Buxton writer becomes one of 16 in country to work on Michael Sheen backed writing programme

Matt Taylor grew up in the care system and children’s homes on the Isle of Man but he found solace in music and writing.

Aged just 16 he moved to the High Peak and went to Glossopdale College.

Now 31 and living in Buxton he has been selected as one of only 16 out of more than 1,000 applicants to take part in a new mentoring scheme which will run for a year.

A Writing Chance supports writers from working-class and under-represented backgrounds and recognises that entry to the highly competitive writing industries continues to favour those from more privileged backgrounds.

The pioneering programme for change co-founded in 2021 by Michael Sheen, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, New Writing North and Northumbria University, seeks to re-address that balance.

By uniting partners across sectors, the programme is building a movement to challenge the status quo and allow all writers to fairly benefit from opportunities to progress that reflect their talent.

Matt said: “I’m working class, my background is not great but to be given a chance to write and follow my dream is truly amazing.”His writing talent was first noticed when he won the Highly Commended Award in the Life Writing Prize 2021.

Since then, he has gone to study for a master’s in creative writing at the University of Oxford while continuing to produce music.

Speaking about his time in care and his future prospects he has said not ending up in jail was considered a good achievement.

However, he wanted more for himself.

He has taken himself on a journey to learn and push himself and achieve his goals.

“It is very validating to be told that what I’m writing is actually good.

“It’s a lonely job being a writer - you sit and stare at a laptop all day never really knowing how your work is being received.

“And I know A Writing Chance don’t pick rubbish people so it’s nice to know I’m doing something right.”Matt applied earlier in the year but never thought he would be successful.

“You’re never going to win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket so I thought I’d just give it a shot.”

He found out he had secured a place in the spring but the programme only announced the participants in June.

The 16 writers began their year-long programme with a five-day residential writing retreat at Arvon’s writing house, The Hurst in Shropshire.

Each writer has been paired with an industry mentor and one of four pastoral mentors – experienced writers Clare Shaw, Richard Benson, Lynsey Rogers and Katy Massey – whom they will meet regularly over the next 12 months.

“The aim is to leave not just with the knowledge on how to be a better writer but also the contacts and the platform to be a successful writer where you can make money from it as well,” Matt explained.

Matt will also become part of a writers’ network; learn how the industry works at industry-insight sessions with Audible, Faber & Faber, the Daily Mirror and Substack; make contacts; and progress his work towards publication.

He said: “My dream is to publish the memoir of my life in the care system and my journey.”

Matt’s journey is one that should be heard and as well as trying to be a published writer Matt is making waves in the music industry.

He is a director of the Music Producer’s Guild, produced a number one album with Frank Turner and won awards for his work.

He was elected as a borough councillor for Fairfield last year and is not only the Assistant Executive Member he is working with High Peak Borough Council on creative projects and showing young people how you do not have to leave Buxton to achieve your dreams.

Last autumn he was invited to Downing Street to discuss the impact of AI on the music industry and the threats it poses.

He said: “I was a young offender and stats show that 56 per cent of care leavers end up in prison and there I was advising the government on how to handle problem topics.”

A Writing Chance 2024–25 is produced by New Writing North in partnership with Faber & Faber, the Daily Mirror and Substack, with funding from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Mab Gwalia – Michael Sheen’s charitable fund – and Arts Council England, and with support from audio sponsor Audible. The programme is supported by research from Northumbria University and Bath Spa University, funded by AHRC.

Michael Sheen said: “A Writing Chance exists not only to enable talented writers to access opportunities that have for too long relied on connections, networks and a financial cushion, but also to find the voices and stories that have been missing from our national conversation.

“When we share those stories, we all benefit.

“The 16 writers selected for the programme all have something to say that we, as a society, need to hear.

“I can’t wait to read the work they produce.”

Matt’s mentor is Jonn Elledge, author, New Statesman columnist and Substack writer.

Matt said: “He is a great writer and his support is invaluable and I’m really excited about this next year.”The 16 chosen participant writers will each receive a £2,000 bursary supported by a grant from the Charlotte Aitken Trust.

Matt writes the platform Substack with the username Underclass Hero writing letters to a care leaver on ‘how to survive in a world you were never supposed to be in’.