Poetry book keeping 'homelessness on the agenda'

16 December 2025

Pamela TickellNorth East and Cumbria

News image — Funds raised from the anthology were handed to local charities

Steve Murray Six people, including Andrew Mears who is second from the right, are standing in a line with their arms slung over each others' shoulders and are smiling at the camera. Three are holding up large cheques. There is a Christmas tree behind them. — Funds raised from the anthology were handed to local charities

A poetry anthology about homelessness featuring 100 writers from north-east England has raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

More than 500 copies of Words on a NE Street, compiled by Andrew Mears, have been sold since July and have raised £4,200 for Newcastle Helping Street Friends, Emmaus North East and Heart (NE) C.I.C.

Emmaus North East said it was "truly remarkable" and funds would help provide supported accommodation for those who had experienced homelessness and social exclusion.

Mr Mears said he was "over the moon" with the money raised and it had helped keep the topic "on the agenda", in an area with some of the worst rates of regional homelessness in England.

He put the call out in February asking local writers to contribute to the anthology.

Copies had been purchased from as far away as Australia and America, Mr Mears said.

His team also held fundraisers throughout the year, including music nights and a reading by some of the poets involved at the Baltic in Gateshead.

Penny Blackburn A woman is standing at a microphone and reading from "Words on a NE street". The views out of the Baltic building can be seen through the window behind her, including a bus stop and graffiti artwork. — Fundraising events were held including a poetry reading at the Baltic

Emmaus North East chief executive officer Ruth Parker said the money would go towards supporting the region's "companions" - people who used to be homeless but were now living in the charity's supported accommodation.

It would also support wellbeing activities and counselling sessions, she said.

"Meeting Andy, his friends and reading the poems has been overwhelming for staff and companions," Ms Parker said.

"The kindness and compassion they have shown gives optimism to the companions, making them feel more positive about their future and being part of a community that cares."

'Just the beginning'

Meanwhile Heart (NE) C.I.C said the funds would go towards operating its weekly outreach in Newcastle.

"This will certainly make a difference to people's lives as our outreach ensures they have a hot main course along with a pudding and hot drinks without the worry of how they are going to pay for it," a spokesperson said.

"The poems just highlight the issues people face in today's society and bring to life the struggles and challenges they face through no fault of their own."

Mr Mears thanked his team and the people who had donated their time and venues for fundraisers.

"For me, it's about you know getting homelessness in conversations," he said.

He said he wanted other regions to use the anthology as a template.

"They can go and run with it, "Words on a Liverpool Street" or "Words on a Birmingham Street," Mr Mears said.

"Hopefully this is just the beginning."

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