Children's charity Coram are running their annual creative writing competition for children in care and young care leavers.
The competition, now in its fourth year, is called Voices and it is dedicated to amplifying the voices of children in care and care leavers by giving them a platform to write and be heard in a creative and expressive way, and we’re looking to make this year our best yet.
This year’s theme is ‘Growing Up’, and children in care and care leavers are invited to write any piece on this under 500 words. This can be anything from a short story, poem, rap or song. We’re always incredibly impressed and moved by the writing we receive, and can’t wait to read the entries this year.
Entries can be submitted from 10 December 2018 to 10 February 2019 and there are four age categories: Primary School, Lower Secondary (11-14), Upper Secondary (15-18) and care leavers. Shortlisted entrants will be invited to an awards ceremony and have their writing published in a special book which will showcase their talent and achievements.
Last year was an incredible success and just last week, two of our 2018 competition runners up were presented to the Queen and had the opportunity to read their pieces aloud at the event. It was a wonderful experience for these young writers, many of whom have continued with their own writing projects.
You can find out more on this year’s Voices competition including at www.coramvoice.org.uk/voices. We have an impressive list of judges this year including high profile writers, poets and presenters and we will start announcing their names later this week.
For more information, email cheryl.gallagher@coram.org.uk.