When the history books are written about the events of 2020 and particularly the UK lockdown, there will be voices missing. We know we will hear from the politicians, the sport stars and the celebrities, we may even hear from the everyday person in the street – but what of the communities that are often less heard including our armed forces, our homeless and prisoners.
Paperchains was created by author A.G. Smith and co-founded by David Kendall with the aim to change that. Between May and July this year they provided a platform for those three communities to exclusively submit creative work – work which would be seen by bestselling authors, artists and poets.
The project became an acclaimed success and Paperchains had wide coverage in the media. It’s going to be a book in 2021, a touring theatre production and an event at Hay Literary Festival.
Calling all armed forces children and young people
This September, Paperchains is returning and is offering this same opportunity to children and young people of serving armed forces and veterans alongside teenagers living on the streets and children in pupil referral units and secure children’s homes.
Get creative this September
From 14 September to 17 October Paperchains will be accepting submissions from children and young people aged 10-19-years-old. These can be in the form of short stories (max 1,000 words) journal entries, poetry, rap, lyrics, or a sketch, drawing or painting. This work can be a reflection on the events of 2020 or a creative piece of your own choice.
Entries will be judged by a panel of children’s authors including Anthony Horowitz and a selection of the work may be included in the Paperchains book and theatre production. The work will be discussed at Hay Festival 2021.
Everyone will receive a commemorative wristband and lucky winners will also receive a certificate.
Find out more
To take part, visit www.paperchains.org from September. Follow the Paperchains @paperchains5