Words of Sanctuary: Poetry Competition

 

This National Poetry Day, we’re inviting you to share your voice in Words of Sanctuary, a poetry competition on the theme of Sanctuary.

Sanctuary can mean many things. It can mean a place of safety, a moment of stillness, a friend’s embrace, a community that welcomes you, or even the power of faith and imagination.

At a time when many in London and beyond are searching for refuge and belonging, poetry allows us to explore what sanctuary means to each of us, and to create one through words.

Poetry is more than art. It’s a form of healing. It gives us space to reflect, to resist, and to imagine a kinder, more connected world. 

Through Words of Sanctuary, we hope to gather poems that celebrate strength, resilience and compassion in all their forms.

Competition Details:

  • Theme: Sanctuary

  • Length: Up to 15 lines

  • Deadline: 1 November 2025

  • Judge: Juwairiah Mussa, GCP Communications Officer and published poet.

  • Prize: £100 Love2Shop voucher and winning poem featured on our platforms, including our website, newsletter and social media platforms. 

  • Open to: Everyone in the community, all levels of experience

  • Not open to: GCP employees or freelance contractors

  • How to enter: Submit your poem via our Google Form

Winner announced: Mid November 2025

Eligibility requirement: 

To enter the competition, we ask you to sign up to our mailing list, so we can make sure you’re among the first to hear the results!

Guidelines

  1. Your poem should be original work.

  2. Maximum 15 lines.

  3. You may submit one poem only.

  4. Poems can be written in any style. 

  5. Please keep language respectful, inclusive, and in line with our values of community and care.

  6. By entering, you agree that we may publish your poem, alongside your name, both online and in community spaces.

 
 

 
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