Voices 2025, the only national creative writing competition for children in care and young care leavers, is now open for entries from 11 December 2024 to 23 March 2025.
We can’t wait to read your poems, raps, stories and more. Don’t forget that this year we are also looking for songs – we want to hear your voice!
The theme this year is ‘My Voice’ and anyone with care experience aged 4-25 can enter.
Think about ‘voice’ as more than just the sound that comes out when you talk. Your voice is a big part of who you are: it’s your thoughts, feelings, ideas, and everything you believe in, an expression of who you are. It’s like a unique light inside you that no one else has. And when you share what you think and feel, you’re sharing that light with the world.
Your voice is shaped by many things: like where you live, what makes them laugh, what you care about, and who you love.
What makes you voice strong? Why is it important to be heard?
The world is better when everyone’s voice can be heard. When people share what’s in their hearts, it helps others see things in new ways. It might make other people feel understood or make them smile. Or, it might inspire them to speak up, too
Tell us what ‘My Voice’ means to you?
Your creative piece can be up to 500 words long, must be entirely your own work, and not mention other people by name. Get your thinking caps on and submit your piece by midnight on Sunday 23 March 2025.
You can send it to us as a photograph, a word document, a PDF, an audio or a video file!
See our rules for more information.
Why should you enter? Hear from previous competition finalists!
Rosie, runner-up in the Voices 2022 Primary School category – “I was so excited that I could share my story with people that had experienced the same things as me. At the awards, I read out my story in front of everyone – I was really nervous but after I was really proud of myself.”
Carla, Finalist in the Voices 2022 Lower Secondary category – “You should try the experience and give it a go because it feels like you’re in a different world and being yourself. Good luck to everyone”
Sophia, Previous winner and Co-host of the 2022 Awards Ceremony – “It’s so special to have a competition like this which encourages, platforms, and most importantly celebrates care-experienced people’s voices.”
Claire, previous winner, young judge, and co-host of the 2024 Awards Ceremony – “It’s an incredible opportunity to get your voice, story and feelings out and I really encourage anyone who is eligible to take part!”
You could win a prize
Our 24 shortlisted writers (plus two guests each) will be invited to our awards ceremony which will take place in London in late May. You will also have the chance to win a book voucher, and each category winner will scoop Love to Shop vouchers worth £25, £50 or £100.
Can you design our cover image?
If writing, rapping or singing isn’t your thing, don’t worry – you can still take part! We are also looking for artistic creations for the front cover of our Voices 2025 official publication. Anyone aged 4-25 with care experience can enter, and the winner (plus a guest) will be invited to our awards ceremony and awarded a £50 voucher. Your piece will need to fit with this year’s theme, ‘My Voice’.
Thank you Cadence Innova, for being our Headline Sponsor for the Voices Awards and for their continuing support of the Voices competition and wider Coram Voice work.
We’re delighted to have their continued support for 2025.
Need some inspiration?
Take a look at our previous competition entries from 2024, 2022 and 2021.
How to enter
Read our rules and check that you’re eligible and then go to the Voices 2025 entry form.