We're particularly excited about the positive effects that our communities initiative will have on the libraries, community organisations and their members and families who take part in the Brit Writers' Awards.

We want to help to inspire people young and old to:

• Tell their story to others – whether it's a piece of fiction or an account of their specific experiences or background;
• Understand the power of the written word in everything from expressing themselves to getting their views across about any issues affecting them or feeling the cathartic benefits of writing about their thoughts and feelings;
• Improve their own literacy skills;
• Get involved in dialogue (both through literature and verbal interaction) with people in their communities who have different cultural backgrounds, different skin colours, different faiths and different views of the world we all live in;
• Take advantage of the opportunity offered by BWA to actually consider pursuing writing as a career or, at the very least, as a very beneficial pastime that will help them to grow as individuals.  

We want to reach out to people of all ages and all backgrounds – but particularly young people. Why? Because writing encourages reading. This, in turn, enables people to broaden their understanding and acceptance of one another in today's multicultural society.

We want to encourage and facilitate productive interaction between people of different communities and different social backgrounds. By using creativity to develop their ability to express their views and to understand and appreciate those of others, we believe they will be inspired to make a positive contribution to society as a whole.

"The Brit Writers' Awards are all about inspiring everyone of every age and background to not only experience the life-changing benefits of reading and writing, but also to create, for the first time, an influential and international stage for emerging, unpublished writers – young and old. We want to make it possible for anyone who wants to become a professional writer to turn that dream into reality. We feel there is a great sense of urgency to focus our initiative on young people in order to create something truly sustainable for the future."

Imran Akram
Founder, Brit Writers' Awards