Speech Bubbles Story FUNd
Your story, brought to life — raising voices, raising funds
In 2026-2027 we are aiming to raise £20k for Speech Bubbles with Story FUNd. A celebration of stories and storytelling. Anyone can submit a short story using the guidelines below. Stories will be given to someone from our pool of professional performers, who will create an audio recording of your story to be shared online!
If you enjoy writing a story, or if you enjoy listening to them, we appreciate your donations at any time.
STORYTELLERS
SUBMIT YOUR STORY
There are 3 simple steps to joining in with Story FUNd
1. Write a story! (max 450 words) and email it in a Word Document to lizzie@speechbubbles.org.uk
2. Complete the storyteller consent form here.
3. Make a donation to Speech Bubbles, we suggest £50 per story here.
STORYTELLER GUIDELINES
When you donate and submit a story to the Speech Bubbles Story Funder, we want you to feel free to be imaginative, expressive and playful. Your creativity is what makes this fundraiser so special.
To help ensure that all stories can be shared proudly as part of our work, we ask that submissions:
Are no longer than 450 words - please send stories as Word Documents.
Do not bring Speech Bubbles CIO into disrepute - please avoid content that is discriminatory, harmful, or likely to cause offence.
Are suitable to be heard by a general audience, including children (though they do not need to be children’s stories).
Respect the dignity and safety of others, avoiding personal attacks, hate speech, or anything that promotes violence or abuse.
Do not include confidential, private or identifying information about real people without permission.
Are your own original work, please don’t submit AI generated stories.
We’re not here to censor creativity — we simply want to make sure that stories reflect the values of respect, inclusion and care that guide all of Speech Bubbles’ work.
If you’re unsure whether your idea fits, feel free to check in with us. Otherwise, write boldly and enjoy the process — we can’t wait to bring your story to life.
YOUR PERFORMER
Stories are usually matched at random to one of our wonderful performers.
If there’s a particular kind of voice or lived experience that you feel would really bring your story to life, you’re welcome to let us know — only if you wish.
Our performer pool is small, so we can’t promise a perfect match every time, but we’ll always try our best to honour your intention with care.
PERFORMERS
If you’re a performer who is interested in donating your talents to bring Story FUNd stories to life, we would love to hear from you. Please email lizzie@speechbubbles.org.uk with the word ‘Reader’ in the subject line.
WHAT WE’RE ASKING
Role: Read aloud submitted stories (audio recordings only).
Recording: Home studio or simple phone recording both welcome.
Events: Optional invitations to join in-person events such as the Big Give Quiz and regional story readings.
Commitment: Flexible. One-off recordings or occasional appearances.
WHY JOIN
- Help us reach our £20k fundraising target.
- Celebrate creativity and amplify children’s voices.
- Be credited in campaign materials and press coverage.
- Join a national celebration of inclusive drama practice.