Supported by our Programme and Partnerships Managers, local writers work with young people in secondary and alternative provision settings across Greater London.
Facilitating First Story workshops has been one of the highlights of my career as a teacher. Witnessing students’ true and substantial transformations of confidence and craft through the power of creative writing has been incredibly rewarding. For some of our students who are First Story alumni, the transformative journey extended beyond the end of the programme: as First Story Ambassadors, taking part in writing retreats with Arvon, and continuing to write with curiosity and passion.
Jennifer Horsfall, Teacher of English and KS 4 Co-Curriculum Coordinator, St Paul’s Way School, Tower Hamlets
London programmes funded by
Alumni voices
Sarah Zaman, Tower Hamlets
First Story gave me a lot of confidence. When I was younger, I was very shy, I kept to myself, I’d avoid any interaction if I could. To come out of that comfort zone was a big step but First Story just made it so quick and easy. Now, I can read my own writing in front of a room full of people.
Sarah took part in First Story’s Young Writers Programme at St Paul’s Way Trust School with Writer-in-Residence Cecilia Knapp in 2021/22. She completed the Young Writers Residential in 2022 at Arvon’s Lumb Bank site. In 2023/24, whilst studying at St Paul’s Way Sixth Form, she was awarded a Folio Academy Mentorship and was mentored by author Samantha Harvey, who is shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize.
