First Story
@firststory.bsky.social
England's leading creative writing charity for young people empowering young writers with the skills and confidence to tell their own stories. firststory.org.uk
We are recruiting for 2 interns:
PROGRAMME & PARTNERSHIPS INTERN
National Living Wage/London Living Wage
Part time
FTC Nov 25-Jan 26
Manchester or London
ASSISTANT FESTIVAL PRODUCER INTERN
£3,420 FTC at National Living Wage
40 days (part time) Dec 25–Apr 26
Manchester
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
PROGRAMME & PARTNERSHIPS INTERN
National Living Wage/London Living Wage
Part time
FTC Nov 25-Jan 26
Manchester or London
ASSISTANT FESTIVAL PRODUCER INTERN
£3,420 FTC at National Living Wage
40 days (part time) Dec 25–Apr 26
Manchester
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
October 8, 2025 at 2:50 PM
We are recruiting for 2 interns:
PROGRAMME & PARTNERSHIPS INTERN
National Living Wage/London Living Wage
Part time
FTC Nov 25-Jan 26
Manchester or London
ASSISTANT FESTIVAL PRODUCER INTERN
£3,420 FTC at National Living Wage
40 days (part time) Dec 25–Apr 26
Manchester
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
PROGRAMME & PARTNERSHIPS INTERN
National Living Wage/London Living Wage
Part time
FTC Nov 25-Jan 26
Manchester or London
ASSISTANT FESTIVAL PRODUCER INTERN
£3,420 FTC at National Living Wage
40 days (part time) Dec 25–Apr 26
Manchester
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
We're seeking a Finance and Operations Manager (£40-42K, 0.6 FTE) to lead on all aspects of financial planning, management and reporting to First Story and to ensure that the finance function is carried out effectively and efficiently.
Closes: 5pm, 8 September 2025.
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Closes: 5pm, 8 September 2025.
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
July 22, 2025 at 4:47 PM
We're seeking a Finance and Operations Manager (£40-42K, 0.6 FTE) to lead on all aspects of financial planning, management and reporting to First Story and to ensure that the finance function is carried out effectively and efficiently.
Closes: 5pm, 8 September 2025.
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Closes: 5pm, 8 September 2025.
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Winners of our new Tiny Poems Competition:
1st Sustenance - Sophie, Holland Park School
2nd Maybe Cheetahs...' - Braydon, Titus Salt School
3rd Matchsticks - Sara Alexandra, Holland Park School
Thanks to judges Jay Bhadricha, John McAuliffe & Tallulah Howarth.
firststory.org.uk/tiny-poems-c...
1st Sustenance - Sophie, Holland Park School
2nd Maybe Cheetahs...' - Braydon, Titus Salt School
3rd Matchsticks - Sara Alexandra, Holland Park School
Thanks to judges Jay Bhadricha, John McAuliffe & Tallulah Howarth.
firststory.org.uk/tiny-poems-c...
July 3, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Winners of our new Tiny Poems Competition:
1st Sustenance - Sophie, Holland Park School
2nd Maybe Cheetahs...' - Braydon, Titus Salt School
3rd Matchsticks - Sara Alexandra, Holland Park School
Thanks to judges Jay Bhadricha, John McAuliffe & Tallulah Howarth.
firststory.org.uk/tiny-poems-c...
1st Sustenance - Sophie, Holland Park School
2nd Maybe Cheetahs...' - Braydon, Titus Salt School
3rd Matchsticks - Sara Alexandra, Holland Park School
Thanks to judges Jay Bhadricha, John McAuliffe & Tallulah Howarth.
firststory.org.uk/tiny-poems-c...
Reposted by First Story
Happy National Writing Day! Today is a day dedicated to celebrating the power of writing creatively ✍️ This year's theme is #ShareYourVoice, check out @firststory.bsky.social for great resources to get people started with writing: firststory.org.uk/writeday/ #NationalWritingDay
June 25, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Happy National Writing Day! Today is a day dedicated to celebrating the power of writing creatively ✍️ This year's theme is #ShareYourVoice, check out @firststory.bsky.social for great resources to get people started with writing: firststory.org.uk/writeday/ #NationalWritingDay
Happy National Writing Day 2025! Grab your pens, pencils or laptops and celebrate this year’s theme #ShareYourVoice!
We've commissioned award-winning YA author Dean Atta to create a writing activity. Head over to our Insta page to take part: www.instagram.com/firststory_uk/
#NationalWritingDay
We've commissioned award-winning YA author Dean Atta to create a writing activity. Head over to our Insta page to take part: www.instagram.com/firststory_uk/
#NationalWritingDay
June 25, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Happy National Writing Day 2025! Grab your pens, pencils or laptops and celebrate this year’s theme #ShareYourVoice!
We've commissioned award-winning YA author Dean Atta to create a writing activity. Head over to our Insta page to take part: www.instagram.com/firststory_uk/
#NationalWritingDay
We've commissioned award-winning YA author Dean Atta to create a writing activity. Head over to our Insta page to take part: www.instagram.com/firststory_uk/
#NationalWritingDay
📢The Philip Pyke Memorial Prize 2025 winners:
1ST Lewis Buxton for ‘Naming Ceremony’.
2ND Maria Clark for ‘Heartless’.
3RD Hannah Idil for ‘there are fewer joys than water to drink’.
HIGHLY COMMENDED Priya Gill for ‘House of Suits’.
Read more: firststory.org.uk/winners-of-t...
1ST Lewis Buxton for ‘Naming Ceremony’.
2ND Maria Clark for ‘Heartless’.
3RD Hannah Idil for ‘there are fewer joys than water to drink’.
HIGHLY COMMENDED Priya Gill for ‘House of Suits’.
Read more: firststory.org.uk/winners-of-t...
June 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
📢The Philip Pyke Memorial Prize 2025 winners:
1ST Lewis Buxton for ‘Naming Ceremony’.
2ND Maria Clark for ‘Heartless’.
3RD Hannah Idil for ‘there are fewer joys than water to drink’.
HIGHLY COMMENDED Priya Gill for ‘House of Suits’.
Read more: firststory.org.uk/winners-of-t...
1ST Lewis Buxton for ‘Naming Ceremony’.
2ND Maria Clark for ‘Heartless’.
3RD Hannah Idil for ‘there are fewer joys than water to drink’.
HIGHLY COMMENDED Priya Gill for ‘House of Suits’.
Read more: firststory.org.uk/winners-of-t...
We’re at our first Young Writers Festival North at Manchester Metropolitan University welcoming students from across Greater Manchester and Yorkshire for a fun packed day of creativity. 💫
June 3, 2025 at 9:20 AM
We’re at our first Young Writers Festival North at Manchester Metropolitan University welcoming students from across Greater Manchester and Yorkshire for a fun packed day of creativity. 💫
ONE WEEK LEFT TO APPLY FOR THESE TWO ROLES⬇️
Full details: firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Both close: Tuesday 27 May.
Full details: firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Both close: Tuesday 27 May.
We are recruiting:
Programmes and Partnerships Manager London £29-30K, (FT/0.8) - to ensure the programme is delivered at a high level to existing and new schools.
Partnerships Officer £27-28K (PT, 0.6) - to research funders and schools.
Both roles close 27 May 2025.
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Programmes and Partnerships Manager London £29-30K, (FT/0.8) - to ensure the programme is delivered at a high level to existing and new schools.
Partnerships Officer £27-28K (PT, 0.6) - to research funders and schools.
Both roles close 27 May 2025.
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
May 20, 2025 at 3:20 PM
ONE WEEK LEFT TO APPLY FOR THESE TWO ROLES⬇️
Full details: firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Both close: Tuesday 27 May.
Full details: firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Both close: Tuesday 27 May.
We are recruiting:
Programmes and Partnerships Manager London £29-30K, (FT/0.8) - to ensure the programme is delivered at a high level to existing and new schools.
Partnerships Officer £27-28K (PT, 0.6) - to research funders and schools.
Both roles close 27 May 2025.
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Programmes and Partnerships Manager London £29-30K, (FT/0.8) - to ensure the programme is delivered at a high level to existing and new schools.
Partnerships Officer £27-28K (PT, 0.6) - to research funders and schools.
Both roles close 27 May 2025.
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
May 8, 2025 at 2:10 PM
We are recruiting:
Programmes and Partnerships Manager London £29-30K, (FT/0.8) - to ensure the programme is delivered at a high level to existing and new schools.
Partnerships Officer £27-28K (PT, 0.6) - to research funders and schools.
Both roles close 27 May 2025.
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Programmes and Partnerships Manager London £29-30K, (FT/0.8) - to ensure the programme is delivered at a high level to existing and new schools.
Partnerships Officer £27-28K (PT, 0.6) - to research funders and schools.
Both roles close 27 May 2025.
firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
The winners of our 100 Word Story Competition 2024/25
⭐1st Mission accomplished by Charlie, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent
⭐2nd The Sky by Ahmed, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent
⭐3rd Like It Was Once by Sara Alexandra, Holland Park School
Thanks to Vintage for judging.
firststory.org.uk/100-word-sto...
⭐1st Mission accomplished by Charlie, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent
⭐2nd The Sky by Ahmed, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent
⭐3rd Like It Was Once by Sara Alexandra, Holland Park School
Thanks to Vintage for judging.
firststory.org.uk/100-word-sto...
May 1, 2025 at 1:32 PM
The winners of our 100 Word Story Competition 2024/25
⭐1st Mission accomplished by Charlie, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent
⭐2nd The Sky by Ahmed, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent
⭐3rd Like It Was Once by Sara Alexandra, Holland Park School
Thanks to Vintage for judging.
firststory.org.uk/100-word-sto...
⭐1st Mission accomplished by Charlie, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent
⭐2nd The Sky by Ahmed, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent
⭐3rd Like It Was Once by Sara Alexandra, Holland Park School
Thanks to Vintage for judging.
firststory.org.uk/100-word-sto...
Reposted by First Story
Amazing day in Cambridge with @firststory.bsky.social today! Big thanks to everyone involved!
April 2, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Amazing day in Cambridge with @firststory.bsky.social today! Big thanks to everyone involved!
Reposted by First Story
Spring is Springing it's little heart out today. Another year photographing the incredible First Story (@firststory.bsky.social) Young Writers Festival. It's at Newnham College, Cambridge this year. A bit special.
April 2, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Spring is Springing it's little heart out today. Another year photographing the incredible First Story (@firststory.bsky.social) Young Writers Festival. It's at Newnham College, Cambridge this year. A bit special.
✨Announcing a new First Story programme for Summer 2025: Your Voice✨
Your Voice will help secondary schools to provide creative & personal development opportunities for KS3.
Includes
✨3 x in-school workshops
✨Tickets to a First Story Young Writers event
Find out more firststory.org.uk/your-voice/
Your Voice will help secondary schools to provide creative & personal development opportunities for KS3.
Includes
✨3 x in-school workshops
✨Tickets to a First Story Young Writers event
Find out more firststory.org.uk/your-voice/
March 28, 2025 at 12:19 PM
✨Announcing a new First Story programme for Summer 2025: Your Voice✨
Your Voice will help secondary schools to provide creative & personal development opportunities for KS3.
Includes
✨3 x in-school workshops
✨Tickets to a First Story Young Writers event
Find out more firststory.org.uk/your-voice/
Your Voice will help secondary schools to provide creative & personal development opportunities for KS3.
Includes
✨3 x in-school workshops
✨Tickets to a First Story Young Writers event
Find out more firststory.org.uk/your-voice/
We are currently seeking an Operations Assistant (£26-27K, full time, hybrid 3-4 days in our London office).
This is a key role, providing support to our operations and the programmes we deliver across our regions.
More info and to apply: firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Closes: Monday 17 March
This is a key role, providing support to our operations and the programmes we deliver across our regions.
More info and to apply: firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Closes: Monday 17 March
February 20, 2025 at 10:18 AM
We are currently seeking an Operations Assistant (£26-27K, full time, hybrid 3-4 days in our London office).
This is a key role, providing support to our operations and the programmes we deliver across our regions.
More info and to apply: firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Closes: Monday 17 March
This is a key role, providing support to our operations and the programmes we deliver across our regions.
More info and to apply: firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Closes: Monday 17 March
Entries are open for the Philip Pyke Memorial Prize, an award for First Story Alumni aged 18+, supported by Sharanne Basham-Pyke & @arvonfoundation.bsky.social
Here's 2024 winner Emily Freeman on what winning meant: youtube.com/shorts/jjejM...
Closes 14 April
firststory.org.uk/philip-pyke-...
Here's 2024 winner Emily Freeman on what winning meant: youtube.com/shorts/jjejM...
Closes 14 April
firststory.org.uk/philip-pyke-...
Philip Pyke Memorial Prize 2024 winner Emily Freeman
YouTube video by First Story
youtube.com
February 17, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Entries are open for the Philip Pyke Memorial Prize, an award for First Story Alumni aged 18+, supported by Sharanne Basham-Pyke & @arvonfoundation.bsky.social
Here's 2024 winner Emily Freeman on what winning meant: youtube.com/shorts/jjejM...
Closes 14 April
firststory.org.uk/philip-pyke-...
Here's 2024 winner Emily Freeman on what winning meant: youtube.com/shorts/jjejM...
Closes 14 April
firststory.org.uk/philip-pyke-...
Reposted by First Story
Super duper delighted to share that I’ve started a new role as the Young Creatives Manager with @firststory.bsky.social!
Enormous thanks to the team for such a warm welcome this week. I'm so excited for the projects that lie ahead!
Enormous thanks to the team for such a warm welcome this week. I'm so excited for the projects that lie ahead!
February 14, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Super duper delighted to share that I’ve started a new role as the Young Creatives Manager with @firststory.bsky.social!
Enormous thanks to the team for such a warm welcome this week. I'm so excited for the projects that lie ahead!
Enormous thanks to the team for such a warm welcome this week. I'm so excited for the projects that lie ahead!
We are seeking a paid Assistant Festival Producer Intern to help produce our first festival in Manchester. Gain an overview of event production & youth engagement. Postholder should be 18-25 and live in Greater Manchester/bale to get there easily. Closes: 17 February. firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
February 3, 2025 at 12:03 PM
We are seeking a paid Assistant Festival Producer Intern to help produce our first festival in Manchester. Gain an overview of event production & youth engagement. Postholder should be 18-25 and live in Greater Manchester/bale to get there easily. Closes: 17 February. firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Reposted by First Story
Come and see Tilly perform at Verve Poetry Festival Youth Takeover @vervepoetryfest.bsky.social @firststory.bsky.social
firststory.org.uk/lives-change...
firststory.org.uk/lives-change...
Tilly's Story | First Story
First Story alumni, in their own words, tell us about their experience of taking part in our programme and its impact.
firststory.org.uk
February 3, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Come and see Tilly perform at Verve Poetry Festival Youth Takeover @vervepoetryfest.bsky.social @firststory.bsky.social
firststory.org.uk/lives-change...
firststory.org.uk/lives-change...
Congratulations to the winners of our 24/25 Six Word Story Competition judged by a panel from Penguin Random House.
1st Blake, Titus Salt School
2nd Kevarni, @haringeylp.bsky.social
3rd Sarah, Holland Park School
firststory.org.uk/six-word-sto...
1st Blake, Titus Salt School
2nd Kevarni, @haringeylp.bsky.social
3rd Sarah, Holland Park School
firststory.org.uk/six-word-sto...
January 23, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Congratulations to the winners of our 24/25 Six Word Story Competition judged by a panel from Penguin Random House.
1st Blake, Titus Salt School
2nd Kevarni, @haringeylp.bsky.social
3rd Sarah, Holland Park School
firststory.org.uk/six-word-sto...
1st Blake, Titus Salt School
2nd Kevarni, @haringeylp.bsky.social
3rd Sarah, Holland Park School
firststory.org.uk/six-word-sto...
Reposted by First Story
Manchester City of Literature have recently put together a literary walking trail throughout the city, be sure to check this out when you’re next visiting Manchester! A fantastic idea 🐝📚
January 17, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Manchester City of Literature have recently put together a literary walking trail throughout the city, be sure to check this out when you’re next visiting Manchester! A fantastic idea 🐝📚
Reposted by First Story
16 days left #writers! And look - they donate to this amazing #charity @firststory.bsky.social - England's leading #creative #writing charity for young people. What an #inspiring prompt to encourage us to enter! @karenstoreyauthor.bsky.social @shortstorycomps.bsky.social @davemusson.bsky.social 🙏✍️
The New Writing Flash Fiction Competition 2025 is open for entries: newwriters.org.uk/flash-fictio...
- Top prize: £1,100
- Head Judge: Shreya Sen-Handley (@shreyasenhan on Insta)
- Donating £1 from each entry to the brilliant creative writing charity First Story
#flashfiction #writingcommunity
- Top prize: £1,100
- Head Judge: Shreya Sen-Handley (@shreyasenhan on Insta)
- Donating £1 from each entry to the brilliant creative writing charity First Story
#flashfiction #writingcommunity
January 15, 2025 at 1:39 PM
16 days left #writers! And look - they donate to this amazing #charity @firststory.bsky.social - England's leading #creative #writing charity for young people. What an #inspiring prompt to encourage us to enter! @karenstoreyauthor.bsky.social @shortstorycomps.bsky.social @davemusson.bsky.social 🙏✍️
We are currently seeking a paid Publishing Intern to work with our Editorial & Production Manager on our anthologies production. The postholder should be aged 18-25. Candidates based in the North West, Yorkshire, East Mids will be given priority. Closes: 27 January 2025. firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
January 13, 2025 at 2:42 PM
We are currently seeking a paid Publishing Intern to work with our Editorial & Production Manager on our anthologies production. The postholder should be aged 18-25. Candidates based in the North West, Yorkshire, East Mids will be given priority. Closes: 27 January 2025. firststory.org.uk/vacancies/
Thinking about a 2025 holiday? TUI, Bookingcom, Expedia, loveholidays & 1,000s more work with easyfundraising so First Story can receive a free donation when you book! Plus, if you take part in their travel poll, we could also WIN a £1,000 donation. More info: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/travel-hub/
Travel hub | easyfundraising
Raise on average, a £30 donation when you book your 2025 holiday!
www.easyfundraising.org.uk
January 6, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Thinking about a 2025 holiday? TUI, Bookingcom, Expedia, loveholidays & 1,000s more work with easyfundraising so First Story can receive a free donation when you book! Plus, if you take part in their travel poll, we could also WIN a £1,000 donation. More info: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/travel-hub/
The First Story team are taking a festive break from Monday 23 December to Thursday 2 January. We won't be replying to emails or social media messages during that time.
Here's to even more creativity in 2025!
💫 Seasons Greetings from the First Story team!💫
Here's to even more creativity in 2025!
💫 Seasons Greetings from the First Story team!💫
December 20, 2024 at 6:00 PM
The First Story team are taking a festive break from Monday 23 December to Thursday 2 January. We won't be replying to emails or social media messages during that time.
Here's to even more creativity in 2025!
💫 Seasons Greetings from the First Story team!💫
Here's to even more creativity in 2025!
💫 Seasons Greetings from the First Story team!💫
Still looking for a festive gift? Here's the First Story team's favourite books of 2024. Our list includes recent titles, classics, award winners, bestsellers, fiction and poetry.
Buy the books listed from uk.bookshop.org/lists/first-... and support us with your purchase.
Buy the books listed from uk.bookshop.org/lists/first-... and support us with your purchase.
December 17, 2024 at 3:59 PM
Still looking for a festive gift? Here's the First Story team's favourite books of 2024. Our list includes recent titles, classics, award winners, bestsellers, fiction and poetry.
Buy the books listed from uk.bookshop.org/lists/first-... and support us with your purchase.
Buy the books listed from uk.bookshop.org/lists/first-... and support us with your purchase.