Harriet shares her experiences as part of the First Story Young Writers Programme
Harriet was part of the first ever Young Writers Programme at Co-op Academy Manchester in 2023/24. Bursting with energy and a love for writing, she talks about her experience in the weekly sessions at school, being part of the Young Writers Residential 2024, and her aspirations for the future.
Last year, Co-op Academy Manchester began working with the First Story Young Writers Programme, offering young people the opportunity to develop their writing skills, creativity and confidence. As part of the programme, students attended weekly writing workshops with our author in residence, Ben Mellor, and their work was combined to make 'How do you spell failure', an anthology of poems and short stories.
One of these students was talented writer Harriet, who entered one of the First Story writing competitions and won a place at a summer residential writing workshop held in Hebden Bridge last year.
Harriet tells us all about her experience being part of First Story in her case study, which was recently featured on the First Story website at https://firststory.org.uk/lives-changed/harriets-story/
" By being part of First Story this year, it’s helped me to become more fluent in public speaking. "
We are so proud of Harriet and all that she has achieved.
We now have a new cohort of students who have just begun working with our new writer in residence, Ruth Awolola. Ruth is hosting the Young Writers Festival this year, and we are hoping to take some of our students to the University of Cambridge for a fun-filled day packed with workshops, readings and performances at the festival.