The Story Works began with a simple but powerful idea. When Dee Hughes, father of two, noticed how little room there was for imagination and creative expression in his children’s school, he set out to build something different. Inspired by the playful, community‑centred model of 826 Valencia in San Francisco, he envisioned a place where children could explore ideas freely, be supported by mentors, and see their stories transformed into something real.
What started as one parent’s determination has grown into a charity shaped by a remarkable community. Our close partnership with Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth brings in talented student writers, illustrators and filmmakers — and our volunteer team extends far beyond the universities. People from all backgrounds now contribute their time and creativity, united by the belief that every child has a story worth telling.
Our mission is to champion children’s creativity and give them the confidence to express themselves. We believe that storytelling is a powerful tool: it helps children explore their ideas, understand their emotions, and find their voice. Through supportive mentoring, imaginative activities and a welcoming community of volunteers, we create spaces where every child feels heard and valued.
We are committed to nurturing creativity in all its forms and to ensuring that children from every background have access to meaningful creative opportunities. At The Story Works, every story matters, and every child deserves the chance to tell theirs.
Meet our wonderful volunteers and discover what they enjoy about being part of The Story Works. Their enthusiasm, creativity and kindness play a huge role in helping children express themselves and bring their ideas to life. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, ages and walks of life. What matters most is a genuine desire to encourage children to explore their creativity, share their thoughts, and feel proud of their stories.
If you’d like to join our volunteer community, we’d love to hear from you! Just send us a message at info@thestoryworks.org.
