Exposure Magazine Issue 101

A HARINGEY YOUTH PUBLICATION

free

£0.00

Oct/Nov 09 issue 101

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Natasha Minto editorial

Rebecca Craig reporter

Duane Uba illustrator

Emily Claire Cannings

reviewer

Michael H illustrator a

John Sirett Reporter

Lucie Hembra reporter

Akshe LuchmanDeelah illustrator

Llewellyn Harrigan illustrator

Exposure The Bigger Shoe Box, Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfield Park, N10 3QJ Tel: 020 8883 0260 Fax: 020 8883 2906 Mob: 07947 884 282 Email: info@exposure.org.uk Website: www.exposure.org.uk

James Markwell reporter

Sam Hatter reporter

Angela Cooper reporter

Printed by TIP Limited 07590 850 532 Manager: Andreas Koumi Senior Editor: Gary Flavell Senior Designer: Luke Pantelidou Development officer: Flo Codjoe Junior Exposure: Mirella Issaias

Regrettably our office is inaccessible to wheelchair users but we will nevertheless make every effort to include your contributions

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Disclaimer Exposure aims to give young people an independent voice which can contribute to the democratic process.

While Exposure has done its best to check material contained within this publication, we cannot accept responsibility for inaccurate information provided by outside organisations. Organisations mentioned are not necessarily connected with nor endorsed by Exposure.

Permission has been sought, wherever possible, for the use of copyright material. Where contact has not been possible we hope that, as a voluntary organisation helping to educate and inform young people, it is acceptable for Exposure to use such material for the benefit of young people.

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Issue 101 October & November 2009

Exposure is free and open to anyone aged 13 to 19 living in or around Haringey.

If you want to get into journalism, design or film-making, get involved.

Editorial by N

atasha Min to

l u f h t You ing k n i h T

Exposure has been awarded a Silver Award from Youth Mark, a quality award for youth organisations.

It’s the highest accolade that’s ever been given to a youth group. Thank you, thank you.

A lot of young people find it difficult to fit into the mainstream social groups.

That means that there are lots of us that are outcasts or ‘loners’. This may be because we don’t dress or talk right, but sometimes it’s more serious, like we’re not able to think or act in the right way, or perhaps some of us are confined by mental health or physical disability.

Sometimes it’s a style of clothing that distinguishes us, and sets us adrift from the main crowd.

But someone’s clothes or psychological capacity doesn’t have to determine a person’s behaviour. Just because a girl in school doesn’t talk much doesn’t make her a weirdo. And just because a boy dresses like a chav, doesn’t mean he’s a hooligan.

You don’t have to feel like an outcast because you are different. It’s how you treat other people that makes you who you are, not the stereotypes people box you with.

“Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.”

Anon.

Sponsors:

Hornsey Parochial Charities

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reviews

by Emily Claire Cannings

CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRE’S ASSISTANT There is a new vampire phenomenon in town, and its called Cirque Du Freak The Vampire’s Assistant. The reviewers are calling it average, but I thought it was a cool, modern adaptation of three books from The Saga of Darren Shan series. Now it’s your turn to decide.

This is all about a boy who is perfect, who has a best friend who is the complete opposite to him. Suddenly their lives start to change when Darren starts to act up, and his relationship with Steve becomes strained. They get a leaflet inviting them to a freak show and decide to go along. It’s here where their secrets start to unravel, and their friendship breaks up...but will they be able to stay friends forever despite the negative pressures of outside forces?

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Emily

DARKE ACADEMY SECRET LIVES Gabriella Poole Cassie Bell, an orphaned schoolgirl, gets a scholarship to go to the Darke Academy, a curious school that changes its location each term. Cassie was forced to move school because in her previous one she suffered terrible bullying, but she quickly finds friends at Darke Academy. Not long after settling into her new life a girl is killed in a mysterious fashion. Carrie decides she will discover how this girl met her grisly end; who knows what secrets she will find.

Darke Academy is the most thrilling book I’ve read in a while. It’s a novel full of dark and surprising secrets that keep those pages turning. You’ll never want to put this down.

This is a must-read for teenagers. I can’t wait until the second book comes out in 2010!

INTRODUCING SOCIOLOGY A GRAPHIC GUIDE Richard Osborne and Borin Van Loon Introducing Sociology is a book that attempts, through cartoons and speech bubbles, to explain the complexities of society. It’s well structured, and goes into how sociology was formed, and who the first sociologists were, like Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim. Later on you can further your understanding of important social subjects like capitalism, culture, feminism, unemployment, and suicide.

To make understanding society easier there’s fun games and quiz’s to enjoy.

There’s also a particularly interesting conclusion that predicts what might happen in the future with crime and television, and also whether the subject of sociology itself is redundant.

Introducing Sociology requires background knowledge on politics and history, and so would probably be best suited to older teenagers.

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Image by Lucie Hembra

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Lucie

Lucie Hembra speaks rashly about eczema ‘She’s got rabies! She looks dead!’ They screamed, as they threw stones. It was the same every day at school. It wasn’t rabies though. It was eczema.

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin, which becomes red, flakey and sore, and sometimes bleeds. These symptoms can be brought on by an allergic reaction and stress. Eczema is usually genetic, which means other members of the family might have it.

When I was 12 I started getting red blotches, weeping sores and cracked skin all over my body, including my face. I spent most of my teens hidden in huge jumpers. I wanted to make myself

and you think you are repulsive.

After being called a ‘hideous monster’, and having rocks thrown at me I was convinced I was disgusting. So I took it out on myself. I began self-harming: cutting my arms and digging my nails in to my skin.

After two years, I thought I’d tried every kind of ‘cure’. There were lots of creams and ointments; there was acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and even Chinese herbal medicine. It helped a little, but it was revolting, and the eczema never cleared up completely.

By the time I was 14 my skin was worse than ever. It was so dry I couldn’t open

I wanted to make myself invisible; difficult when you apparently look like the girl from my mouth to talk; I’d lost weight because The Exorcist I couldn’t eat, I felt like a freak, and my

invisible, which is difficult when you apparently look like the girl from The Exorcist.

According to The British Skin Foundation, eight million people in the UK suffer with a skin disease of some kind. One in 12 will have some form of eczema.

It made me furious when classmates came up to me and said, ‘Oh, is that eczema? I had that when I was a baby, but it’s gone now.’ ‘You must be so proud.’ I would think to myself, covered in what felt like scales. But true enough, it is quite common in babies. I’d first had it when I was little, and it had disappeared when I was about seven. Then I hit puberty and it came back worse than ever.

Suffering with a skin disease affects your mental health too. I noticed more people staring at me. They probably felt sorry for me, or disgusted, or both. I began to feel paranoid. This paranoia can lead on to something called Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). This is when your mind scrambles up what you see in the mirror,

depression was mounting. I needed help and quick.

I went to see the doctor, and after years of misery I was handed my ‘miracle’. I was given a steroid cream called Hydrocortisone; it changed my life. I covered myself in the stuff, and in the morning when I woke up I could move my face, I could smile, and everything got better from there. The grief was all over. Now I’ve been left with scars on my face and my legs, but I prefer it to what was there before. A few weeks after I first used the cream I even scared my mates by wearing colourful clothes. Aaahhhhh!

If you’re living with eczema don’t despair. Go to your GP and ask for a patch test to see if you’re allergic to anything. Find a good quality, perfume free, moisturising cream that you can apply throughout the day. And visit a dermatologist who can prescribe you the right medication for your complaint.

Visit The National Eczema Society at www.eczema.org to get more information on eczema and support groups near you.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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James Markwell on losing his best friend I want to talk to you about a girl who had a heart of gold, who would brighten up a room just by entering it. Her name was Wallis Blewitt. She had no enemies and many friends. She had a family who

have written personal messages like ‘RIP Wallis, we will always miss you.’ But for me that isn’t enough, I can’t help but question: why her? You have murderers and rapists that are genuinely evil people, why not take one of them? She had so much potential, and had this energy inside of her that filled with joy the heart of every person she met.

I will not miss her because she hasn’t gone anywhere; she’s in my heart always loved her very much.

She died on Friday 7th August 2009.

She had a genetic anomaly similar to Huntington’s disease, where the nerve cells are damaged affecting the body from functioning correctly. Usually people between ages 30 and 50 are affected, but Wallis was only 17.

On her Facebook page many people

Wallis Blewitt was my best friend. She was like my sister and I loved her. A day would rarely go past when we didn’t see each other, and now she is gone. Her last words were spoken to me. She said, ‘you stay here, I’m just going up stairs.’

We were meant to go shopping. She said I needed a new set of clothes because I’m ‘killing fashion with the ones I have.’

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James

As she was up ‘stairs I heard a ‘thud’ and replied with a snappy remark. There was no response, no comeback to make me feel silly, no shoe flying down the stairs aimed at me. I went up to check on her.

She was on the floor. I thought she was playing around at first, but Wallis wasn’t breathing. I then ran down the stairs to get her mum. The rest is too difficult to go through again, way too painful, but I will say this: I will not miss her because she hasn’t gone anywhere; she’s in my heart always.

I’ve always known she had her illness, but I never thought about her dying, or what I might do if something like this did ever happen. Now, somehow, I have to face my life without my sister, with out my friend, without support when I’m down.

Since Wallis passed I’ve asked myself, ‘what do I do now?’ over and again, and I really don’t know.

I wrote this article on Wednesday 12th August 2009. We had arranged to meet so I could show her around Muswell Hill.

We were both east Londoners who loved north London, and we wanted to find out where Wallis’ hero, Michael McIntyre, lived. Writing this article is helping me, but I’d sooner be walking around with her.

We lived very close. I could see her window from my room. We even learnt Morse code with flashlights for when we ran out of credit to phone or text. Now when I look out of my window I see a set of closed curtains, and the crack in the glass we made when we were mucking about in her room once. We both loved plants, we even had silly nicknames: I was Jasmine James and she was Watermelon Wallis.

But my friend was called Wallis Blewitt.

My sister was called Wallis Blewitt, and a large part of my heart is property of a girl called Wallis Blewitt.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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Image by Michael Ha

Rebecca Craig isn’t gay You’re in the playground at school. you’re with your friends and someone makes a racist remark. You would object; you would tell the person about how their racism is wrong. What if it was sexist?

Or what if someone was being mocked because they are disabled? You wouldn’t stand for it; you’d be appalled, and, at the very least, you would recognise that

tion, Stonewall, published a study stating 150,000 pupils annually are subjected to homophobic abuse in schools. It is also the second most common form of bullying after the issue of weight. The study showed that pupils from 90% of the secondary schools surveyed had witnessed incidents of homophobic bullying.

A school friend of mine came out as gay recently. It wasn’t long before people

Understanding same sex relationships from a young age will educate young people rather than create more homosexuals something hurtful and offensive has been said.

And what if the term ‘gay’ was used? I bet most people wouldn’t care. Why is it that in 2009, a time where racism, sexism and many other forms of prejudice are indefensible, homophobic attitudes remain acceptable and commonplace with teenagers?

Earlier this year, gay rights organisa-

were shouting names at him in the playground and laughing. He became used to it and didn’t report it.

‘It comes with the territory,’ he says.

But why should he have to endure this?

Why should those people get away with blatant discrimination?

The truth is that teachers may not necessarily know how to handle situations like these, even when they

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Michael

are reported. I can remember sitting in a PHSE lesson where we were discussing how people can be successful in politics regardless of gender, race or sexuality. Just then a girl in my class shouted out, ‘what?

You mean there are gay people in politics?’

This was followed by laughter throughout the room. When my teacher tried to challenge this, he was met with ‘are you gay, sir?’ And even more laughter.

It’s a shame teachers can’t stand up to homophobia without coming under fire themselves.

Despite society’s preoccupation with equal opportunities, some people still feel that homosexuality is wrong. Many of their arguments can be related to religious beliefs.

Last year, The Daily Telegraph reported that two primary schools in Bristol were forced to withdraw storybooks that depicted homosexuality after complaints from Muslim parents. The books were designed to reduce homophobic bullying by introducing children to different types of relationships and families. The main complaint from the parents was that the

school hadn’t consulted them beforehand or given them the chance to withdraw their children.

Understanding same sex relationships from a young age will educate young people rather than create more homosexuals.

Some argue that, unlike race or gender, sexuality is a choice. However recently The Daily Telegraph published an article on a study showing same sex relationships had been observed in more than 1,000 animal species. I wonder how many of these animals have been influenced by same sex relationships in school books.

Homosexuality clearly isn’t a choice, as my friend said, ‘I didn’t choose to be gay anymore than I chose my race. If I had a choice, do you think I would decide to be something that invites such discrimination?’ Even if it was a choice, why should anyone be discriminated against for what and who they are?

So next time, think carefully about what you say to people, because you don’t know how much it truly hurts them. Everyone is born equal; it’s time we are all treated that way.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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Rebecca

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By Michael Ha & Rebecca Craig Illustrations by Akshe Luchman-Deelah

I’m getting so stressed out with my schoolwork. Everyday I get homework, but I have no time to do it. I can’t meet deadlines and I’m scared I’m going to fail if I don’t get the work done. I’m struggling to cope.

Speak with your course tutors and ask them if an extension is possible. This will ease the pressure.

Most colleges have a tutor or learning mentor available to help you in free time or after school. Look at how much time you are spending on which activities.

You may find you have more time for homework than you think. Make sure you are relaxing – stress builds up if not.

Finding a balance between homework and relaxation is key to being successful at school.

I recently had sex with my boyfriend without protection. I did a test and it came out positive. I don’t know what to do. What if my boyfriend leaves me? What will my parents do? I’m terrified and so confused. I don’t know where to start.

This is a big decision, but there is no need to feel terrified. Try to be gentle with yourself and take some time to reflect on the choices you have to make. You should first visit your GP, and get tested to be 100% sure you’re pregnant. Your doctor will explain your options if you are. It depends upon your relationship with them, but get support from your partner and parents if possible. Their help will be useful. Talk to one of our counsellors at HYPCS. It’s essential you have someone to talk to who is not involved. You may change your mind many times before deciding what is best.

Contact Sharon/Steve at HYPCS on 0208 493 1010.

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Michael

Rebecca

Akshe

Agony is brought to you in association with Haringey Young People’s Counselling Service.

You can find them at 10 Bruce Grove, Tottenham, N17 6RA or call 020 8493 1019.

My parents are strict, and often call me a failure, or say ‘I’ve let them down.’ I want to prove them wrong! But I don’t know how to convince them I will be a success and pass my exams. I have behaved badly at school in the past, but I’ve changed, and they can’t see it.

Let your parents know how you feel and that you need their support because you want to change. Do you have a teacher at school who values your progress?

Ask your parents to come in to see them to talk about the improvements you have made.

Making a change is a process; you’re a person who behaves properly now, it may take time for people to adjust to this new you. Keep at it.

I’m moving to another country, but I really don’t want to. My parents have talked about moving to Australia for years; I can tell they’re really excited.

I don’t want to upset them, but my whole life is here and I don’t want to leave it behind. I’m 18, old enough to stay alone, but they’re insisting I come along.

You’re frustrated and torn.

You have the right to express yourself. You are 18; it’s your responsibility to express how you feel to your parents. Also try to look at the move to Australia in a balanced way. It might be fun and exciting. You also need to consider how you will support yourself? Try talking to another supportive family member or friend and arrive at some kind of compromise. This may involve a trial period in Australia to see if you like it.

Everyone’s got problems – see the Directory on page 27 for a list of support services.

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Sam Hatter uses mind over matter My name is Sam. I’m 17. I suffer from a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s a mental health problem. I ‘over-think’ and struggle to let go of difficulties in my life. This makes me anxious and confused. This anxiety causes my heart to pound, and makes it impossible to focus.

I’m not sure when it started, but I remember being very stressed around 14 years old. My thoughts were racing. I was very anxious and very confused, and I had a lot of fear. My symptoms were becoming complicated. I was showing elements of psychosis, this meant I would

were so bad that my psychiatrist decided that, for my own safety, I had to be admitted to hospital under Section 2 of the Child Act. In other words, I was ‘sectioned’, which meant I was forcibly taken to hospital and held there.

Southgate Priory was the first hospital I was in. It specialises in treating adults (rather than teenagers like me) with

I was ‘sectioned’, which meant I was forcibly taken to hospital and held there see and hear things. Everyone’s hallucinations are different; I would always see evil eyes and a featureless figure. I often couldn’t get to sleep because of the thoughts swirling around my head.

I began being violent. I screamed at people all the time, and my sleeping problems were becoming worse. Things

depression, addictions and psychosis. I was there for four months but it didn’t help. Eventually, I was allowed home while my psychiatrist arranged for me to be admitted at Northgate Clinic – a specialist unit for young people suffering from severe and complex mental health problems.

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Duane

Sam

Image by Duane Uba

When I was first admitted to Northgate all I wanted was medication to control the swirling uncontrollable thoughts in my head. But when I started my therapy work I learnt that talking about your problems is more beneficial than taking drugs. I slowly developed a trust with my therapists, nurses, and the other young people I met.

It was in Northgate that I could feel myself begin to get better. The therapy helped me get things clearer in my head, and gave me more control. However, after a few months I had another break down, as is common with mental health conditions. I acted out and I was violent, and got discharged. My mum did not want me at home as I was too aggressive, so I was referred to another hospital called New Beginning, a crisis recovery unit for adolescents in Barnet.

So far, I’ve spent 11 months of my life in hospital. For a long time everything looked very dark for me. However my current psychotherapist at New Beginning, Tony Kaplan, really understands my needs. Since working with him I have made great progress. I am only in hospital a few nights a week, or when I feel fragile and need help. It’s a safe place where they know how to deal with my symptoms.

In order to feel better I’ve done things like Art Therapy, which is a great way to express how you feel, using pens, paper, clay, anything, especially if you find talking difficult.

Since I’ve been ill my mum has changed a lot. She used to get angry a lot, but now she is much more patient with me, and more understanding. She has a saying that ‘out of bad comes good’ and I believe that. Going through what I have has helped me see who really cares about me.

Despite being 17, I’m only now starting to feel like a teenager. By writing this article I’m learning to be more confident and use my thoughts for a positive outcome that others can benefit from.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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FAIR GAME

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Image by Llewellyn Harrigan

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Llewellyn

John Sirett calls game over on sensationalism If you play violent video games you are going to go out, buy a knife, and stab everyone in the street. There are many people who think this. People like MP Keith Vaz, who wants violent games banned from our high street shops. And the The Daily Mail newspaper is on his side – always the voice of reason – as they are constantly publishing articles calling for the outlawing of video games. But isn’t it useful also to consider the personal experiences from a person who has played violent games without becoming a psychotic with murderous intent?

Games, even those few with graphic and sometimes gratuitous content, are just a make-believe fantasy world, completely different to the real world that you can touch and feel around you.

Many young people play games

John

Stephan Pakheera, told the Prime Minister that she believed that her son’s killer was influenced by the video game, ‘Manhunt’.’

Manhunt is an extremely graphic and violent game, well worthy of its 18 certificate, but these opinions come from a distressed and heartbroken mother, not science.

The right wing media twists the facts in order to make the public believe unconfirmed science. They cynically use incidents like the tragic death of Stephan Pakheera to play on hearts and minds.

No one has ever been able to prove that playing these games make you violent.

Patrick Kierkegaard, an academic from the University of Essex, concluded, after extensive research, that ‘there is no obvious link between real-world violence statistics and the advent of video games.

If anything, the effect seems to be the exact opposite, and one might argue that video game usage has reduced real

No one has ever been able to prove that these games make you violent

everyday, and the vast majority of them can tell what’s real, and what’s just a part of the game.

There is a risk in those people that are already capable of murder, but happen also to play video games – a violent scene may set off a negative thought pattern.

But as in any section of society, the number of psycho-videogamers who shoot up schools or attack their mate with a sledgehammer is tiny compared to the amount of everyday gamers around the world. Any violence these nutters act out can’t be blamed solely on games. What about their upbringing, their psychological state, the effect other media has had on them? Why are these elements ignored?

There are knives in every household, but how many are used to harm people?

Should we ban everyone from owning them?

MP Keith Vaz claimed on Question Time in October 2005 that ‘the mother of the murdered Leicester schoolchild,

violence.’

Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games, the 2008 book by Lawrence Kurtner and Cheryl K. Olsen, says that ‘there was a strong link between violent acts and not playing violent video games; video games are a part of a teenager’s normal social setting. As our parents exchanged cards and stamps, we exchange games. Denying this could create anger and tension.’

Understand that the campaign against violent video games is an angle. For politicians, it shows the public that they believe in something. For the right-wing press it is the kind of story that they believe appeals to their readers. The fact that there is no concrete evidence supporting the stance of either Vaz or The Daily Mail really doesn’t matter to them.

All we have to do is ignore it. And with a sense of irony, take the moral high ground.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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Horoscope

By Keisha Radway & Rubecca Ali

Libra

Sep. 23 - Oct. 23

You have many decisions to make, rush into take your With exams results now over with, don’t love seems to beanything, on the horizon.

Be time and think wisely before acting. happy, the stars say you will meet someone very special.

Scorpio

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Things are getting on top of you. Stay calm and be patient with your loved ones. Good fortune will come your way.

Sagittarius

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

There are too many distractions in your life. Remember to stay focused and work hard; do not allow others to overpower you.

Capricorn

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

You are an optimistic and bubbly individual. Negativity will be thrown at you, but take it on the chin and continue being yourself.

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Gabrielle

Janos

Llewellyn

Orlando

Camila

Tony

Images by Janos Papp, Llewellyn Harrigan, Orlando McKenzie, Camila Lopes and Tony Randall

Aquarius

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Breakout of that shell and try something different; you will find unexpected surprises along the way.

Pisces

Feb. 19 - Mar. 20

Your aggression is overpowering you, take a minute to overview how your attitude is affecting your peers. Take on board the advice given.

Aries

Mar. 21 - Apr. 20

Cherish those around you, and that special treat you’ve been waiting for will be around the next corner. should just try to enjoy life!

Taurus

Apr. 21 - May. 22

Break down that barrier which is stopping you from reaching your goals, and success will find you eventually.

Gemini

May 23 - Jun. 23

Take everything that has happened this week with a pinch of salt. Take these downfalls to boost your own success.

Cancer

Jun. 24 - Jul. 23

Leo

Jul. 24 - Aug. 23

Don’t let your bad experiences put you in a bad mood or affect those around you. What you’re looking for will come when you least expect it.

Spend more time on you, and less time worrying about others. Sometime you have to put yourself first.

Virgo

Aug. 24 - Sep.22

With Christmas rapidly approaching it is time to make those all-important decisions that could determine your future.

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Angela

Angela Cooper on why same because we are not constantly competing sex schools make sense over the latest piece of eye candy. It’s easy

Lots of young people moan about having to attend single sex schools. They believe that they’re missing out on being with the opposite sex, on having relationships and flirting (and babies!). But are all-girl or all-boy schools really a bad thing? I go to a single sex school and I don’t think so!

When I walk through the school gates towards my form room, the first people I see are other girls. This makes me feel comfortable as I am around people who are similar to myself. So already I’m off to a good start to the school day.

Girls and boys have completely

to focus and understand what is being said because there are no distractions until the lessons are over. If you want to get good grades this is how it should be.

An article in the The Telegraph of March this year stated that ‘analysis of Key Stage 2 and GCSE scores of more than 700,000 girls has revealed that those in all-female comprehensives make better progress than those who attend mixed secondaries.’ It is fundamental for girls to consider that same sex schools do better academically when choosing which school is best.

Granted, it’s not only single sex

In the real world people are not judged by how schools that do well, some mixed schools many boys fancy them are excellent also. However the evidence different personalities, especially when going through puberty. In my experience girls tend to get on better with other girls, and boys do the same with other boys. it’s just the way we are.

Being with people of my own gender helps to ease outside frustrations that might affect schoolwork. I can talk through my issues with people who understand exactly how we feel.

Not having boys around to make fun of us means that opening up, and being honest with our feelings is easier at school.

This helps with self-confidence, which is crucial to achieving good grades.

I asked some of my teachers why they chose to teach at a single sex school.

They all responded with similar answers: ‘girls are easier to teach when away from boys.’

It is true. When we are around the opposite sex, as we all know, we can act, think and speak very differently.

You spend more time trying to get the attention of a boy you like rather than listening to what the teacher is saying!

My form has become a close-knit family where we support each other in class. Everyone gets on so well, and that’s

does state that typically a single sex school is a better environment for education.

When I was choosing my secondary school I always wanted to go to a mixed one, like most young people do. My parents insisted on a same sex school.

At the time I didn’t understand how this could benefit me, but I agreed. I am so glad I did. I feel completely comfortable with the people around me.

In the real world people are not judged by how many boys fancy them. It’s how well you can concentrate and apply yourself that makes you successful. I wouldn’t change my school for any other, and that’s mostly because it’s single sex!

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By Sam Hatter & Natasha Minto

HEAR, HEAR! On 30 October this year over 300 Members of Youth Parliament descended on the House of Commons. Of all these future politicians, it was Haringey’s very own HYC leader, Funmi Abari, who stole the show (and the headlines!) when she made a stand against the abolishment of student tuition fees. At one point she had the whole place breaking out into riotous applause: ‘Tuition fees should not be abolished. It’s unrealistic, unsuitable and not for the best interest of all young people and those yet to come.’ While many MYPs tried to maintain their argument against tuition fees, Funmi was determined not to be beaten, ‘but lowering the fees – hell yes, that is fair.’

It was the first time in the history of Parliament that anyone other than adult MPs have been allowed to use the chamber.

Having such a debate suggests that Haringey’s young people have more to offer the world than babies and getting into trouble. Well done Funmi and rest of the Haringey Youth Ccouncil!

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DRAMA SETTER

Natasha

Lots of young people dream of being on stage. You probably have. It might be dancing, singing, or emceeing, which are all basically variations on one thing: performing. This is a difficult thing to do for lots of young people. You know what you want to do, but you might be held back by lack of confidence and experience.

Well at the Bruce Grove Youth Centre in Tottenham there is a drama group every Thursday and Friday from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Professional actors run these classes and activities include audition techniques, voice tutorials, singing, games and more. This could be the start of your career in show business!

To get involved all you need is some enthusiasm for drama and a willingness to learn; drop in at the start of a session, or call Sharron Spice on 020 8493 1012.

COOK IT UP It’s been a while since Jamie Oliver went mental on the healthy school dinner’s thing. Most of us have gone back to pizza and chips. We feel bad, but they taste good, sorry Jamie.

Still, we all know that there’s more to food than how fast you can get it. lt’s not difficult to make nice food that is good for you if you want to learn. From 20 November 2009, The Cooking Village is coming to Tottenham.

It’s a completely free two-hour session, where you can learn, cook and eat quality food from around the world. You’ll leave with a greater understanding of what makes healthy food great, you’ll be cooking, and you’ll be sitting down as a group to chat about what you’ve done and skills you’ve learned.

Contact Allison on 07886 372 410 or allison@thecookingvillage.com to find out how you can get involved.

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Shyness. Anon.

Anon.

I wake up engulfed by darkness Nothing seen, nothing heard Except for the quiet mourn of a baby A baby in pain, a baby not loved She lies there, she sees me Silence.

I take her into my arms So cold her face is blue For one so young she has felt much pain Her mother no where to be seen And her father gone With no one to love her how will she Survive she needs someone to love her.

I will ďŹ nd her someone, the perfect father.

An angel oats down to my side Her name be charlotte An image of beauty her face bold She looked at me smiled and said you have love to give, release it She took the baby, she loved the baby and the baby loves her I know because the baby was me.

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If you would like to see your poem published, please send it to editor@exposure.org.uk or post it to the address on page 2

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Directory YOUTH CLUBS Muswell Hill Area Youth Project Muswell Hill Centre, Muswell Hill 020 8883 5855 Bruce Grove Area Youth Project 10 Bruce Grove, Tottenham 020 3224 1089 Wood Green Area Youth Project White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre 020 8489 8942 Broadwater Youth Club Structured sport-based programme Broadwater Community Centre, Tottenham 07870 15 7612 SEXUAL HEALTH 4YP Haringey Young people’s sexual health services including dedicated clinic, drop-in sessions and the 4YP bus www.shharingey.gov.uk Tel: 020 8442 6536 4YP Plus Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic Women Only Clinic – for under 20s A confidential walk in service Thursdays 3:30pm-6:30pm Lordship Lane Primary Care Health Centre, 239 Lordship Lane, London N17 6AA 020 8365 5910 4YP Clinic, St Ann’s Hospital St Ann’s Road, Tottenham N15 3TH 020 8442 6810 4YP nurse mobile : 07943817289 or 07984037172 Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Team Jan: 07817 164 4733 Margaret: 07971 309 513 Teenage Fathers Worker Terry: 07980 316 761

Young Mums To Be Course in Tottenham for teenage mums and dads 1 Ashley Road, Tottenham Hale 020 8275 4230 Outzone Confidential information and support for lesbian, gay and bisexual young people www.outzone.org DISABILITIES Markfield Project Inclusive services for disabled and non-disabled young people Markfield Road, Tottenham 020 8800 4134 DRUGS & ALCOHOL In-Volve For young people with drug or alcohol issues 020 8493 8525 Cosmic For the families of people with drug or alcohol issues 0800 38905257 www.in-volve.org.uk DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Hearthstone For people experiencing domestic violence 020 8888 5362 MENTAL HEALTH Antenna For black African and African-Caribbean young people 020 8365 9537 www.antennaoutreach.co.uk Haringey Young People’s Counselling Service Advice and support for young people 020 8493 1019 Host General mental health care 020 8885 8160 Open Door counselling and psychotherapy for young people aged 12-25 12 Middle lane, N8 020 8348 5947

Victim Support Haringey Working for victims of crime 020 8888 9878 www.vslondon.org HOUSING Shelterline Shelter’s free housing advice line 0808 800 4444 VOLUNTEERING Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme of personal development 020 8826 9393 BTCV V involved Team National volunteering programme www.btcv.org.uk EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING KIS Training Helping young people into employment, education & enterprise 020 8275 4230 Harington Scheme Preparing young people with learning difficulties or disabilities for work 55a Cholmeley Park, Highgate www.harington.org.uk Connexions One-stop shop for young people 020 8881 7050 Drop-in centres: Ground floor Marcus Garvey library Leisure Centre, N15 4JA 020 8881 7050 Wood Green Library, 2nd Floor High Road, London, N22 6XD 020 8489 5200 www.haringey.gov.uk/ connexions Exposure is made possible thanks to core funding support provided by Haringey Youth Service.

Exposure is a registered trademark of Exposure Organisation Limited, registered in England no. 3455480, registered charity no. 1073922.

The views expressed by young people in Exposure do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its funder. (c) 2009. All rights reserved. ISSN 1362-8585

If your organisation would like to be included on this page please call 020 8883 0260

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