'Hope and Two Sugars' Book Launch

On Thursday 17th November, we launched our fabulous new book Hope & Two Sugars which was the culmination of the What’s Your Story project delivered with artist Deborah Morgan and the Family Impact service at PSS. Family Impact supports whole families affect by a parental substance misuse including grandparents, children and young people as well as parents.

It was a moving, emotional evening with readings from some of the writers in the book and some kind words of thanks from Rita Chambers, the Head of the Children & Families Service. There were tears, laughs and fond memories as we remembered the process of writing these touching stories. Deborah Morgan, who led the twelve week project, hosted a short Q&A with three of the writers who opened up about how the process of writing has helped them feel less alone, given them much needed resilience to continue their life-changing work and their hopes that this book will reach those who need it most.

Alice Mason, WoW’s Social Media Editor and in-house WoW reporter spoke to Nicola Donaghey, a Family Worker for PSS.

“The grandparents always said they could write a best-seller between them, so I asked around and made it happen. Looking back at the original outcomes, we’ve hit those and so many more. The sense of achievement the writers feel is incredible. It’s so much more than just the book, it’s that commitment and attendance throughout. A lot of them are carrying on writing – they’ve been bringing writing home with them to help with whatever’s going on. They’ve realised writing helps them throughout their lives. The finished piece looks brilliant and I’m already thinking about how we can do another one!”

Author and playwright Deborah Morgan led the sessions with a sense of care and kindness which the group responded to instantly. She spoke honestly about her own experiences and her own perspectives on what the grandparents might be going through and they very quickly welcomed her into their lives to lead the sessions.

“Have you seen the book? It’s a cracker! I found the process really challenging and interesting; some weeks we’d laugh and be crying the next. There was so many people involved in this project, and we got to meet the grandchildren and I really feel that was such an important element of the project for me. They were so responsive and their work is beautiful to read. I like to challenge people and get them writing straight away – so we started writing about foods we hated as kids. It thought that was an interesting way to kick start that writing process for them. Everyone’s got talent inside them, but if they’re never told to have a go you’d never know and there’s a lot of joy in watching them surprise themselves. We don’t get enough opportunities in life to do that, or reflect on how we’re making a difference and that what these people are doing.”

Some of the writers spoke to Alice about how they found the process on the night of the launch. There were some people from the group who had never written before and never even thought they could accomplish it.

“It helps you express how you’re feeling and that’s so important for us to be able to do that. It was lovely. To see the finished book is surreal. We spent months sitting around drinking tea and coffee and chatting. I guess I’m a published author now – that’s not bad is it? Only for PSS, we wouldn’t have done this.”

“I have the writing bug, definitely. Because I have the early signs of dementia, my brother in law has taken some of the poems down to the Dementia Society for them to see what’s coming out of my brain, my thoughts, that other people might not think or know about what happens to people. I’ve even got my grandson writing now too! If it weren’t for this project I would never have written.” 

“Deborah and Ciarán are two of the warmest people you’d ever meet. There’s no barriers with them. You need groups like this because you need people to have understanding for each other.”

If you would like to buy the book, copies are available online here and from Toxteth Library (our office) for £2.99.

- Ciarán Hodgers, Project Manager