Ways to Work Together

A range of services offered to suit different needs, with space to shape something that feels right.

  • John delivers inclusive, engaging, and empowering workshops designed to help individuals explore their voice, creativity, and identity. His sessions create safe, supportive spaces where participants feel confident to express themselves and connect with their own stories.

    Drawing on his experience as a poet and facilitator, John leads workshops across a range of creative areas, including storytelling through poetry and spoken word, music and lyric writing, voice and identity, and creative writing. Each workshop is adaptable to different groups and settings, ensuring accessibility and  engagement for all participants.

  • John takes a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling, supporting brands to uncover and express what makes them unique. Using poetry and spoken word as key tools, he helps shape authentic narratives that connect meaningfully with audiences. Through creative campaigns, he works with organisations to bring their ideas to life,

  • John is an experienced keynote speaker who delivers powerful, engaging talks across a range of platforms, including Universities, Schools, National Youth events, Corporate events, and Writers’ Conferences.

  • John offers versatile voice work across a range of platforms, bringing clarity, depth, and authenticity to every project. His voice has been used for both national and local government campaigns, as well as across animation, commercial and corporate content, and narrative and educational work.

  • John is a versatile and dynamic artist, delivering performances that blend poetry and music. Whether performing solo or alongside a band, he brings an authentic and engaging presence to every stage. His work moves seamlessly between spoken word and musical expression, creating immersive experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. From intimate settings to large-scale events, John’s performances are known for their energy and emotional impact.

  • It was great working with John – he was professional, enthusiastic and fun to work with! Thanks so much for being part of the release of the ST video!

    Rhoda Pond Productions

  • John facilitated a thoroughly engaging creative writing workshop as part of our ‘Big Midlands Grief Meet up’. John delivered the session with such a positive energy and encouraged the whole room to get involved even if poetry wasn’t something they were necessarily interested in. John created a safe space where people felt empowered to share their personal poems. John was a real joy to work with and we really hope we have the opportunity to work with him again!

    Becky Harris and Lauren Harris (Lets Talk About Loss)

  • We invited John into our school as a way of promoting poetry and sharing stories. The day was a great success. John entertained us all. The children loved spending time with him; they gained so much from the activities they took part in and really connected with John's story. In fact, the whole school felt a little more uplifted after his visit. Thank you again to John and his team.’’

    Lorraine Pittaway (Whoberley Hall Primary School)

  • John visited Earlsdon Library and gave an inspirational and moving talk. He discussed how he came to be a poet, what his influences were and are and how he is encouraging and motivating young people to also pursue their dreams. He brought along two young poets who shared their writing journey and some of their poems. It was amazing to hear such insights from such young people. John shared with us his journey that led him into writing and poetry and now as Coventry's Poet Laureate. He shared several poems that were moving and insightful. John is a truly inspirational figure. We were very honoured that John gave up a lot of his time to be with us. We look forward to collaborating with John again in the future.

    Tracy Pithie (Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library)

  • Working with John Bernard on the University of Warwick “Words for Wellbeing” project has been an immensely enriching experience. John's profound talent for weaving words into compelling narratives has brought a unique vibrancy to our collaborative efforts. His poetic insight and creativity have fostered a sense of emotional and mental wellness among everyone involved. John's dedication and passion for his craft are truly commendable. He brings a level of professionalism and enthusiasm that is infectious, making every session both productive and enjoyable. His ability to capture the essence of diverse communities and translate into powerful, emotive poetry has been particularly impactful, resonating deeply with all and promoting a sense of collective wellbeing. Colleagues from the University of Warwick have valued the poetry commission as part of the Words for Wellbeing project. John's contributions have provided a source of inspiration and comfort, highlighting the profound impact that poetry can have on mental and emotional health. In summary, collaborating with John Bernard has been a highlight. His extraordinary talent, combined with his collaborative ethos and commitment, makes him an invaluable partner. We look forward to many more projects together, knowing that his contributions will continue to inspire, heal, and resonate.

    Catherine Louch (University of Warwick)

  • We were so impressed by John – our students loved working with him and didn’t want the sessions to end. The poems they created were really high quality and we can’t wait to showcase them.

    Andreas Michael (Barr’s Hill School)

  • I have supported John in one session at SSA, which was Brilliant. He engages with the students in his poetry workshops very well, quickly builds rapport, and relates well to them. The students seem highly responsive to his excellent skills when he delivers the poetry workshops, and the students are always keen to perform well in his poetry activities. Overall, I firmly believe that John is a legend and is excellent at what he does.

    Tom Smallman (Sidney Stringer Academy)

  • It is always such a privilege to work with John. A unique talent, John's powerful words create an environment that encourages people to express their own story and find their voice with confidence. John is testament to the role of poetry, arts and music in driving change and creating positive impact for young people.

    Emma Whittle (Cheltenham Literature Festival)

  • John came to our school to do a poetry workshop with our students after using his poetry in our English curriculum. It was fantastic to have John visit our school and our students. Students were extremely excited to meet John and the feedback that was received from students was excellent. Students said that they found John inspirational and would recommend the workshop to their friends. John has showed our students that poetry can be fun and has inspired many students, who were otherwise demotivated by poetry, to use their voices. John's influence has been invaluable and we can't wait to have him back.

    Mel Morgan (Wood Green Academy)

  • I joined Coventry House Project when I was 16. At this time I struggled to maintain placements, schooling and life’s challenges. Around this time is also when I met John when he came to do a workshop at my education establishment. I have remained in touch with John ever since. I have supported John on his journey as he supported mine. John is one of the reasons I didn’t go down the wrong path in life, he gave me the push I needed to guide me through.

    Young person

  • John is an engaging and thoughtful speaker. He is aware of his audience, sharing appropriately and sensitively. His ability to connect with many young people at once as he shares his wisdom is remarkable. John was a delight to work with and the young people left feeling inspired and hopeful.

    Jonny Masters (The National House Project)

  • We thoroughly enjoy having John deliver workshops in our Academy. He is so passionate about what he does and has a real talent. Our students are always engaged in his interactive workshops and come away being inspired. We know that young people need positive role models in their lives who are passionate about seeing them thrive and John is a great role model to them.

    Mrs Williams (Grace Academy Assistant Principal)

Let’s Work Together