Rippling Out: Empowering Local Writers and Young Voices

How Medway River Lit Develops and Supports Creative Communities

We were really delighted for the past two years to have received UKSPF funding to pilot two schemes to support local writers in Medway, as a part of the Rippling Out project.

The project has been a catalyst for creative growth across Medway’s literary community; championing diverse voices, strengthening skills, and helping writers of all ages connect with audiences. The project has been building confidence and community; creating opportunities that ripple outward through schools, libraries, events, and publications.

Some of our Medway Youth Laureates 2025-26

Youth Laureate scheme

The Youth Laureate scheme has been running for two years, supporting young writers with mentoring, resources, and meaningful public platforms. It encourages creativity, builds confidence, and helps participants develop a distinctive voice through a new initiative this past year, workshops, performances, and publication opportunities.

We partner with Medway Libraries to run the Scheme, beginning with a free to enter environmental poetry competition for ages 12–17, held over the summer alongside Medway Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge. Entrants must be Medway Libraries members. Prizes include books and book tokens, with three age categories (12–13, 14–15, 16–17). This year’s theme is “River”.

Winners are announced as part of Medway River Lit, and nine young writers are then invited to join a year-long Laureate programme with chances for publication, performances, and work experience.

Writing after winning

Winners have completed work experience with Wordsmithery and have the chance to work on their own writing projects, whilst attending workshops and shaping work for the Laureate Anthology, launching at Medway River Lit in November.

Our Laureates call the scheme “a wonderful way to channel your literary passion”, and value “being able to talk to people who share my passion for writing”.

Medway River Lit and Medway Libraries are proud to support these promising writers and encourage young people to enter this summer; helping to shape Medway’s long-term cultural life. Find out more about the Laureate and when it's open for entries.

Local Writers Development Group

The Local Writers Development Group is another activity which brings together writers from varied backgrounds for workshops, peer support, networking, and practical guidance. As part of UKSPF funding last year, we held 4 masterclasses with writers from different genres as part of Medway River Lit, and then we piloted monthly writing workshops for a small group of writers who had attended these sessions.

By investing in local talent, the two groups help writers refine their craft and collaborate.

Together, these pilot projects show how Medway River Lit creates lasting impact: connections, opening doors to performance and publication, and empowering people to tell stories that reflect Medway, and their lives.

Workshop with playwright and TV writer Natalie Mitchell at Medway River Lit 2025.