ROYAL PHILHARMONIC Opportunities for young people in Brent

Adding another string to your bow

Khadra Mohamed

Young people in Brent are taking advantage of opportunities to work with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) while developing their interest in playing classical music on a professional stage.

Eighty three percent of young people under 25 years are listening to and enjoying classical music, according to the RPO’s research. This is great news for local young people who now have the opportunity to shine in an area of music that many may previously have felt excluded from.

Khadra Mohamed, 22, jumped at the chance to become a Production Assistant intern with the RPO as part of a scheme supported by the

Mo Siewcharran Fund.

Khadra said: “I have lived in Brent all my life and jumped at the opportunity to work on

Wemba’s Dream. It felt like fate had landed me this opportunity when I finished my degree.

“I knew nothing about the RPO or any orchestra before I joined the production of Wemba’s Dream. I am not from a musical background, don’t play any instruments and can’t read music. “Seeing the look on people’s faces during the performance really made me appreciate the importance of this event; it brought the community together. My little brother was so inspired he asked to join Brent Youth Theatre. This has been a fantastic opportunity and I’m excited about my next adventure.”

Over the past 15 years, the RPO has worked with more than 9,000 young people in Brent. To find out more about the RPO visit: www.rpo.co.uk.

For more information about the Mo Siewcharran Fund, which helps people from under-represented backgrounds to thrive in the creative industries, visit: www.creativeaccess.org/uk

B STOO YOUR IMMUNITY THIS WINTER

Answering your questions on the Covid-19 booster and flu jab.

Looking after our health during winter is really important and the NHS is reminding residents of the importance of having the flu vaccination and Covid-19 booster.

Which vaccinations should I have this winter?

Everyone over 50, or those with a health condition that puts them at higher risk from Covid-19 is now eligible for the Covid-19 booster vaccine and a flu vaccine. Both are serious illnesses. If you are in these groups, having both the Covid-19 booster vaccine and flu jab is the best way to protect yourself this winter.

I’ve had 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine, why do I need a booster?

The Covid-19 booster will help improve your longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from the virus.

Will the flu jab give me flu?

No, the flu jab cannot give you the flu. It is an inactivated vaccine, which means it does not contain any of the live flu virus.

Can I have both vaccines at the same time?

Yes, If you are offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.

Is it still safe to get the flu jab if I’ve had Covid-19?

If you've had Covid-19, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It will still be effective at helping to prevent flu.

I’m pregnant, will the flu jab or booster vaccine harm me or my baby?

No it won’t. Having both the flu and Covid-19 vaccine will help protect you and your baby. It's safe to have the vaccines at any stage of pregnancy.

How do I get my vaccinations?

Everyone eligible for both vaccinations will be contacted by the NHS/GP practice to arrange an appointment. If your second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine was more than six months ago you can go to the NHS booking website nhs.uk/covidvaccine and book your booster.