Literature and Poetry
Browse our list of literary, local, London organisations and National organisations
Local and London organisations
Apples and Snakes
One of the country’s leading organisers of performance poetry. Apples & Snakes was established in 1982 as a platform for poetry which would be popular, relevant, cross-cultural and accessible to the widest possible range of people. The company also runs a variety of courses and projects.
info@applesandsnakes.org
 www.applesandsnakes.org
Exiled Writers Ink
Giving writers in exile a wider platform for their work, the organisation also arranges seminars, workshops, conferences and festivals.
jennifer@exiledwriters.fsnet.co.uk
Poetry School
The Poetry School runs courses, seminars, master classes and events dedicated to developing the technical skills of poets whose work is usually printed, rather than performed live.
programme@poetryschool.com
www.poetryschool.com
Southwark Youth and Connexions Service Magazine and Music project
Produces a quarterly free magazine written and designed by young people. Also runs poetry and short story writing workshops; produces documentaries, films and videos; produces publicity (graphic design) for youth agencies and organisations; runs weekly music sessions, DJ'ing, beat making, vocal and instrument tuition.
Tel: 020 7639 4215
Spread the Word
Committed to developing London writers at all stages of their careers, Spread the Word activities include workshops, mentoring schemes, public performances, networking events and schools' projects. Writers of all levels, published or unpublished, from all backgrounds and from every community in London are welcome.
info@spreadtheword.org.uk
www.spreadtheword.org.uk
Young Cultural Creators
This partnership with London Libraries aims to enhance the personal, academic and social development of young readers through contact with original works of art and creative writing experiences.
info@youngculturalcreators.org.uk
National organisations
Artvibes
An online information resource on Black and ethnic minority performing arts, literature, visual arts
and film.
www.artvibes.org
The Arvon Foundation
Runs a regular programme of weeklong writing courses at one of four writing centres around the UK. The courses must be paid for, but the foundation does offer grants for those people unable to afford the full course fee. All levels of ability are welcome.
www.arvonfoundation.org
The Book Trust
An independent charity promoting books and reading through its work in education, arts, media and the public sector. Their website contains details on practical help for writers and sources of funding, children's books, event listings, prizes and awards.
info@booktrust.org.uk
www.booktrust.org.uk
English PEN
English PEN is part of an international consortium of organisations that supports freedom of expression, opposes political censorship, campaigns on behalf of writers in prison worldwide and promotes literature in all its forms. English PEN'S activities include work in schools and in prisons.
Tel: 020 7713 0023
enquiries@englishpen.org
www.englishpen.org
Federation of Worker Writers and Community Publishers
A non profit umbrella organisation for writers' groups and community publishers who believe writing and publishing should grant equal access. This group holds an annual festival, publishes a magazine and broadsheet, arranges creative writing events and provides training and advice.
fwwcp@tiscali.co.uk
www.thefwwcp.org.uk
National Association for Literature Development
A professional body for everyone involved in developing writers, readers and literature audiences. It arranges networking opportunities for literature professionals through its newsletter, website and events.
www.nald.org
National Association of Writers' Groups
This group aims to bring isolated writers and groups together and offers free entry competitions and an annual creative writing competition.
nawg@tesco.net
www.nawg.co.uk
National Association of Writers in Education
A primary source for locating writers, spreading information and advice, this group promotes and develops the educational ideas, opening a dialogue between teachers and writers.
Tel: 01653 618429
National Literacy Trust
An independent charity concerned with raising literacy standards for all age groups throughout the UK. The trust provides a support network and creates initiatives that combat social problems through reading and writing.
contact@literacytrust.org.uk
www.literacytrust.org.uk
New Writing and Literature Consortium
This resource, run by literary organisations, provides a support network for writers, offers a job and event database, holds workshops and courses and provides funding information.
info@literaturetraining.com
The Poetry Library
A major library for modern and contemporary poetry, this library provides contact information for publishers, magazines, competitions, advice, events and writers' groups.
Level 5
Royal Festival Hall
London
SE1 8XX
The Poetry Society
Exists to help poets and poetry thrive in Britain today, a membership organisation open to all. The society produces a range of publications; runs the National Poetry Competition; develops projects and provides specialist advice and information.
info@poetrysociety.org.uk
www.poetrysociety.org.uk
UK Directory of Writers' Circles
An online directory of writers' circles, courses and workshops throughout the UK.
www.writers-circles.com/london.html
Writernet
A national, not-for-profit organisation which provides a range of services to enable writers, specifically those writing for all forms of live and recorded performance, to pursue their careers better.
www.writernet.co.uk
Writers' Guild of Great Britain
The Writers' Guild of Great Britain supports writers for TV, film, radio, theatre, books and computer games. Members get access to free legal advice, as well as weekly information bulletins, a quarterly magazine and regular events.
admin@writersguild.org.uk
www.writersguild.org.uk
Contact us
Southwark culture service
Tel: 020 7525 2000
artsadmin@southwark.gov.uk
PO BOX 64529
London
SE1 5LX
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