About the Ministry of Stories
You’ll find us hidden behind our own fantastical shop Hoxton Street Monster Supplies.
What we do
Through a range of innovative writing programmes, and one-to-one mentoring, we help young people discover and realise their own creative potential.
We build confidence, self-respect and communication skills in both workshops for schools and out-of-school writing clubs.
Then we provide a publishing platform for young writers, so these fresh, exciting voices are shared with the world.
It’s rewarding work. But it’s not easy. We depend on the whole community for their support, including a network of more than 500 dedicated volunteers. (You could be one of them.)
By making writing fun and accessible we help young people find their voices.
We challenge expectations and aspirations, and act as a kindling to the flame, nurturing development, teaching skills and nourishing imaginations.
Once upon a time…
The Ministry of Stories began with Lucy Macnab, Ben Payne and best-selling author Nick Hornby – three believers in the power of writing to transform lives.
Our inspiration came from a place called 826 Valencia in San Francisco. This writing centre (which hides behind a shop for pirates) was founded by writer Dave Eggers and educator Ninive Calegari.
Fired by their success, we founded the Ministry of Stories in 2010.
Since then, we have built up a network of talented writers, educators and generally amazing people who all help make the Ministry work.
Where does the money come from?
Good question. We get the profits of Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, which helps, but they don’t cover everything.
So we also rely on donations. You can help right now, if you like.
And we apply for funding from various sources. Our funders are very important for helping us continue with our work (thank you!).
A national vision
Everywhere, there are new writers waiting to happen.
Right now, the Ministry of Stories family includes Grimm & Co in Rotherham and Little Green Pig in Brighton. We’re working with new partners to reach out to young people far and wide across the UK.
And of course there’s the internet. That goes everywhere.
So we’re developing an accessible online space to help young people get into writing – and publish their work.
These are exciting times for the Ministry, so watch this space.