Ministry of Stories champions the writer in every child. Co-founded by author Nick Hornby in 2010, it has supported over 20,000 young people in Hackney to discover their confidence, imagination and potential through the power of their writing.

Its work includes Community Writing Labs for 6-18 year olds delivered after school and on Saturdays and its Schools’ Partnerships across Hackney and Tower Hamlets providing the space, support and inspiration to bring excitement to writing.

The programmes are delivered by professional writing facilitators who lead each session, as well as a team of over 220 volunteer mentors, who act as positive and trusted role models for each and every young writer for 1.5 hours per week. The programme outcomes have recently included public artworks, printed anthologies, podcasts, performances.

Ministry of Stories is currently based behind its Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, a fantastical shop, where all proceeds go back to support its work with young people.