Our fifth creative writing competition is now open for entries. Whether you’re an experienced writer or are just beginning to express yourself through words, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re welcoming poems and short stories on all aspects of caring, but we’d particularly like to receive entries on the theme of ‘keeping well, keeping connected’. You can interpret this theme in any way you wish. For example, you may want to explore some aspect of physical or mental health, or write about making new friendships. In November we will be producing an anthology of the winning and commended entries, plus poems and stories selected by Carers UK members, staff and trustees.

The competition is free to enter and open to UK residents. Entries must be unpublished and not a translation of another author’s work.

• up to two poems, each no longer than 40 lines
• one short story, of up to 1,000 words

The first prize in each category is £100 in high street vouchers and £125 in Specsavers eyecare vouchers.