About a year ago Liam Rodgers, a first-year student of creative writing at Sheffield Hallam University, set up a social enterprise which he named Upscribe.
The project brings together people from disadvantaged backgrounds to learn creative writing techniques. They then use the skills developed to write a series of short stories and poems etc. The work of all the service users was then put together to make a book, 'Lights through the Shadow' which was launched at an exclusive event in the Showroom last night (16th June).
The event which was attended by members of the public, service users, Cathedral Archer Project members and plenty of supports of the project began with opening speeches delivered by Liam and the Cathedral Archer Project leader followed by a number of readings delivered by the service users themselves. It is fair to say that the event was a massive success, with around 100 people turning up to show their support for Liam and all those involved in the project.
When asked how the support from the Students' Union has helped him, Liam Said:
'Sheffield Hallam Students' Union have given me 100% support' …'It absolutely wouldn't have been able to happen without the Students' Union'
Partnering up with the Cathedral Archer Project has also proven invaluable for Liam as they have enabled him to gain access to a group of vulnerable adults that he may have struggled to access otherwise.
Liam sees his enterprise expanding in the future organically and would like to work with other vulnerable groups such as women who are fleeing domestic violence, young girls at risk of sexual predatory behaviour as well as men, especially younger men getting out of prison.
If you're inspired by Liam's success, make sure you find out more about the Students' Union's social enterprise programme and how it can help you here. This all started out as a conversation at the Volunteering Fair. Who knows where it could take you!
Liam's enterprise has gained so much interest form local and national press. Catch his interview from his book launch tonight at 6:35pm on Sheffield Live TV