New Writing North
Young writers - it starts with someone believing in you
Reading and writing are for everyone. We don't think a young person's background should stop them from fulfilling their potential. But we need your help.
Story
“We live in a high poverty area and so it’s hard for us to afford the opportunities because of course they cost so much... The amount of talent that gets lost… it’s shocking... kids like me from areas like mine aren’t getting a chance, we don’t get a look in.” - Pupil, secondary school in Newcastle
Writing talent is everywhere. But opportunities are not.
That's why New Writing North exists.
To identify and nurture talent.
To inspire a love for creative writing and reading.
To create life-changing chances for people across the North.
One of the ways we do is through our Northern Writers’ Awards – now in its 25th year.
Through these Awards, we’ve found hundreds of talented – often unpublished – writers in the North of England. We've provided them with thousands of pounds worth of support and career-making opportunities.
Winning an award can change a person’s life. But it doesn’t start there. It starts with someone believing in them. Especially when they are young.
Our young writers programmes introduce young people to creative writing - including song writing, poetry, rap, scriptwriting, and podcasting.
Over the last five years, we’ve worked with more than 10,000 children from disadvantaged and culturally diverse backgrounds across North East England. Many of them have additional needs or speak English as an additional language.
Through our carefully designed creative writing programmes and activities, led by expert writers and facilitators, we’ve helped these young people to boost their confidence and self-esteem.
We’ve watched their talents grow, their creativity flourish – and their school attendance improve, too.
"For many students who might struggle in classes, it is where they understand they can have a voice." - Teacher, secondary school, Newcastle.
And all this, at no cost to the young people or their families.
But we can’t do it alone.
With regular support from people like you, we can help to cover the costs of providing these programmes and activities – and provide new opportunities and life-changing chances.
Together, we can help these young people have the tools they need to express emotions, feel empowered, and have a voice in society. To know that they matter. That people believe in them.
“I finally felt like I could write anything I like, I feel free.” - Pupil, primary school, Gateshead.
“If I stayed here [in New Writing North sessions], I would be capable of anything.” - Pupil, primary school, Newcastle
Thank you for reading. To donate, please click the button in the top right corner. To find out more about our work and to stay in touch with us, please visit newwritingnorth.com.
