Barnsley Young Writers

If you’re a secret scribbler, vocal wordsmith, closet novelist or part-time poet, Barnsley Young Writers is a free programme for young writers aged 14 to 19 living, working or studying in Barnsley. Come, be creative and meet others with like-minded interests while building your skills and confidence. Barnsley Young Writers is a project managed by Barnsley Civic and Hive Young Writers Network, who have groups all over South Yorkshire.

Who & what is the group for?
We welcome young people of all interests and backgrounds who enjoy any form of writing. You don’t have to think you’re a great writer to come along, you just need an interest in writing and a willingness to try something new. Our group is about sparking ideas and exploring the power of words through inspiring examples greats and great writing exercises and techniques, not about spelling and grammar. They’re also about being part of a supportive young writers’ community and the opportunities that come with it.

Whether you’re shy or talkative, into sci-fi or poetry, you’ll find your place here. Our groups are welcoming, accepting and supportive. And there are always biscuits!

Barnsley Young Writers typically runs fortnightly on Fridays 5–7pm and takes place at Barnsley Civic – the home of Barnsley Young Writers since 2019. The group is supported by the Great Childhoods Ambition Fund and Word Honey.

If you’re interested in joining, write to jasonwhite@barnsleycivic.co.uk with your full name | date of birth | group/town you’re interested in | any writing interests (ideally email from a non-school address as these can block incoming replies).

What happens at the group:

• Write, share and develop your writing with other young writers in a relaxed & supportive environment
• Explore a range of creative writing forms including fiction, scripts, poems, spoken word and journalism
• Meet fortnightly for two-hour workshops during term time
• Gain feedback and guidance on your writing from professional writers
• Hear about national and regional writing competitions and awards
• Take part in themed writing projects, residentials and local open mics
• Make your writing development count towards initiatives such as Arts Award and Duke of Edinburgh
• Be part of the Barnsley Civic community and be invited to exhibition openings and other exclusive artist led projects

Writing successes
Members of Hive young writers groups have been widely published and have won poetry slams, writing competitions and awards including the BBC Young Writers’ Award, the Orwell Youth Prize, Foyle Young Poet of the Year, the New Poets Prize, and the Young Northern Writers Award.

They’ve performed alongside leading poets including Benjamin Zephaniah, Buddy Wakefield and Hollie McNish, and interviewed authors such as Malorie Blackman. Many have gone on to study creative writing at university or pursue a wide range of exciting opportunities in the arts and beyond.

Being part of our groups is something many members are proud to include on university applications and CVs. More importantly, we’re confident our long-term members would say that the creativity, confidence and friendships they’ve developed through the groups have supported them throughout their education and into adult life.

Hivealumni include Joe O’Brien (lead guitarist and songwriter in The Reytons, Sile Sibanda (presenter on BBC Radio Sheffield) and Sheffield Poet Laureates Warda Yassin and Beth Davis. You can meet some of those celebrated young writers here.