We are excited to announce that our Connecting Stories campaign has launched in Hastings and St Leonards.

Connecting Stories is an Arts Council England-funded project addressing the literacy attainment gap across our 14 Hub areas and increases children and young people’s access to literary experiences and books in communities most in need of support.

What's happening?

The Hastings campaign is supported by Bloomsbury Publishing who will be donating books to the Hastings area, and authors Michelle Robinson and Lesley Parr who will be supporting the campaign by championing reading and creative writing in the town.

Children and young people in Hastings recently took part in a creative writing competition. Judging is underway with winners to be announced shortly! Winning entries will be published in an anthology and displayed in an exhibition in partnership with a cultural venue in Hastings. Find out more information on Hastings' competition page.

#Take10ToRead

On May 10th at 10am, we're calling on the people of Hastings to Take 10 and read. Our research has shown us that reading can be an effective way of helping people take care of their mental health and wellbeing – and it only takes 10 minutes a day to see the benefits!

Register here to take part in our Take 10 Challenge on May 10th, and to receive free resources.

More community-driven activities related to the Connecting Stories campaign will be announced throughout the year.