A new partnership between Methodist children’s charity NCH and the BBC is to give some of the country’s most vulnerable children the opportunity to become the creative stars of the future.
NCH is working with BBC Writersroom, placing leading writers in NCH projects across the country. Writers in Residence will work with some of the UK’s most disadvantaged children including young runaways, teenagers with disabilities and children facing challenges from isolation to poverty, to unlock and nurture their creative talents in a hunt for the next generation of top scriptwriters.
The rollout of writers in residence begins with two writers in London, one in Cardiff and two in Liverpool coinciding with the city’s year as Capital of Culture.
A host of top writers, whose works include some of the country’s most popular dramas like Skins, Coronation Street, Eastenders and The Street, will introduce young people to the media industry in all its forms.
Lasting for up to six months, creative workshops will see these professionals harness the talents of their would-be successors. Drawing on the experience and inspiration of writers, youngsters will delve into their creative depths and find new forms of expression, creating written pieces that range from short movies, animation, and online soaps.
Launching the partnership at The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain last week, NCH’s Chief Executive Clare Tickell said: “This partnership is so exciting and unique, offering our young people chances that never come their way. Our Growing Strong campaign has shown that building self-esteem, confidence and resilience is vital for young people, particularly for the most excluded.
“This scheme will help achieve this. The doors are now open to develop their skills through creativity and writing to cope with many of the challenges they will face in the future.”
