#12Stories Campaign

Celebrating the power of storytelling while raising some much-needed funds to support creative writing by young people.

We’re trying to raise £1,000 this festive season, to help fund our two national competitions: Six Word Story in the autumn term and 100 Word Story in the spring. Both are free to enter for First Story participating schools; 11-16 year-olds in more than 60 state secondary schools across England get involved each year.

Starting to write creativity can be daunting — especially for young people who don’t have any other opportunities to practice, or support to develop in confidence and skill. Being recognised in a competition, knowing someone read your work and saw merit in it, is incredibly validating. First Story’s competitions are invaluable confidence boosters, giving so many of our young writers the self-belief and encouragement they need to keep going.

Starting on Wednesday 11th December, follow us on Twitter and Instagram as we showcase the talent and creativity of First Story’s young writers, by sharing 12 days of stories — each of the 12 shortlisted entries from our 2019 Six-Word Story competition. Look out for celebrated writers performing a new story each day.

And please consider making a small gift this festive season to support our transformative work with young people. It’s quick and easy, using the form below. Thank you.

First Story is a small independent charity, providing life-changing extra-curricular opportunities for young people from less advantaged backgrounds. All contributions to this campaign, large or small, will make a real difference. Thank you.