FRAGMENTS CONTINUES STROUD MINI TOUR FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH

Stroud

Dates: 27/10/2026

Venue: Rodborough Tabernacle URC

Poet and author Brendan Conboy brings his powerful spoken-word performance exploring mental health, resilience and hope to Rodborough and Amberley this autumn.

Following a successful launch at Minchinhampton Baptist Church in September, FRAGMENTS – Poems of Mental Health and Hope continues its mini tour of the Stroud district with two free performances:

Tuesday 27 October 2026 – Rodborough Tabernacle URC, 7.30pm

Tuesday 17 November 2026 – Amberley Parish Rooms, 7.30pm

Created and performed by Gloucestershire poet and author Brendan Conboy, FRAGMENTS combines original poetry, personal storytelling, music and film to explore anxiety, depression, identity, resilience, healing and hope.

Drawing on his own mental-health experiences and decades of working with people facing personal challenges, Brendan has created a deeply personal performance intended to encourage understanding, challenge stigma and open conversations.

A co-founder and former CEO of The Door Youth Project, where he worked for 24 years, Brendan has also published nearly 20 books and spent more than 25 years as a recording and performing artist.

Brendan explains:

"Sometimes the most powerful way to begin a conversation about mental health isn't with another presentation. Sometimes it begins with a poem.

"I've known what it's like to struggle, to feel overwhelmed and to find it difficult to explain what's happening inside. I tell some of my story so that other people might find the courage to talk about theirs."

One particularly poignant moment comes from his poem Twelve to Fourteen:

"I confessed my mess to a man on the phone, and then returned safely home."

More than a performance

Brendan's ambition extends beyond the stage.

"The performance is really just the beginning. My hope is that it opens doors to conversations that might otherwise never happen."

Through his developing Finding the Words workshops, participants will have opportunities to reflect on the themes raised, engage in deeper discussion and explore expressive creativity through poetry, storytelling, rhythm and metaphor.

The emphasis is not on writing perfect poetry, but on helping people find their voice, express difficult emotions and connect with others.

Looking ahead to 2027

Following the Stroud mini tour, Brendan plans to take FRAGMENTS into schools, colleges, workplaces, churches, charities and community organisations, offering formats ranging from standalone performances to facilitated workshops and collaborative creative projects.

For employers, the programme offers an alternative approach to workplace wellbeing and communication. In education, it can help young people explore identity, belonging and emotional resilience, while churches and community organisations can use it to encourage honest conversations and mutual support.

Brendan is also developing opportunities for groups to create their own collective poetry and music, transforming individual reflections into a shared creative expression.

"Ultimately, I want FRAGMENTS to be more than an event people attend and then forget. I want it to be the beginning of something — a conversation, a connection, or perhaps the first time someone finds the words to say what they've been carrying.

"Because sometimes the smallest conversation can make the biggest difference."

An invitation to the community

Both remaining performances are free to attend and suitable for ages 14 and over, with refreshments and informal conversation.

Brendan hopes people from across the Stroud district will come along, whether they have personal experience of mental-health difficulties or simply want to understand and support others.

The message at the heart of FRAGMENTS is simple:

TALK + LISTEN = LIFE SAVED.

Further information: www.brendanconboy.co.uk/fragments

 

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