More than ever, young people need to know that their voices matter.
In 2018, marginalised Australian young people were, on average, three years behind their more advantaged peers in education. Since the pandemic, that gap has widened to five years. Youth mental health is in crisis, with young people experiencing higher levels of psychological distress than any other age group.
Strong writing skills are essential for young people to get the most out of their education and unleash their full potential. Yet, so many lack access to the resources and support needed to develop these skills, which perpetuates cycles of disadvantage.
Our programs break these cycles by helping young people to develop the skills and confidence to get the most out of their education and unleash their full potential.
Donate NowI really did find my voice at Story Factory because it was a place where I was safe and comfortable to write freely.
– Kyla, Story Factory alumna
How You Can Help
At Story Factory, we run creative writing programs for young people aged 7 to 17. We deliver in-person workshops free-of-charge during school hours and after school across Sydney and Western Sydney. We also offer digital programs in schools and after school nationwide, including in regional, remote and rural areas, working with young people who would otherwise miss out on arts-based learning opportunities.
All of our programs are designed to help young people build their sense of identity, agency and belonging through self-exploration, self-expression and connection. Our mission is to help young people to develop the literacy skills and confidence necessary to overcome educational barriers and thrive, both at school and beyond.
Every donation makes a genuine difference in the lives of young people from under-resourced communities, empowering them to find and share their voices, imagine new worlds and write their own futures.
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Meet Marianne
Marianne, a Year 10 student, participated in our Year of Poetry program for the fourth time in 2025. We were delighted to publish her fourth book with us, Animate Their World.
Marianne is innately curious and deeply philosophical. Her poetry asks challenging questions, encouraging her readers to think about the world around them. “[At Story Factory] we are taught to find our voice through writing,” she says. “I am autistic. Story is a way to let [the] world know that I have thought.”
Her mother, Meliana, says: “We started with Story Factory at Redfern, working one-on-one with a staff member. After that, Marianne joined the group workshops in Parramatta. Coming to Story Factory, it’s an outlet for her – she doesn’t do this anywhere else.”
Marianne writes her books by pointing to letters on an alphabet board system, which her mother or a Storyteller or volunteer transcribes. This process takes time but allows her distinctive voice to shine through.
By donating to Story Factory, you will make it possible for us to support more young people like Marianne to find their voice, tell their stories and believe in their potential. Every donation goes directly to spreading the life-changing power of storytelling.
Donate NowStories change lives.
Stories matter. We work with young people to write their own stories, imagine their own worlds and to see themselves as authors – with a voice worth sharing with the world. The benefits can last a life time.
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