Young Writers’ Groups
If you’re a secret scribbler, vocal wordsmith, closet novelist or part-time poet, Hive runs a network of young writers groups and programmes for ages 14 to 19 (usually in Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham). (New groups restarting autumn 2026. See dates & details below!)
Come, be creative and meet others with like-minded interests while building your skills and confidence.
Who & what are our groups for?
We welcome young people of all interests and backgrounds who enjoy any form of writing. You don’t have to think you’re a great writer to come along, you just need an interest in writing and a willingness to try something new. Our groups are about sparking ideas and exploring the power of words through inspiring examples greats and great writing exercises and techniques, not about spelling and grammar. They’re also about being part of a supportive young writers’ community and the opportunities that come with it.
Whether you’re shy or talkative, into sci-fi or poetry, you’ll find your place here. Our groups are welcoming, accepting and supportive. And there are always biscuits! 🙂 We also run projects for writers aged 14–30, and currently have an exciting 14–30s competition running here.
Our groups and programmes typically run during term time 5–7pm on a fortnightly weekday in central Rotherham, Sheffield, Barnsley & Doncaster.
Sheffield Young Writers: Sheffield Central Children’s Library / fortnightly Weds / 5–7pm / autumn restart 30 Sept
Barnsley Young Writers: Barnsley Civic / fortnightly Fri / 5–7pm / starts Fri 2 Oct, in the meantime, check out this Intro to Creative Writing on Sat 19th Sept at Barnsley Civic
Rotherham Young Writers: Riverside Library, Rotherham / fortnightly Thurs / 5–7pm / starts Thurs 24 Sept
Doncaster: programme to be announced / get in touch
Interested in checking out a group? Please email & say hi before coming along, with your full name | date of birth | group/town you’re interested in | any writing interests: [email protected] (Ideally email from a non-school address as these can block incoming replies 🙂
(We also have Hive Poetry Collective online for writers aged 17–30s (currently every 3 weeks on Sundays via Zoom) Find out more >> here)
At our groups:
— Write, share and develop your writing with other young writers in a relaxed & supportive environment
— Explore a range of creative writing forms including fiction, scripts, poems, spoken word and journalism
— Meet fortnightly for two-hour workshops during term time
— Gain feedback and guidance on your writing from professional writers
— Hear about national and regional writing competitions and awards
— Take part in themed writing projects, residentials and local open mics
— Make your writing development count towards initiatives such as Arts Award and Duke of Edinburgh
Writing successes
Members of our groups have been widely published and have won poetry slams, writing competitions and awards including the BBC Young Writers’ Award, the Orwell Youth Prize, Foyle Young Poet of the Year, the New Poets Prize, and the Young Northern Writers Award.
They’ve performed alongside leading poets including Benjamin Zephaniah, Buddy Wakefield and Hollie McNish, and interviewed authors such as Malorie Blackman. Many have gone on to study creative writing at university or pursue a wide range of exciting opportunities in the arts and beyond.
Being part of our groups is something many members are proud to include on university applications and CVs. More importantly, we’re confident our long-term members would say that the creativity, confidence and friendships they’ve developed through the groups have supported them throughout their education and into adult life.
Hive alumni include: Joe O’Brien (lead guitarist and songwriter in THE REYTONS), Sile Sibanda (presenter on BBC Radio Sheffield) and Sheffield Poet Laureates Warda Yassin & Beth Davies. You can meet some of our celebrated young writers here.
Still not sure? Listen to (older) young writers tell you how they got involved (from way back in 2017!) here.
