The Award is open to writers who are under-represented. This includes people who feel their opportunities are limited as a result of:

• having a mental health issue
• having a physical disability
• having a long-term limiting illness
• having a learning disability/ASD/ADHD/dyslexia/dyspraxia
• being from a working class background
• having a sensory impairment
• having a substance misuse issue
• being homeless or in temporary accommodation
• being a survivor
• being a care leaver
• being long term unemployed
• being a carer
• being an offender or ex-offender
• being part of the BMER/Traveller community
• being part of the LGBTQI+ community
• being an older person (65+)

Please choose any and all categories which apply to you. We ask that you self-identify under the above categories and do not ask that you prove your eligibility.

We champion people who are under-represented in a range of ways, on the assumption that people will use their judgement about the barriers and issues they have faced. We have never been in a position of turning someone away as ‘not under-represented enough.’

Entrants must be 18 years of age or over.

Please also note that the competition is only open to UK citizens and residents:

• I am a UK citizen living abroad – ELIGIBLE
• I am a non-UK citizen living in the UK – ELIGIBLE
• I am not a UK citizen nor living in the UK – INELIGIBLE

If you have any questions or concerns about whether you are eligible, feel free to give us a call on 01273 234 780 or by emailing [email protected]