This campaign has now closed
Our Writers’ Award is the only national competition for all underrepresented writers--those who face extreme barriers due to health, mental health, disability, identity or social circumstance. We want to keep it free for all to enter as the first step on people’s journeys to creativity and writing.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
We get over 1,600 entries from across the UK, including from secure mental health units, prisons, and care homes. Most of these talented new writers are unemployed and on benefits; many are disabled, carers, and face other significant life challenges. For almost half, it's the first time they've entered a literary competition—including many past winners: it’s the first big step on their creative journey. We want to remove barriers, not put them up...
Solution
Since 2013, the Award has nurtured 136 new voices to make UK literature more diverse. 1/3 have now published books. Many entrants don’t have direct access to IT or online payment accounts, so by keeping the competition free to enter, we can also accept entries by e-mail or post. It’s a big step in confidence for people to share their personal, creative work, and being able to put it out there at no cost greatly helps. Can you help us bring these new voices from the margins to the mainstream?
