Writing competition for young people who have been in custody

7 September 2013

Have you spent time in custody?
Are you aged 16-25?
If so, we’d like to hear from you

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Tell us about your time in custody

Enter our national writing competition and tell us about your experiences in custody or about what happened when you left custody and returned home. This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts on your time inside, gain some valuable writing experience, and maybe even win a prize!

More about the competition

We’ve set up this competition to find out what life is like for a young person who has spent time in custody. We’d like you to tell us, in your own words, about your experiences in prison or your experiences of leaving prison and some of the problems you might have faced. You can structure your entry however you like, for example, as a letter, a short story, a poem, an essay or a rap. Judges will be looking for pieces of writing which are imaginative, interesting and which stand out. Entries must not exceed 1,000 words and can be handwritten or typed. No real names should be included.

Prizes

Winners will receive vouchers which can be spent at a shop of their choice on the high street.

First prize: £25 voucher
Second prize: £15 voucher
Third, fourth and fifth prize: £10 voucher each

Spread the word

If you know someone who might want to take part, or if you want to advertise the competition, please send them this link or download the poster.

How to enter

• Email your entry to beyondyouthcustody@nacro.org.uk
• Post your entry to Beyond Youth Custody, Nacro, Park Place, 10-12 Lawn Lane, London SW8 1UD
• Or complete the competition entry form here

The closing date for entries is Friday 25 October 2013.