Skip to content

We use necessary cookies that allow our site to work. We also set optional cookies that help us improve our website.

For more information about the types of cookies we use, and to manage your preferences, visit our Cookies policy here.

Cookie settings

Whitby, Our Whitby

336914990_181212984703782_3360315224352927764_n

Whitby, Our Whitby (WOW) is the National Literacy Trust and Our Stories social change and employability programme. The programme gives young people from disadvantaged communities the literacy and communication skills they need to make a difference in their local area and reach their potential.

The programme brings young people, local business, libraries and local leaders to bring literacy into cultural venues and the workplace.

Sign up to our open sessions

Join our exciting five-week course at Eastside Community Centre from Wednesday 26 July. Suitable for ages 11-16 in Whitby, these sessions aim to develop young people's literacy and communication skills needed to make a difference in the summer holidays and beyond.

Dates and times

  • July 26, 5-6pm
  • August 2, 5-6pm
  • August 9, 5-6pm
  • August 16, 5-6pm
  • August 23, 5-6pm

Location: Eastside Community Centre, Whitby YO22 4EA

Contact us if you’re a parent or carer and would like to sign up your child. Email yasmin.stefanov-king@literacytrust.org.uk to secure your spot.

About the programme

Research shows that 43% of Key Stage 2 children in Scarborough and Whitby achieved the expected levels in literacy, compared to 59% nationally.

Whitby, Our Whitby gives students the opportunity to identify an issue they care about, develop their critical thinking and writing skills, and create a social action project to be able to credibly influence change.

With support from National Literacy Trust workshop leads, the participating young people will conduct research, prepare a presentation and pitch to a variety of different audiences.

Who is it for?

The programme is aimed at young people aged 11-16 in Whitby.

Youth groups and schools will receive

  • A chance to share their ideas with Whitby Council and the media

  • A memorable and engaging experience for students

  • Creative session plans

    These will focus on understanding, identifying and navigating news, research and interviewing skills, public speaking and photo voice

  • Resources and templates to develop their own social action project

  • The opportunity to pitch a social change presentation to an expert panel

  • A celebration event

Outcomes of the programme

  • Students will be empowered to identify and change an issue that they feel strongly about.
  • They will build confidence to share and present ideas to different audiences
  • Students will build confidence to engage with a range of different audiences in order to build social capital and expand their world view
  • They will develop key skills that will increase their confidence to engage in workplace-based opportunities in the future
  • Students will develop of critical thinking skills to be able to credibly influence change

Timeline

  • School and group registration: Now until June 26
  • WOW creative sessions: June – July 2023
  • Celebratory event: September 2023

How to sign up

If you are a teacher, work in a youth group or place where young people attend regularly in Whitby, then get in touch with Yasmin Stefanov-King to sign up now. Contact yasmin.stefanov-king@literacytrust.org.uk or 07547106132.