Tom Weldon, CEO of Penguin Random House UK, said: “We are very proud to have supported Ministry of Stories over the past three years and all the fantastic work it is doing to encourage creativity amongst children and young people in Hackney. For us this was never just about providing funding, but also sharing our skills, passion for writing and author connections to help Ministry of Stories make even more of an impact in these young people’s lives. I know how rewarding, inspiring and enjoyable colleagues from across the business have found our partnership.”
Nick Hornby, Co-Founder of Ministry of Stories and Penguin Random House author, said: “Penguin Random House UK and the Ministry of Stories are a fantastic match, and the partnership has been enormously beneficial. We’re so proud of the two flagship projects that have come out of the collaboration. The picture books and audio stories mean that the Ministry’s young writers can find their work in local libraries and schools and be heard across the country. It has always been the Ministry’s mission to show young people what their work looks like, and how inspiring it can be, when produced at the highest professional level, and with the fantastic backing of Penguin Random House we have been able to do this."
Lucy Macnab, Co-Founder and Director of Ministry of Stories, said: “This was unlike any other corporate charity partnership. The strong sense of creative responsibility and the belief in the power of children's words has seen over 2,000 children begin their journey as writers. From day one, Penguin Random House UK staff collaborated with children to help tell their stories in their own words, from picture books to podcasts, also collaborating on learning resources, so other children can author these kinds of stories in the future. These volunteers have become a vital part of a community that cares, by giving individual support to children by using their professional skills. We hope it inspires others from the creative industries to consider volunteering and fundraising. We are incredibly grateful for all that this partnership has achieved for our young writers in helping them to unleash their imagination and realise their potential.”