Read all about story ministry

A twisted beanstalk slide, a secret doorway and a staircase made out of book spines should keep things interesting.
Author Joanne Harris with Barnsley Bard Ian McMillan at the openingAuthor Joanne Harris with Barnsley Bard Ian McMillan at the opening
Author Joanne Harris with Barnsley Bard Ian McMillan at the opening

This wacky decor is all part of the furniture at Grimm & Co’s Ministry of Stories - a brand new writing and mentoring centre for children in Rotherham, which opened its doors this week.

Over 1,300 young people are expected to take part in writing classes in the centre’s first year, through story making workshops, school writing programmes and holiday camps.

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Visitors to the centre enter through a magical ‘Apothecary to the Magical’ shop, stopping in the Imagination Gym to use the Mind Unblocker and Creativity Catcher to unlease their imaginations, before heading in to the Story Lounge, which is filled with books, albums, films and comics.

The centre - which was created with the support of local businesses - was opened this week by authors Joanne Harris, Ian McMillan, and Paul Clayton. It will be run by Yorkshire charity Grimm & Co, who aim to help young people think in new ways, acquire skills and realise their potential through the joyful discovery of stories and the development of their imagination.

Grimm & Co founder, Deborah Bullivant, said: “Rotherham has been through the mill in recent years in terms of perceptions, and what we aim to show is that there is much more to this town. The real Rotherham has amazing community spirit and some great talent. We are providing a place, which is dedicated to building aspirations, writing, creativity and inspiring the future of Yorkshire’s next generation.

“We want to inspire and champion the creativity of every child and young person who passes through the Ministry of Stories magical doors.”

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