Homelessness writing challenge for primary schools
A fun way for teachers to deliver their SMSC curriculum and for pupils to make a difference
We’ve teamed up with a CBBC and children’s book illustrator to run a writing competition for primary school pupils in Kent.
The Heroes Against Homelessness writing challenge will be judged by Greg Stobbs, who has also worked on projects for CBeebies and released a children’s book with the poet, author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay.
By writing a letter of support to someone who’s homeless (or a poem about homelessness for younger children), primary school pupils could win fantastic prizes, including tickets to the zoo, a signed book from Greg and more.
Greg says: "I love stories! Long stories, short stories, strange stories, fun stories and even sometimes sad or scary stories. That is why I am so excited to read yours. This is such a fantastic opportunity to let your writing not only inspire and educate people, but help them too."
This writing challenge is also a fun way for teachers to deliver their SMSC curriculum, help pupils develop creative writing and literacy skills, and deliver British Values in their lessons.
How it works
Key stage 1 poetry challenge
Write a poem about a person who is homeless. The aim is to illustrate an understanding of homelessness and empathy for people who experience it. The poem can be any length and format.
Key stage 2 letter writing challenge
Pupils have a choice of:
- writing a letter of support, encouragement and advice to someone who is homeless, explaining how Porchlight can help them and how to get in touch
- writing a fundraising letter, asking Kent residents to make a donation to Porchlight.
The aim is to illustrate an understanding of homelessness and empathy for people who experience it. The letter should compel people to take action – whether that’s reaching out for help or making a donation towards our work.
Submitting letters and poems
We can only accept letter / poem submissions from schools. We’re unable to accept submissions from individuals. Schools can submit one entry per pupil. Every entry must include the pupil’s name, age, year group and school name. The deadline is Friday, 26 May and winners will be announced on Monday, 19 June.
You can submit entries by emailing them to getinvolved@porchlight.org.uk
Alternatively, you can post them to:
Porchlight community fundraising team
15 New Town Street, Canterbury, CT1 1BX
Good luck! We can't wait to read your pupils' letters and poems.
Help your pupils become Heroes Against Homelessness
Heroes Against Homelessness is a non-uniform day with a twist. Pupils are sponsored to dress up for school as community heroes, while learning how to be more thoughtful, active, and caring citizens.
Your school can take part, and help raise money for people who need it while teaching pupils about homelessness in an age-appropriate way.
Find out more