The Jawbone Collective
Celebrating Diversity in Poetry and Literature
Based in the Wessex Region of the UK, Jawbone is a not for profit voluntary arts organisation, independent small press publisher, workshops and events organiser.
OmniVerse Other Voices
Bridport May 28th - July 12th
OmniVerse offers a dynamic program designed to engage, educate, and entertain. Whether you’re looking to develop your writing skills, connect with fellow creatives, or simply experience the magic of spoken word.
Jawbone Journal
Submissions Open Now
Share your words with us in any form: poetry, prose, flash fiction, or short story. Surprise us, we like a twist. Submissions for issue 1 are free and eligible for selection for the inaugural print edition of The Jawbone Journal.
Jawbone Workshops
Near Bridport West Dorset
Bring your creative spirit and join us in an extraordinary setting on the edge of the Jurassic Coast. For a full day inspirational workshops set in the grounds of Othona on the Coast Road, Burton Bradstock.
The Jawbone Collective - An Inclusive Creative Community
We embrace and uplift voices from marginalised communities, prioritising support for those in the neurodivergent, disabled and LGBTQIA+ communities.
We strive to empower and support under-represented creatives as they pursue publication and build a fulfilling profession in literature and the arts.
Our community is made up of poets, writers, performers, and readers passionate about poetry and prose, who are committed to amplifying the voices of creatives in the South West of England.
We take pride in our diverse group of 16 core creative members, who embody a rich tapestry of under-represented voices in literature. This vibrant and inclusive collective not only challenges traditional publishing norms but also amplifies diverse narratives, empowering writers to share their stories and connect with readers. Together, we foster an environment where creatives can learn, teach, experiment, and ultimately thrive, ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to flourish.
Breaking Down Barriers to Publishing
The Jawbone Approach
12 Published Collections to date
As an independent micro publisher, our Poet Centred approach is unique, reshaping the difficult journey of crafting a publication and developing a profession in the literary world.
We are a diverse, female centric, creative-led CIC which mentors, promotes and supports creatives through publication and professional development.
We respect and value the diverse voices of our communities and draw on their unique perspectives and talents through skill sharing in our publishing, workshops and performance events.
We are committed to nurturing and incubation of creatives from first meeting at spoken word events through to selection, editorial, publication and beyond.
How our unique approach has impacted our Poets
Charlotte Falconbridge
"The Warring Twenties"
I loved everything about the pre-publication journey. I felt in total control in the creative meetings when discussing my book’s ideas which I was not expecting due to working with so many other people on the project. I understood what was expected of me before the process began which made me feel at ease going into it.
Before my book was published I had little experience and confidence with performing at in-person events, but being able to stride onto a stage and proudly announce I’m published brings such a sense of confidence before delivering a set when headlining. I now feel established in what I love doing!
Laurie Page
"The Colour of Thunder"
Before being published by The Jawbone Collective, I would attend open mics and sheepishly read my latest poem, having little sense of my ability as a writer.
Since publishing my collection, however, I have benefitted from being published not only in becoming more confident when setting myself next to established writers, but finding opportunities to participate in showcases and high-profile poetry events. I now regularly participate in these, and even host some myself.
Without the wider circulation of my work and the increased confidence that publishing my collection gave me, I would not be where I am today.
Mimi Jones
"Sitting on the Sea Watching You Fight Off the Seagulls to Save Our Chips"
The publishing of my collection has affirmed my confidence in my work. It has given me the opportunity to present myself in a way I didn’t think possible - on the page.
I find writing poetry for others to read incredibly difficult, it's like translating my brain, and so having Peter and the Jawbone team support me in doing this was invaluable.
Being published has gotten me a foot in the door of being a ‘serious poet’ that I wouldn’t have been able to do alone.
I’ve got a long way to go but Jawbone gave me the push I needed.
Caroline Burrows
"Verse Cycles"
When Peter Roe, the mastermind behind The Jawbone Collective first approached me about publishing my first full poetry collection, I didn’t’ realise he meant that he wanted to publish me. Jawbone's editorial team's attention to detail and care given through every stage:from manuscript to finished publication means I am exceedingly happy and proud of Verse Cycles.
Being published has been extremely emotionally rewarding. It's still a long road to bigger success, but it's an incredibly valuable and important step on the ladder. And I've found that nobody tells you there is a ladder or even steps, and that the steps don't stop. I've also felt more confidence in approaching venues/festivals etc because I've been published. I really love Jawbone's aims and what they're doing.
Clare Morris
"Devon Maid Walking"
Some see publication as the ultimate goal; for me, however, it is only the start of the process because, in showing you what is possible, it encourages you to strive for more. As a result, I believe that I am now a much braver writer, willing to embrace change.
When I became a full-time carer, I feared that my creative opportunities would be curtailed. Far from it: I’ve been able to develop as an editor and a reviewer through my collaboration with other poets on their collections, as part of the Jawbone editorial team. All this has been made possible because, at Jawbone, the ‘collective’ impulse prevails. Sharing is central. The various nooks and crannies of our individual needs are fully supported – and because of that we all thrive.
We Are Devoted to Creating an Eco System Where Creatives Flourish
We are committed to providing opportunities where words can make an impact, where writer's creative offerings are available to a local and a wider, even global audience. We are extremely aware that publication is not a cure all but it is our belief that it builds confidence in creatives and credibility in the eyes of retailers, promoters and event organisers. An author’s journey with the collective is valued highly, they join an enterprise which actively supports them in developing as a creative professional.
The traditional method of agent, publisher, advance, book is deeply flawed, favouring a mainstream few. Our approach to publishing and creative platforms are a refreshing alternative for the amplification and delivery of diverse unheard voices.
Community Online
Our Substack site exists for the purpose of sharing news and stories related to The Jawbone Collective and to each of our creative members.
Our intention is to build a community around our creatives, where their voices can be heard by a wider literary audience.
From 'Origin Stories' to 'Poetic Journeys' and 'Writing Techniques' to 'Inspirational Ideas' we will bring you the creative outpourings of the diverse voices in our core collective.
Community Voices
Jawbone radio is not just about The Collective we have been interviewing writers, poets and singer/songwriters who are connected to the SouthWest and we will be showcasing them on our Substack channel.
We will be meeting hosts of spoken word events, movers and shakers in the arts scene, booksellers and hospitality - people who support the spoken word scene, but most importantly wordsmiths who practice their craft in the Southwest.
Community Publishing
Jawbone Journal Issue one is open for submissions
Share your words with us in any form: poetry, prose, flash fiction, or short story. Surprise us, we like a twist.
Submissions for issue 1 are free and eligible for selection for the inaugural print edition of The Jawbone Journal.
The Jawbone Journal is being published twice each year in June/July and November/December
And, we are much more than a publisher...
Dorchester & Online
Our Online Open Mic's have been running for more than four years, an event that grew out of Covid lockdowns.
Our 'in-person' Open Mics; 'Jawbone @ The Poet Laureate' are also "pretty damned special" - well that's what we are told by .our regular attendees!
Our supportive events attract a diverse crowd of upto forty creative practitioners who wish to share their work.
Various Places Across the SW & Online
Over the last three years our workshops have become known by the Southwest creative community as a generous, enriching, experience where creatives are encouraged to share and grow.
Our workshop leaders are both our own core creatives and respected practitioners from within the wider Southwest region.
2025 will be year like no other with workshops being held in Bridport, Dorchester, Weymouth, Exeter, Plymouth, Salisbury and Online.
Bridport, Dorchester, Exeter & Online
We are always seeking opportunities to bring live spoken word events to locations across the South West. With a creative core of 16 members we can bring diverse voices to any event.
In 2025 we are partnering with Bridport Arts Centre, Dorchester Arts, Exeter Library, and producing the annual Bard of Dorchester Contest.
OmniVerse West Dorset 2025
Our commitment to inclusivity goes beyond mere words -
it's woven into the fabric of everything we do.
Being a Neurodivergent, Disabled Person from Working Class roots and a proud parent of two non-binary adults, I know all to well the limitations and discrimination people in marginalised communities need to overcome to be accepted and have their voices heard and celebrated.
Peter Roe
Co Founder - Managing Editor - The Jawbone Collective
The Jawbone Journey
Cultivating an Inclusive Creative Community
The Collective was founded on the intentions of two poets, Tom Rogers and Peter Roe. They had a wish to share the skills they have learnt on their poetry journeys by offering their support to other emerging writers. Both Peter and Tom believed that it would be important to cultivate an inclusive creative community where a wider audience could hear these vital and important voices.
Watch the video below to find out more about Jawbone
The Jawbone Collective has offered many enriching opportunities to the people of the South West
12 Poets Published
50+ Jawbone Online Open Mics
20+ Jawbone Real World Open Mics
Jawbone Showcase - Plymouth Poetry Festival
Hundreds of creative member Performances at in-person events across the Southwest and online
Jawbone Fundraising Gala Online 1st Nov 2024
15 Poetry Workshops
Professional Mentoring and Development
Bardic Seat of Caer Dur Contest
Jawbone Online Community and Blog - Substack
18 Jawbone Radio episodes produced available through our Jawbone News Community over the coming months🙂
Our Creative Members
Mimi Jones
"Sitting on the Sea Watching You Fight Off the Seagulls to Save Our Chips"
Laurie Page
"The Colour of Thunder"
Tia Meraki
"Home In Our Own Skins"
Caroline Burrows
"Verse Cycles"
Kate Gold
"Eight Buzzards Rising"
Poppy Jayne Jones
"Between The Reeds"
Estelle Phillips
"Motherhoodlum"
Clare Morris
"Devon Maid Walking"
Joint Editor
Jawbone Journal
Charlotte R Falconbridge
"The Warring Twenties"
Tom Rogers
"Sniffing Baby Jesus"
Peter Roe
Managing Editor
"Love Hertz" & "I'm in Love with My Barista"
Megan Simson
Comms Director
Dorchester Literary Festival Poetry Slam Winner
Izzy Robertson
Chief Editor
Molly Dunne
Bard of Dorchester
Naomi Wilcox-Lee
OmniVerse
Weymouth & Portland
Our Jawbone
Poetry Collections
Your purchase of a Jawbone poetry collection or workshop place supports the funding necessary to bring to publication the poetry and story collections of talented writers from across the South West of England.
Poetry & Creative Writing Workshops
In person and online offerings throughout the year
A wonderful opportunity to take time out, explore and draw out your creative voice on the edge of the Jurassic Coast
l loved how much freedom we were given, especially when it came to wandering the grounds and with the prompts. Not boxed in, but rather guided which was different from a lot of previous workshops. Also, the location was gorgeous. Would love to visit there again.
Workshop Participant
Landscape, Myth and Magic Workshop
"These workshops have been transformational for me as a creative soul, and the community and opportunities that are building up as a result of these workshops and the Jawbone work generally are incredible. I can't thank Peter and Megan enough for creating this thriving poetry and writing scene in Dorset."
Simone Webber - Dorset
Regular workshop attendee
2025 Workshops Available for Booking Now
Jawbone Events
Bridport Arts Centre's June / July Program.
OmniVerse Celebrating Other Voices a series of events, aligning with the summer program of the Bridport Arts Centre. Open Mic's, Poetry Readings, Poetry and Performance workshops ; Culminating in a showcase on 12th July at BAC.
Jawbone Showcase Exeter
Saturday 6th September 2025 -Rougemont Room Exeter, Library. Bringing together all our creative members together to perform for the Southwest community.
Bard of Dorchester Contest
Sunday September 14th 2025 Dorchester
Jawbone Fundraising Gala - Online
Saturday 2nd November 2025 - Online Via Zoom
Jawbone Open Mics
Jawbone Online - Via Zoom
Jawbone Online - for over four years Peter Roe has hosted a monthly online Open Mic. A wonderful and encouraging community has formed with attendees from all parts of the UK and the occasional drop in from other places far and wide.
The open mics are vital part of our community life. A place where nurture future authors and meet up with the our broader community of supporters.
Last Monday of the Month @ 7.15pm for 7.30pm Registration is necessary for first time visitors.
Jawbone@ Poet Laureate Dochester
The 4th Tuesday of the Month 7pm @ the Poet Laureate, Poundbury This is a uplifting, joyous, inclusive community event. An extremely encouraging place to grow in confidence.
Jawbone @ the Poet Laureate - since August 2023 we have been hosted by Neil and the Team at the aptly called Poet Laureate in Poundbury. It's been an extremely well attended event right from the start.
We have had the delight of watching an array of budding & talented poets, writers, storytellers and singer song writers perform.
Jawbone News
We are passionate about Publishing Poetry in all media forms.
Jawbone News, has been established as a platform to nurture and grow our community of wordsmiths.
We are working on creating a robust platform which will become a thriving hub for Southwest Creatives.
A place of community and discussion on all things from 'Origin Stories' to 'Poetic Journeys' and 'Writing Techniques'
to 'Inspirational Ideas' we will bring you the creative outpourings of the diverse voices in our core community.
Jawbone Radio
Poetry is not just to be read, it also deserves to be heard...
Let's get in touch
The Jawbone Collective CIC
1 Manor Farm Court
Walditch, Bridport
Dorset UK
DT6 4LQ
thejawbonecollective@gmail.com
+44 7876596184
We would love to hear from you!
Fill out the form, we'll be in touch soon.
The Jawbone Collective CIC 2025 All rights reserved.
