66 students from four Greater Manchester schools took part in our Connect event at the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) in July 2024.
Connect events are included in our offer for Young Writers Programme cohorts. As region-specific provision, these events encourage participants to connect with each other as a community of young writers, as well as strengthening connections to local universities and cultural institutions where events take place. The 2024 Manchester event took place on Monday 8 July.
Kaye Tew, Education Manager at Manchester Poetry Library, welcomed everyone to the day and First Story writer Nik Berry warmed everyone up with his interactive on-the-spot performance poem ‘Make it Nice’. Other First Story writers leading sessions were Ben Mellor, Julia Cranney and Marie Basting.
The day included a tour of the MMU building including infamous and unique Manchester Poetry Library – where students learnt how to sign up and become a member and an energetic and captivating showcase. Community partners Manchester Poetry Library, Young Identity and Community Arts North West spoke about what they have on offer for young people across Greater Manchester over the summer.
[events like this] broadens students’ understanding of creativity, careers and life outside of Rochdale. Our writer was fantastic and our students loved his workshop, passion and fun approach. He got a lot out of them.
Sarah Boyle, Teacher, Fallinge Park High School
This event gave our students the freedom to develop ideas without boundaries.
Lisa Simpson, Teacher Co-op Academy Failsworth
Participant feedback
I got to speak infront of everyone and made some people laugh and I felt good making people smile
I enjoyed the way we got to develop our confidence and public speaking because now I can talk to other people in a better way
It was very inclusive with lots of different activities
East Midlands Connect 2024
