Alumni Strategy Day

By Nidaa Raoof, Young Creatives Collective member

What is collaboration? It’s a beautiful exchange of knowledge, perspectives and personal experiences. Collaboration is exactly what we did in our Alumni Strategy Day.

Hosted at Simkins in Lynton House, London, this meeting was the first of its kind, where First Story staff, trustees and Young Creatives came together. Many of us travelled from outside of London to be there.

Throughout the day, we moved between large group conversations and smaller breakout sessions, allowing everyone to contribute openly and hear from people with different perspectives. We discussed how First Story can continue reaching young people, particularly those who may feel writing “isn’t for them”, and how creative opportunities can become more accessible for future generations. There was also important conversation about balancing creativity with the pressures young people face today, and the importance of preserving individuality and human connection in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Staff and trustees shared their own pathways and provided us with the knowledge of the inner workings of a charity organisation and its structure, while the Young Creatives provided First Story with the perspective they needed. Young people today are the ones who will be trusted with tomorrow. So, who better to give the floor than young creatives with their own stories to share?

The Board also asked us what young people wanted to learn more about, offering their knowledge on topics including finances, networking and navigating career pathways. Each of us left the meeting as a different person with new knowledge. Spaces like these are so valuable for people — not only for generating ideas, but for building relationships and community. Today was a big step in the right direction, the start of something special where real change was being made.

By the end of the meeting, new ideas had been sparked, perspectives broadened and future collaborations imagined. There was a real understanding on what First Story does and what may be missing. First Story continues to break down barriers by creating powerful, supportive spaces where young people feel empowered to speak, create and be heard. They are making room for collaboration.

I now look at First Story differently. It’s more impactful than ever before.

This is exactly where change starts. I hope this collaboration is the first of many.