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Writing Mentors

What’s a writing mentor?

Writing Mentors support our young people in our  creative writing sessions. This can look like a lot of different things from helping explore where a story might go next to doing jumping jacks together to shake out some energy.

Anyone over 16 can become a Writing Mentor, we just ask that you our join one of our volunteer induction days and complete a Enhanced DBS Check (which we provide).

Before a session

On a typical day of mentoring you will arrive half-an-hour before a session starts. In that time, we set the room up and grab a cup of tea and catch-up. The Writing Facilitator will then brief you on the session and share what’s planned, offering tips on how to support the young writers, so you feel well prepared.

During the session

You will be assigned a table with a group of young writers. You’ll help guide the group through the session tasks, offering support to get their imaginations firing. Often our young people will look to you for a bit of enthusiasm and energy to believe in their writing.

After the session

Every session ends with a mentor debrief. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts and ask questions about the session with the other mentors and the Writing Facilitator. By this point, most mentors have a real buzz of energy from taking part in a fun, creative and rewarding session.

Start your story today!

Register for volunteering

When can I mentor?

COMMUNITY WRITING LABS

Our Community Writing Labs for children 6-16 years old, run weekly at our centre on Hoxton Street.

Tuesdays: 3.15pm- 5.30pm (6-8 year olds)

Wednesdays: 3.15pm – 5.45pm (8-12 year olds)

Thursdays: 3.15pm – 5.45pm (8-12 year olds)

Saturdays: 10.30am – 1pm (8-12 year olds)

Saturdays: 2pm – 4.30pm (11-15 year olds)

SCHOOLS 

In Primary and Secondary schools all over east London, we have a vibrant array of creative writing projects run by professional Writing Facilitators and supported by Writing Mentors. 

They could be sessions across a school term, or be one-off workshops and might be during the school day or as an after school club. There’s something for everyone!

  • “We need you! Come to the Ministry of Stories to help us do our writing! We need fantastic listeners and we need them NOW!  ”
    Eda
  • “At Ministry of Stories you can help expand the imagination of young writers from our community.”
    Kate
  • “Why come to the Ministry of Stories? Because we are an amazing group! We support whoever wants to join. We do not judge. ”
    Ely

What Makes a good mentor?

You don’t have to be a writer or a good speller. You don’t have to have lots of experience working with children; we provide full training for that. All we ask for is lots of enthusiasm and energy for bringing new stories to life. 

We asked our young writers what they are looking for…