Settle Stories is a UK arts charity based in the Yorkshire Dales that uses storytelling to inspire learning, wellbeing and connection. We work with schools, artists and communities locally, nationally and internationally, creating live events, digital resources and creative programmes that help people listen, reflect and share their own stories.
Settle Stories is based in Settle, North Yorkshire, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Our main venue and studio is The Joinery, located in the town centre and open to visitors attending events, workshops or venue hire.
The Joinery is Settle Stories’ contemporary performance venue, storytelling studio and creative space. It hosts live events, workshops, meetings, filming, podcast recording and livestreaming, and is available for hire by schools, artists, charities and organisations.
Yes. You can visit The Joinery to attend an event, take part in a workshop, or hire the space. It is centrally located in Settle and easy to reach by train, bus or car. Details for upcoming events and visits are shared on our website.
If you are interested in visiting us, please email Jess at jess@settlestories.org.uk to let us know you are dropping in, as sometimes we work off site.
Settle Stories works with primary schools across the UK to support literacy, wellbeing and learning through storytelling. Our schools work includes live storytelling events, digital resources, teacher training and wellbeing programmes designed to save time and support children’s emotional development.
Settle Stories’ Digital Library is our education platform for teachers, offering a digital library of professionally told video stories, assemblies and classroom resources. Content is curriculum-aligned, low-prep and designed to support PSHE, literacy and oracy.
Stories for Schools saves teachers time by providing ready-to-use video stories, assemblies, transcripts and visual resources in one place. Teachers use it for assemblies, lesson hooks, calm listening moments and discussion-based learning, with minimal preparation required.
The Storyful Way is a research-led wellbeing programme for primary schools combining storytelling, mindfulness and creative activities. It supports children’s mental health, resilience and emotional literacy, particularly in Year 5 and Year 6.
The Storyful Way helps children explore emotions safely through story, build self-esteem, manage worries and develop resilience. It aligns with PSHE and whole-school wellbeing priorities and is designed to support teachers without increasing workload.
Yes. We offer CPD sessions and INSET training for teachers focused on using storytelling to improve engagement, behaviour, recall and classroom culture. Training is practical, research-informed and led by experienced educators and storytellers.
Yes. Schools can book professional storytellers from Settle Stories for assemblies, workshops, literacy weeks and themed curriculum days. Sessions are interactive, inclusive and tailored to the age group and learning objectives.
Yes. Supporting artists is central to our mission. We offer training, commissions, performance opportunities, networking and professional development through our training programmes and artist-focused workshops.
Yes. The Joinery is available for hire for meetings, workshops, performances, rehearsals, filming, podcast recording and livestreaming. It is a flexible, fully equipped venue suitable for both in-person and hybrid events.
Yes. We run live and digital events throughout the year, including workshops, talks, storytelling performances and community gatherings. Many events are streamed online, allowing people to take part from anywhere.
Settle Stories is funded through a mix of grants, trusts and foundations, earned income, donations and partnerships. We are an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and work to keep our activities as accessible as possible.
Yes. You can support Settle Stories by donating, becoming a regular supporter, sponsoring schools programmes, attending events, volunteering or working with us as a partner. To learn more, check out our ‘Support Us’ page.
You can contact Settle Stories via the contact form on our website or by emailing info@settlestories.org.uk. We’re always happy to hear from teachers, artists, visitors and organisations interested in our work.
