Encouraging young people across Hertfordshire to get creative and express their emotions

Spring 2024 saw the return of Just Talk’s poetry competition, inviting secondary school aged young people across Hertfordshire to get creative and unleash their imaginations through writing!

There were no restrictions on style or content, participants were encouraged to explore the theme ‘The Power of Small’ in any way they felt meaningful.

Inspired by the recent Just Talk campaign, The Power of Small Changes, the theme shone a light on how small actions can make a big difference in people’s lives.

Just Talk is delighted to showcase the winning poems, alongside finalists’ entries, in a commemorative booklet that can be found The Power Of Small (justtalkherts.org)

Schools selected their top poems to compete, and judges had a tough job picking the winners. Thank you to everyone who took part, and we hope you enjoy reading the finalists' work!

Huge thanks to all our judges: Connor Fitzjohn (Watford FC CSE), Hayley Golding (Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust), Sam Arnold and Sarah Todd (Chats and Cuts).

For more information about Just Talk visit www.justtalkherts.org, and for regular tips and signposting for young people, and their parents/carers, follow Just Talk on:

Facebook: JustTalkHerts Instagram: @JustTalkHerts Twitter: @JustTalkHerts “