Work with me
Photo: Luke Witcomb for the Poetry Translation Centre
Producing & Administration
I believe that everyone benefits from creativity and I love running projects that help more people to feel that the arts are for them. I produce literature projects, events and workshops like Dead [Women] Poets Society, Bi+ Lines and the Poetry Translation Centre's 20th anniversary programme of over 50 events. Having worked as The Poetry Society's Education Officer for six years, I have particular expertise in running programmes that develop young and emerging writers. I'm also an excellent administrator, and am currently working with the T. S. Eliot Prize on updating their online archive. Get in touch below to discuss future projects.
Photo: Suzi Corker for Spread the Word
Feedback & mentoring
I love working one-to-one with writers at all stages. I was part of The Writing Squad's inaugural CORE2 mentoring team, working with 7 writers over 18 months, and have worked one-on-one with individuals outside this over the past five years. I have also mentored emerging producers such as Marianne Habeshaw as part of her Developing Your Creative Practice grant. I offer supportive feedback on individual poems and pamphlet and collection manuscripts, helping mentees to plan their next career steps and develop a more sustainable writing practice. Feedback on 6 poems starts from £100 and pamphlet feedback starts from £250.
Photo: Will Firth
Commissions
Looking for a bespoke poem? I've written commissions for Southbank Centre, English Heritage and Poetry vs Colonialism, and have written on-the-spot poems for guests at Kew Gardens, imagining them as plants. We'll consult throughout the process, and you'll get the final sign-off. I can also write instant poems for guests at events and weddings, offering a unique and personalised memory like no other.
Photo: Anita Marante
Facilitation, chairing & performing​
I run workshops for organisations like the Royal Society of Literature, Spread the Word and Creative Future, working with young people and adults to write poems on nature, queerness, the surreal and more. I've hosted two of Verve Poetry Festival's headline events with writers like Anthony Joseph, Dzifa Benson and Richard Scott. And I perform across the country, at London Literature Festival, National Centre for Writing and more. Find out more about my workshops here and get in touch if you're looking for a friendly poet for your next event.
Organised, diligent and on time, Helen always shines. She has that invaluable combination of being totally organised and fizzingly creative. I have worked with Helen for years and can recommend her as an excellent facilitator who can inspire groups and individuals to do their best work. She is patient, supportive and an excellent communicator, bringing years of experience working with young people to each new job. Hire Helen if you want to take all the stress out of learning. She is a dream to work with, always organised, always friendly and endlessly supportive.
Bern Roche Farrelly, Poetry Translation Centre