Supported by our Programme and Partnerships Manager in Southwark, local writers work with young people in secondary schools across London boroughs and into the home counties.
Our First Story group’s exquisite pieces were crafted from the experience of the hardships of lockdown. I truly think the session gave them a positive outlet to vent, to laugh, and to forget all the noise of the pandemic around them. And for that, we say thank you to First Story!
Anisa Mahbub, lead teacher at George Green’s school, tower Hamlets
London programmes funded by
Alumni voices
Baran Gilgil, Haringey
Before First Story I didn’t like writing anything, I felt it was something that I couldn’t do. I really hated my English lessons because I had to write. [However] the workshops allowed me to express my feelings. Being given the freedom to write whatever I wanted made me feel free. I didn’t have to think about the rules of writing, techniques, spelling and grammar, and I was always encouraged to write in whatever way felt natural to me. It felt like I found my own voice.
Baran took part in the Young Writers Programme at Commerce House in Haringey in 2020/21. After receiving his GCSE results, he enrolled at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.
Greater London stories
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Emma Leahy
Programme & Partnerships Manager, London
Emma supports our programmes across the London Region. After a long career in retail, in 2015 Emma moved into the charitable sector. Passionate about young people having the opportunity to thrive and enjoy life, she has worked for Coram Beanstalk and The National School Breakfast Programme before joining First Story in 2020.
