Shared Writing: Bringing Words to Life

Every year we run programmes to engage young people with books through writing and illustration. We aim to publish at least one book - and sometimes several –of students’ work each year. In 2021, despite the difficult conditions, we have worked closely with the students and staff at Derby College to achieve this goal. ‘Life on Hold: Young People in Lockdown’ is an anthology of writing and art created by the students to explore their experiences during the pandemic.

The students are aged between 16 and 19 years. The stories have been written by students on the Derby College Lexis programme, who have only recently arrived in the UK and are learning English as a second language. Many of them are refugees. The illustrations are by students studying Art and Design, A level Art or Art Foundation at the College.

We are delighted with the results of the students’ work and hope that you will enjoy it too. You can read it online here and copies are available to purchase through the website.