The Teens Speech Award & Event
Calling young people aged 14-19 in Barnsley & across South Yorkshire… Ever wanted to stand somewhere grand and make your voice heard?
Well, now’s your chance! We are inviting young people aged 14–19 (from across Barnsley & South Yorkshire) to enter The Teens Speech Award by writing and (if they so wish) delivering their very own creative speech for a supportive and fun event for young people at Barnsley Town Hall Council Chambers at 2pm on 20th February 2025, half term. Think of a fun version of Parliament (without the old men in suits!) and some tasty refreshments…
The Teens Speech Award…
What do you want to say and who to? You can write on absolutely any subject, in any style, to anybody or anything – from an open letter to protest song to a spoken word poem, and everything in between. Note you are welcome to write a speech for the award without opting to read at the event.
Your speech should be deliverable in 1 to 4 minutes. It can be…. bold or serious. Silly or surreal. Light-hearted or whimsical. Strange or cutting. You might speak your truth to politics and power, set out a community manifesto, tell others your ideas for a better world, suggest humorous ways to be kind to strangers – anything goes!
Here! Here!
The Teens Speech is a chance for you to write your desires, dreams, dislikes, wants, needs, niggles or demands to be put forward for the award, and (if you wish) to deliver in a warm and inclusive space where you’ll receive a mighty chamber cheer of support (however serious or daft your speech or address).
At the event we’ll announce the winners who will receive book vouchers, and the winning speeches will be published on Hive and Barnsley Civic’s website. To give more young people the chance to be recognised, there will be a regional award and a Barnsley-only award, as well as acknowledgement of highly commended and shortlisted speeches. Readers at the event can also choose to have their speech recorded as part of a special audio podcast.
Need inspiration….
You might plan to take inspiration from the likes of Martin Luther King, Malala Yousafzai or Amanda Gorman, but don’t worry if you don’t think you’re a confident writer, or you aren’t sure what to write about or to whom…
Workshop support…
If you need help developing your ideas or writing your speech, or you’d just like some support to edit one you’ve already been working on, we’ll be running two free workshop afternoons in early January at the Barnsley Civic. No experience is needed and everyone is welcome. You’ll get to work with professional writers who will offer tips and ways to shape your piece and bring your ideas to life. Just get in touch soon to book a place! (spaces limited so try to book by Dec 21st)
Note to schools: If you are a school in the Barnsley area, we are offering a limited number of after school workshops if you have a group of students interested. If so, get in touch soon!
How to get involved…
• If you’re 14-19, sign up for one of two free creative workshops running 2–4pm on Saturday 24th or 31st January via [email protected] – send your full name, date of birth, the town you live in, and, if you have them, any ideas for your speech (optional).
• To enter the award with your final speech, send it by 10th February to [email protected] saying whether you’d like to read at the event as well, or just enter the award.
The Teens Speech project is run by Hive Young Writers Network in partnership with Barnsley Civic, with support from the Great Childhoods Ambition Fund