Get Write In!
A creative writing competition for all school-aged children who are looked after or have care experience
Launched today (28 March 2017), is a brand new writing competition for all school-aged children in Scotland who are looked after or have experienced care.
CELCIS has teamed up with The Scottish Book Trust, Who Cares? Scotland, the School of Education at the University of Strathclyde, and the world famous Edinburgh International Book Festival to run this distinct and exciting competition.
Scotland's national poet, Jackie Kay, is on board to judge the winning poem or story.
The theme for the competition is 'Random Moments', which involves participants writing 500 words in English or Scots about an unexpected surprise, a moment that was a turning point, or a fork in the road, which can be transformed into an inspiring story.
There are two age categories: one for primary aged children (under 12); and one for secondary aged young people (12-18). Fantastic prizes are available for both the winners and the finalists including: a trip to the Harry Potter Experience in London with overnight stay and travel; a storytelling and creative writing workshop; and tickets for Scottish Book Trust Authors Live events.
Jackie Kay commented: "Very excited to be judging this competition and I'm looking forward to reading the stories and poems that come out of our theme: Random Moments. Writing a poem or a story gives you a chance to explore another self. We're hoping to read poems and stories that emerge from this interesting theme. Write a poem or a story in your own voice or the voice of a character. Seize the moment! Get Write In."
Joanne McMeeking, Head of Improving Care Experiences at CELCIS, comments: "This competition gives a fantastic opportunity for care experienced young people to write something creative that reflects their own imaginations or experiences. The winners of the competition will have their poem or stories read out at a special event, which is a tremendous opportunity for any young budding writer."
The closing date for the competition is 15 June.
Full details are available online
Ends
Notes to Editors
Media enquiries:
Mike Findlay, CELCIS Communications Manager
T: 0141 444 8512
E: mike.findlay@strath.ac.uk
CELCIS, based at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, is committed to making positive and lasting improvements in the wellbeing of Scotland's children living in and on the edges of care. Taking a multi-agency, collaborative approach towards making lasting change, CELCIS works alongside leaders, managers and practitioners to break down barriers and forge new paths in order to change thinking and ways of working with everyone whose work touches the lives of vulnerable children and families.