As part of the Hard Pressed project at Commonword Cultureword, we delivered a powerful series of workshops at the Global Arts Manchester CIC studio, led by artist and facilitator Gloria Saya. Drawing inspiration from Suitcase Press and The Suitcase Book of Love Poems, the sessions supported women—many of whom had never written poetry before—to explore their voices through creative expression. They created beautiful visual artworks embedded with their own poetry, resulting in handcrafted notebooks that held their personal reflections and artistic journeys.

These workshops are a living expression of what Hard Pressed stands for: mapping the radical literary history of Manchester while reimagining how it continues today. Rooted in the legacy of independent presses, this programme highlights Manchester’s unique way of doing things—publishing from the margins with boldness and care. Through this innovative blend of poetry and visual art, we celebrate the resilience and creativity of working-class and migrant women, and honour the power of grassroots storytelling.