Supported by our Programme and Partnerships Manager based in Manchester, local writers work with young people in secondary schools across the North West of England.
First Story has provided a space where young people can play and think and write and not write and draft and redraft. The pride and passion they have developed into their own writing as well as their belief in their own thoughts AND working with a professional writer, has brought their ideas to life, which has been wonderful.
Alex Lockhart
Co-op Academy north Manchester
Young Writers Festival North
We held our second Young Writers Festival North on 2 March 2026 at Lowry Salford. Our headline speaker was Lize Meddings. Read more about this year’s festival.
We held our first Young Writers Festival North in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University on 3 June 2025. Our headline speaker was Danielle Jawando.
Alumni voices
Harriet, Manchester
When I think about the future, I want to go into law or politics; something along the lines of that. By being part of First Story this year, it’s helped me to become more fluent in public speaking. To go into those pathways, you need to be able to speak your mind and make it make sense. First Story has allowed me to do that on paper, and then say it out loud.
Harriet was part of the first ever Young Writers Programme at Co-op Academy Manchester in 2023/24. She was awarded a place on the Summer Residential in 2024.
North West stories
Get in touch
Rachael Bamber
Programme & Partnerships Manager, North West
Rachael supports our programmes in the North West region. Rachael has worked with young people in school and community settings since 2009. With a background in youth theatre, she believes that everyone should engage in artistic opportunities and believes in the transformative power of creative engagement with young people.
