Lewisham Young Writers was a summer arts programme for young people in Lewisham, offering support during the 2020 summer break.

The programme was a direct response to the social isolation caused by Covid-19 and the impact on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. With young people’s education already disrupted, many summer holiday sports, social and creative activities were unable to take place or reduced due social distancing.

Youth First and Spread the Word distributed 1,000 creative care packages to Lewisham’s vulnerable young people. These included sports equipment, books, writing and art materials and mental health support leaflets. They also offered a series of online activity challenges, free online creative workshops and an activity booklet with writing and visual art prompts.

Lewisham Young Writers was part of Theresa Lola’s #SayYourPeace campaign, which encouraged young people to use poetry to share the things that brought them peace during uncertain times, and find solidarity in the experience of others.

Lewisham Young Writers was generously supported by the London Community Response Fund.