager before taking early retirement in 2003. As well as this professional background in social psychology and the criminal justice system, Paul is an accomplished writer, poet and artist. He has exhibited his art at Neath and Port Talbot Museum and Gallery and Birmingham City’s Repertory Theatre, and has published a short commissioned book of poetry for Lichfield Cathedral and another, entitled I Was Always Free, which creatively explores eighteenth and nineteenth century colonial African slavery. Since retirement Paul has also been involved in a number of community initiatives involving creative writing and art which provide 'hands on voluntary support to worthy causes' including an anti-racism project.

Drug abuse is a very real problem for contemporary society. Recently published statistics indicate that every child growing up in the United Kingdom today will be affected by this phenomenon, either directly or indirectly. The United Kingdom has since been classified as the Drug Capital of Europe. A project such as The Manor Women's Project saves the tax payer money each day by breaking the cycle of addiction.

Copies of Drugzkillzthatzfactz can be ordered via the Manor Women's Project on 01922 648401 or via their web site www.manorwomensproject.com at a cost of £8.99 (free postage & packaging for a limited period depending on demand). The Manor Women's Project is a For Non Profit Organisation and all proceeds from the book shall be used to fund similar voluntary initiatives. This initiative has been supported by The Body Shop Foundation.

For more information on The Manor Women's Project, visit their website at www.manorwomensproject.com. For details on Paul Rees visit his Academi Writers of Wales entry by clicking here.