Alison Habens

Head of Creative Writing, University of Portsmouth
I’m the Course Leader for many of the undergraduate creative writing courses at the University: BA (Hons) Creative Writing; BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing; and BA (Hons) Film Studies and Creative Writing. I also teach on MA Creative Writing, and am the Academic Lead (Communication) alongside Journalism lecturer Ian Tapster.

My PhD explored where writers get their ideas from, researching the complete history of writers back to the routes of Greek mythology and the nine muses.

I believe that poetry and prose can have a powerful impact on civic wellbeing. Through my recent research, I’ve looked at how people who suffer dementia can remember lyrics, giving the writer an opportunity to use beats and rhythm creating ways to connect.

The rhythm of poems can stick in one’s mind and this creative form can also be used to translate vital messages to improve public health. From outreach work with schools and colleges, I’ve learnt that the same imaginative tasks I give undergraduates in class can also bring mental focus and calming structure to younger children. Communities can learn via negative memories, through the process of telling stories and ‘narrative therapy’, allowing a person to reflect on their experience and revealing how they survived.

I lead the Portsmouth Writers Hub, a new community interest company (CIC) that brings many University writers and writing groups together such as:

Vincent Adams
William Sutton
Tom Sykes (Star & Crescent)
Amanda Garrie (T’Articulation)
Tongues and Grooves
Havant Writers Circle
Lovedean Writers
Work from the Hub aligns with the University’s democratic citizenship research theme, with members working on homeless, bereavement, addiction and environmental projects. We also have links with Bookfest and Darkfest plus local theatres and libraries too. My students are always invited to participate in community events, and have already contributed articles for Star & Crescent, Portsmouth’s independent news website.

With my passion for literature and connecting with others in a public-facing role, I’ve collaborated with local writers, colleagues, alumni, and environmental activists – Friends of the Earth, Plastic-Free Portsmouth and Extinction Rebellion – for Pens of the Earth, a project that aims to change people’s behaviour towards the environment. An example is the Streets for People initiative, rethinking the way our streets are used. With the support of partners, a street in Portsmouth closed for a day, allowing neighbours to connect in new ways and for children to play safely whilst air quality improves.