On Thursday 15th January we launched FRONTLINE VOICES, a new anthology that brings together writing from people working on the front lines of care. The book includes stories and poems from individuals whose day-to-day work involves supporting others through difficult and often challenging situations.
The anthology is the result of a collaboration between the Limerick Writers’ Centre and the Mid-West Regional Drugs and Alcohol Forum (MWRDAF), two organisations with a shared commitment to creating space for voices that are not always heard.
The launch was led by Professor Geraldine Mooney Simmie from the School of Education at University of Limerick, who spoke about the value of storytelling and lived experience. Other speakers on the day included Dominic Taylor, Director of the Limerick Writers’ Centre and publisher of the anthology; Kieran Beville, who edited the collection; Michael Lacey, Chair of the MWRDAF; Chief Superintendent Derek Smart of An Garda Síochána; and Rory Keane, Regional Coordinator for the HSE Mid-West (CHO3) Drug and Alcohol Service.
The event finished with readings from several contributors, giving those present the chance to hear the work spoken by the people who wrote it. FRONTLINE VOICES is available free of charge to groups and organisations by contacting the Forum at amcarey@mwrdtf.ie
