Hi. I’m Sallyanne, a poet, writer and access support worker based in the Black Country.

I help artists get funding to develop their own work and to deliver public creative projects. I also run poetry workshops, offer feedback and mentoring for poets, and write copy for arts organisations.

My own creative focus is poetry, and my debut pamphlet Salt & Metal is published with Fawn Press. Find my publications here.

I believe creativity is a way of finding our place in the world, and my mission is to help as many people as possible to access their own creative practice. I love music and the visual arts, and integrate both into my work.

With 25 years of experience in delivering services and projects in different spaces, I’ll help you to plan and deliver your application / project / creative aims through collaborative problem solving and calm, encouraging support.

If you’d like to work with me, I’d love to hear from you.

Work with me

  • “Fantastic Sall thank you! Really excellent helpful process. I actually would not have done it without you - it’s amazing what support can do. Thank you for being calm and clear and passionate about the work.”

    If you’re d/Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, or have a physical or mental health condition, I can support you to make a funding application. Many organisations such as Arts Council England will cover the cost of this in full.

    I also provide ongoing support to help you deliver your project. You can often get additional funding for this on top of your project cost.

    I’ve supported dozens of artists in various disciplines to submit funding applications and implement successful projects, including ACE DYCP and NLPG.

    We can work together online or in-person, depending on your location. If you’re thinking of applying for funding and need support or you just want to find out how it works, please get in touch.

  • “Thank you for introducing me [to poetry] in such a fun, exploratory way. You have been such an integral part of my continuous healing journey and each time I finish a written piece I imagine your excitement like in our sessions .”

    I tailor each poetry workshop to the experience level and needs of the group I’m working with.

    I’ve led workshops for experienced writers as well as people with only a little knowledge of poetry or varying levels of English literacy. I work with groups from a wide range of backgrounds and age ranges, bringing the joy of poetry and creativity into all kinds of spaces.

    Workshops can be delivered online or in person, depending on your location and budget. Drop me a line to find out more.

  • “Sallyanne pays close attention to what you’re looking to achieve in your writing. Her notes are encouraging, thorough and inspiring and I’d recommend her to anyone looking to improve their practice.”

    Take the next step on your poetry path.

    Develop your work with feedback and editing suggestions on individual poems or a manuscript. Or opt for one to one mentoring where I’ll help you to grow your creative practice, as well as offering practical advice on getting your work to an audience.

    We can work together online or in person, depending on your location.

    One off - £75

    Written feedback  or annotations on up to 6 poems (max. 60 lines per poem) plus a 1.5 hour online meeting

    Block of 4 - £250

    Written feedback or annotations on up to 12 poems in total (max. 60 lines per poem) plus 4 x one hour online meetings

    In writing only - £60

    Written feedback or annotations on up to 6 poems (max. 60 lines per poem)

    Manuscript Assessment: Pamphlet - £250

    Written feedback or annotations on up to 25 pages of poetry (max. 1200 lines) plus a 1.5 hour online meeting

    Manuscript Assessment: Full collection - £400

    Written feedback or annotations on up to 60 pages of poetry (max 1500 lines) plus a 1.5 hour online meeting

    Discounts and payment plans

    If you’re on a low income, please get in touch with me to discuss discounted rates and payment plans.

  • “Sall took the time to really get to know us, our background, what makes us tick, and turned all of that into words that actually sound like us. Now we’ve got website copy that fits our industry, reflects who we are, and will bring in the right people. A wonderful storyteller and creative. We couldn’t be happier! Thank you Sall…”

    The right words make a big impact. I can help you reach your audience through blogging, website content, promotional materials and bespoke poetry.

    If you’re a creative organisation, community group or small business that supports and promotes the arts, I’d love to put my words to work for you.

Testimonials

"Sallyanne is a beautiful shining light of creativity in a dark storm, kinda like a lighthouse that guided me closer to home by finding my own voice."

- Poetry workshop participant


"Sallyanne brings a creative and intuitive flow to her style of support. I was very pleased with my upgraded application with the support from Sallyanne. A true storyteller at heart. Thank you" 

- Tamar (unique tay), dance blogger and creative entrepreneur

“Working with Sallyanne made all the difference in me successfully completing my DYCP project, rather than struggling to get it done at all. From our very first conversation, Sallyanne listened carefully, heard what I needed, and continued to listen and adapt to my needs throughout the 6 months that we worked together. Sallyanne provided access support that was always reliable and encouraging, prompting me when I needed, celebrating my achievements, and allowing me to bring my full self to our interactions.”

- Oluwatosin Daniju, photographer and archivist

“The vibe was so uplifting and joyful and cheeky (positive). I loved being able to go to something queer crip related and not have to feel sad or angry but instead just feel light and like I was having fun. thank you :) it was also so so inspiring on a writing front and I learnt some really useful writing skills, thank you!”

- Poetry workshop participant, eff-able anthology

“Requesting Sallyanne's help as I attempted to navigate a large, complex ACE funding bid was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Usually I feel like peeling my own skin off rather than attempting funding bids; previous attempts have left me demotivated and exhausted, but with Sallyanne's help I was able to not only make it to the end of the application process, but to do so in good time, and to the absolute best of my abilities. She kept me accountable, aided me in moving things forward and was always on hand to help me find a way through a process that can be daunting at best, debilitating at worst. I would recommend her to anyone.”

- Wendy Pratt, author and editor

“When I found out that I was eligible for funding for a support worker to help me with a DYCP, I reached out to Sallyanne. I'm so pleased that I did. She steered me through the very challenging process and I can't praise her highly enough for her patience, knowledge and professionalism of the Arts Council grant system. She soothed my nerves and made the whole experience uplifting. I highly recommend her services.”

- Raine Geoghegan, poet, prose writer and playwright

“I recommend Sallyanne to anyone working on any funding application, she is calm, understanding and thorough. Sallyanne and I scheduled weekly calls to work on the DYCP application. Her support was invaluable. The meetings allowed me to focus and tackle the application stress-free. Her guidance through the process and especially Grantium avoided confusions and misunderstanding; I now feel that I have crafted my best application for funding. Thanks again Sallyanne!”

- Éloïse Armary-O’Dwyer, poet and artivist

Creative Future

Writing West Midlands

CHADD

eff-able anthology

Brierley Hill Community Forum

Mary Stevens Hospice

Dorothy Parkes Centre

Zanzo

Drama and SOME

Creative Future Writing West Midlands CHADD eff-able anthology Brierley Hill Community Forum Mary Stevens Hospice Dorothy Parkes Centre Zanzo Drama and SOME

Contact me

Newsletter

Keep up with my latest news and publications. Occasional updates only.

I promise to respect your privacy.