The fundraising drive runs from March 17–24 and forms part of the national Arts for Impact initiative, which doubles every donation made during the campaign window.

For seven days, each £1 donated becomes £2.

Young Norfolk Writing Prize winners 2026 (Image: Andi Sapey)

The organisation said the support will boost work with children and young people across Norwich and Norfolk – an area that continues to face significant challenges in education and literacy outcomes despite its status as a UNESCO City of Literature.

Peggy Hughes, CEO of the National Centre for Writing, said: "We are thrilled to join the Big Give initiative for the first time. Our fun, free-to-access programmes are vital for nurturing a love of storytelling outside the classroom.

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"In this National Year of Reading, it is crucial to address the reality that our region still struggles with literacy outcomes despite our rich literary heritage. Our work provides young people with a platform to be creative, make their voices heard, and build community."

Funds raised will support creative sessions for more than 4,000 young people, including hands-on workshops with professional writers, the Young Norfolk Writing Prize and regular school visits to Dragon Hall.

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NCW said the sessions give young writers confidence, space to experiment and a link to the city’s literary heritage.

One young participant summed up the experience: "I love Dragon Hall. I wrote a story that was really good, and I wouldn’t be able to do it anywhere else. I would definitely come again!"

The campaign also supports Born & Read in Norfolk, a partnership between NCW and Newsquest encouraging families and communities to back reading from early childhood.

Donations can be made between 12noon on Tuesday, March 17 and 12noon on Tuesday, March 24 at nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/big-give

Peggy added: "Whatever you can donate – whether it’s £2 or £20 – helps us reach our goal. Because of the Big Give match funding, your generosity goes twice as far in supporting the next generation of readers and writers."

This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.

Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk

© Norwich Evening News