This inaugural competition organised by Exeter Phoenix is taking place as part of Bloom – their virtual festival celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week.

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 is 'Nature and the Environment' and, submissions of poems of up to 50 lines on this theme are invited. All forms of poetry - traditional and experimental - are welcome. Poems may also touch on themes of mental health and wellbeing, but they do not need to. The competition is free to enter and open to all.

Two categories are open for entries, and one winner will be announced per category:
Bloom Junior Poetry Competition (for ages 17 and under)
Bloom Poetry Competition (for ages 18 and over)

Prizes for the winning poem in each category:
An original illustration inspired by the poem
The poem published on Exeter Phoenix’s website
A pair of theatre tickets
A pair of cinema tickets

Judges:
Anna-Ruth Peel-Cusson
Chris White