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Community Writing Labs – 11-18 years old

Take your writing to the next level.

Join our Community Writing Labs

  • Do you have an interest in creative writing?
  • Lots of ideas but not sure where to start?
  • Keen to explore different types of writing?

Our Community Writing Labs are a free, weekly writing programme for young writers who want to explore their creativity, meet like-minded young people, and take part in exciting creative projects.

Our groups are all led by professional writers, supported by volunteer mentors from across the creative industry.

 

 

What do we do?

We create a relaxed and safe space for you to spend time writing and exploring your voice and ideas, whilst being supported by our expert mentors.

Each term, there will be the opportunity to take part in a variety of different writing projects, or to create your own, and to have your writing published or performed. This could include:

  • Publishing your poetry in an anthology
  • Scripting and recording an audio drama
  • Writing comedy sketches which are performed by professional actors
  • Making and distributing your own zine

Imaginations welcome here

All of our community writing labs take place at our Hoxton Street writing centre.

Who can join?

Our writing programmes are open to anyone aged 11-18 who live or go to school or college in Hackney, Tower Hamlets or Islington. 

  • Tuesday — 18.00 – 19.30 (ages 14-18)
  • Saturday — 14.30 – 16.00 (ages 11-15)

Ages 11-15 – sign-up here

Ages 16-18 – sign-up here

 

  • “IF YOU’RE NEW HERE, THIS IS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN FREE YOUR MIND ON A PIECE OF PAPER AND BECOME WHAT YOU WANT.”
    Hafsa, aged 11
  • “I LIKE IT BECAUSE IT GAVE ME A REASON TO WRITE. I LEARNT I MIGHT EVEN HAVE POTENTIAL.”
    Ishaq, aged 12
  • “AT SCHOOL, WHEN I WAS WRITING, I DIDN’T REALLY WANT TO. BUT AFTER COMING HERE I STARTED TO LIKE IT.”
    Berkay, aged 10
  • “MY WRITING HAS CHANGED. IN SCHOOL I'VE BEEN GETTING BETTER GRADES. WITH A BIT OF FUN, IT MAKES IT A LOT EASIER TO WRITE STORIES.”
    David, aged 11

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