Exposure Issue 105

A HARINGEY YOUTH PUBLICATION

free Oct 2010

£0.00

issue 105

CREATIVE ALTRUISM

DESTRUCTIVE SELFISHNESS NEW LOOK NORTHENDZ MAGAZINE INCLUDED INSIDE

NEW LOOK NORTHENDZ MAGAZINE INCLUDED INSIDE

Amanuel Teowodros writer

Emily Claire Cannings reviewer/writer

Sam Hatter reviewer

Robin Campbell writer

l Cheyenne Samue writer

Nisha Bhantoo writer O’Shaya Dawkins writer

Bianca Spencer illustrator

Mary Gallagher illustrator

Alec W ils illustrato on r

Vicki Opyrchal illustrator

Annabel Adabie writer

Duane Uba illustrator

Kristina Volc hkova writer

coni Alessandro Mec writer

Tamara WickhamHayward poet

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

Printed by TIP Limited 07590 850 532 Andreas Koumi: Manager Gary Flavell: Editor Luke Pantelidou: Designer Flo Codjoe: Development officer Mirella Issaias: Junior Exposure Max Sycamore: Video Editor & IT Enrico Tessarin: Video Manager

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 105

October 2010

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.

l u f h t ng u o Y inki th Best magazine produced by young people awarded by: Editorial by Serwaa Appiah & Lesley Pelobangu

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Throughout our lives there will be many things that affect us. And then there are things we do that affect the world around us. And then there are things that happen around the world, awful, negative things like the blood diamond trade in Africa that we think doesn’t affect us, but really does. It impacts and concerns everybody. You can switch channel if a horrible news story comes on, and it’s often easier because it feels like there is nothing you can do anyway.

But you should remember that even small actions can have a big impact.

Think about the way you speak to your friends. The way you are towards them can directly influence how good they feel about themselves.

If you are in a situation that you can’t control, know that by confronting it in a positive manner will give you a better chance of a better outcome.

Negative things will inevitably happen, but we can learn from these experiences. Be friendly and helpful when others go through bad things. This makes the world around us a little bit better for everyone.

Garfield Weston Foundation

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reviews

THE LAST EXORCISM The Last Exorcism has had expensive and interesting marketing lavished upon it.

Along with billboards and TV spots, there was even a Chatroulette campaign (if you haven’t seen it, do a search for it, as it’s pretty good.) The film has even been labelled as ‘scarier than Paranormal Activity.’

Any horror fanatic would know that a film said to be scarier than Paranormal Activity, a movie that sucked my soul in, dismembered it and then spat it out again with malevolent laughter, is high praise indeed.

Using the same mockumentary style as seen in Paranormal Activity, the film follows a Reverend who, when dealing with exorcisms, places his trust in science rather than God. The film’s tagline, “If you believe in God, then you must believe in the Devil” encompasses the irony of the storyline. He is left challenging his own faith upon witnessing disturbing scenes on a farmyard where a girl is claimed to be possessed.

The narrative is at least a bit different from your usual exorcism affair, and that bit more relevant, highlighting the struggles between science and religion.

The Last Excorism is taking on one of the scariest films of all time in Paranormal Activity. And it’s because of this that it suffers. You can’t help but compare both films for tension and scare factor, and the latter wins out every time.

By Amanuel ‘Chiles Vidic’ Tewodros 4

Amanuel Emily

Sam

THE CHRONICLES OF AVANTIA: FIRST HERO by Adam Blade The Chronicles of Avantia: First Hero is about a boy called Tanner. In the beginning he has a happy and fulfilled life, but that doesn’t last long when super villain Derthsin comes along and burns down his whole village. Derthsin kills his dad and takes his mother away. But in the darkness and misery, Tanner finds Firepos, one of the power beasts of Avantia. Meanwhile a new army rises with designs on Derthsin’s power, and to rule the whole of Avantia.

This book is fun, exciting and exhilarating.

I love the work of author Adam Blade, and I think that this is his best writing; I was gripped throughout. Anyone who likes action packed stories will love this book.

By Emily Cannings

TOY STORY 3 This is the third film in the Toy Story trilogy. Andy is back, along with Woody, Boe Peep, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang. But times have changed, and Andy has grown older, and his love for his toys has waned. Woody and co. are obviously upset at being abandoned, especially when Andy’s mum wants to clear out his room when he leaves to go to college. Andy decides to keep woody and the rest of the toys go into the loft, and here the high jinks begin.

I have to say that I enjoyed the first two films more than I did this one.

They made me laugh where as this one didn’t, there just weren’t that many funny bits. I even got a little bored in the cinema. I think I’ve grown out of the Toy Story franchise, however there are lots of people who loved this film, but I’m not sure why. Go and see it to judge for yourself, but it wasn’t for me.

By Sam Hatter

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Cheyenne

CHEYENNE SAMUEL schools us on her truancy I started bunking to escape my problems at home. I was banned from socialising by my parents, and I was getting grounded all the time. I just wanted time to go places and see my friends and school got in the way.

So I would play truant and I found it easy to get away with it. My school didn’t seem to notice that I wasn’t attending regularly. Most schools check up on you if you’re not in school, but mine didn’t for some reason.

I basically did what I wanted for a few months. Eventually I did get caught though. My mum found some of my

was counting my money when I heard, “Hello girls”.

I had been caught, I couldn’t escape, and I was surrounded. Three truancy officers were looking at us. If they catch you, you can’t talk your way out of it.

They always know that you’re lying.

They know what’s happening in schools and whether you should be in class.

They asked me for my details. I refused and pleaded with them not to inform my mum. They said my parents would definitely be informed. I had to give them all my information. I remember looking at a clock and seeing it was 3:00pm and

regular clothes in my school bag. She rang my school to tell them that she suspects that I might be truanting.

Sure enough when I returned to school the next day I was put on a truancy report.

Every lesson the teacher had to sign it to prove that I was there, and they also had to comment on my behaviour. There was no getting around it: I was being watched all the time. I couldn’t move without a teacher knowing about it.

A month passed and I had 100% attendance. I was so proud of myself, I felt good. They took me off report as I proved they could trust me. And then suddenly, after a month of constant surveillance, no one was watching. I slipped back into bunking the next day.

My friends and I would go to Camden a lot. We would eat food, and look around the market. We’d spend ages running around, looking through windows at all the funky stuff.

One day we had been walking for so long our legs went numb. So we decided to sit down in a shop and buy a drink. I

thinking that if I hadn’t bunked I would be on my way home. I wouldn’t be in this mess.

A few days later a letter arrived from school that explained what I had been up to. It also said that if I was caught truanting again my parents could be fined and even put in prison. An article in the Guardian in 2009 states that a parent gets jailed every two weeks during term time due to their kid’s bunking.

I haven’t bunked since, and I will never bunk again. It’s not worth it and puts both your future and your family at risk. We are fortunate enough to have free education, and I took it for granted.

I never want to have that feeling of being caught and having to face my parents again.

If someone informed me on the implications bunking could cause in my life, I don’t think I would have done it.

Even though bunking may feel good at the time, the implications are severe whatever your reason for not attending school.

I couldn’t escape, and I was surrounded.

Three truancy officers were looking at us

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p23

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Emily Claire Cannings on how her parents’s divorce pulled her apart I was five years old when my parents got divorced. Before then they argued a lot.

I remember thinking that if mummy and daddy weren’t together that they wouldn’t be able to shout at each other.

The arguing didn’t stop though. My life after that was spent in court, in a custody battle. I dealt with depression, and the constant reminder that my parents were at war with each other.

On the first day of court I was confused because I didn’t know how it worked.

I was worried I would have to choose between my parents. That fear grew and got worse and I hated having to go there. It made me feel like I was in prison waiting to be let out. The custody battle lasted a long time; by the end of it I was exhausted. I wanted to be free and not 8

have to deal with the pain and guilt I was feeling.

I found it stressful, confusing, and I cried almost everyday. I would scream and I didn’t know how to deal with my emotions. I had counselling, I talked to teachers and friends, and I often thought that running away might help my mum and dad. Nothing worked though. I knew that whatever happened I would hurt one of my parents. I knew one of their hearts would be broken. I felt like a rag doll being pulled in two directions.

I had many family court advisors (called CAFCASS officers). Their job is to talk in court on behalf of the child. But when I told them what I wanted, they never seemed to present my feelings accurately.

I decided it would be me who would bring the fighting to an end. I asked the last CAFCASS officer to read out a letter I had written, that way there would be no confusion, and that this would bring an

Emily

end to the custody battle.

This was the biggest decision of my life: choosing which parent I wanted to live with. I chose my mum because for a girl you need a mother more when you

However, my friends with divorced parents say the guilt felt when forced into the middle of the situation was horrible.

According to an article in The Guardian in 2008, 45% of marriages end in divorce.

I felt like a rag doll being pulled in two So it’s important for everyone to realise directions. are a teenager. I also said in the letter that, ‘I ask the court to see my father on a Thursday of each week.’ My dad just stormed out of the courtroom. I realised this was the end; I was overjoyed but felt awful for my dad.

I wish I knew what it felt like to have two parents together because my family seems so far apart. Some of my friends say it is a blessing to have parents separated as their mums and dads are together and fighting. It is better in some ways. I can spend time with my parents without the arguments, which enables me to connect better with them both.

that kids shouldn’t be pushed in the middle of their parent’s arguments; they should realise the damaging effect this has on a child.

If you’re unlucky enough to become embroiled in your parent’s separation try to remain positive. If you want your feelings to be heard, write them down.

Talk to your friends, as they are likely to be able to relate to what you’re going through. And remember, if it comes to going to court, ultimately both of your parents want you to be with them, which is a good thing.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p23

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Written by Robin Campbell and O’Shaya Dawkins.

Illustrated by Bianca Spencer.

I was at a gig recently and I took ecstasy. I only wanted to have a drink, but my friend was doing pills. I ignored it at first, but she seemed to be having more fun than me, so I took some. I’m scared I’ve damaged my body or my mind. Was this the right thing to do?

My friend joined a church recently. She’s started spending all her time there, she never sees any of her friends, and she has dropped out of college. I’m worried that they’ve brainwashed her. I want to help her, but is it my place to?

It’s hard to know when someone is in trouble or just enjoying something new. If she is involved in something ‘dangerous’ perhaps you could speak to her family or get a few friends together to talk to her. You can then assess if you feel she needs your help. Dropping out of college seems strange, as most faiths would promote learning.

Some churches are nothing like a cult, but have different ways of working than otherwise typical.

She may be getting support there that she can’t get elsewhere. Keep your communication open, non judgemental and continue being supportive to your friend at this time.

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Peer pressure to take drugs can be very strong. As you may know ecstasy is a class-A drug and illegal.

Possession of it can mean a prison sentence. The long-term effects are still unknown, but it is unlikely you’ve done any permanent damage with one use – prolonged use can cause memory loss or depression, and it strains the heart through increasing heart rate. Pills can also contain other harmful substances such as horse tranquilisers!

Combining ecstasy with drinking is not a good idea as it’s easy to overheat and dehydrate which in some cases has proved fatal.

Visit www.talktofrank.com for drug information. You can also have counselling to discuss your drug use further.

Robin

O’Shaya

Bianca

The Haringey Young People’s Counselling Service provides the answers to the problems featured in Agony. You can call them on 020 8493 1019 or fill out a booking form at www.youthspace.haringey.gov.uk/health

My family has always been poor, but we live in wealthy area. All my friends have expensive clothes, but mine are all from a charity shop. So I started shoplifting. Last week I got caught and my family is furious with me. I know it’s wrong, but feeling inadequate is worse. I’m going to carry on stealing as I want to look cool like my friends.

You’re unhealthily comparing yourself to your friends and feel that your self-esteem is tied up in your appearance. This is a common feeling and your friends are probably having similar pressures. Stealing is not the solution and could lead to you getting a criminal record and a prison sentence. These days there are popular high street stores that offer the latest trends at affordable prices. It is not a crime being poor and wealth does not define who you are. Try finding part-time work.

And it might be worth speaking to a counsellor to help you gain a deeper sense of yourself.

Recently I’ve been getting a lot of grey hairs, and I’m only 15. My mum doesn’t let me dye my hair.

I constantly wear beanies or bandanas and I am even considering shaving my head. I hate getting laughed at, and people are calling me ‘Gramps’.

Some people do go grey a lot earlier, and there are a number of factors responsible.

It’s worth talking to your GP about this.

Try and take a different approach, see it positively – it makes you different. Talk to your parents again about dyeing your hair, find out their objections. At the moment it sounds like you want to hide it as people are laughing at you. Find a way to be proud of how you look by learning to accept it and feel more confident in your appearance. People will stop commenting, as they won’t get a reaction from you. Everyone goes grey, it’s just a case of when!

Everyone’s got problems – see the Directory on page 23 for a list of support services.

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Gallery

Mary

Demon child Hand drawn illustration.

Pencil sketch, coloured iwith felt tips

By Mary Gallagher

Send your artwork to: Exposure, The Bigger Shoe Box, Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfield Park N10 3QJ or email: luke@exposure.org.uk.

Gallery

Alec

Will Smith Digital illustration.

Illustration on film still, using Phtotshop

By Alec Wilson

Send your artwork to: Exposure, The Bigger Shoe Box, Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfield Park N10 3QJ or email: luke@exposure.org.uk.

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Nisha Bhantoo is confused by the rocks that you got The life of a diamond isn’t as perfect as the lives of the stars that wear them.

There’s more to some ‘rocks’ than their sparkle.

The diamond industry is, mostly, a slave trade, driven by miners that work 14-hour days with no break, little food and no medical care. Recent research by Brilliant Earth, a conflict free diamond company that invests in African communities, states that 46% of miners are under 16. This is generally known as ‘child exploitation’, which is where children are used unfairly to one’s own gain, financial or otherwise.

Diamond mining is a particularly dangerous form of child labour. In addition to the typical dangers of mining underground, the children are victim of violence, theft and rape. It is common for feet, arms, hands, legs and fingers to be hacked off if orders are not followed.

Children are often kidnapped and sent to work in the mines, or to become soldiers in a rebel army. Children as young as seven are taught how to fight, how to reload a gun, and are forced to marshal the other workers and shoot those suspected of stealing diamonds.

In some African countries the diamond industry is controlled by rebels. They sell the stones to raise money to buy weapons to wage war against legitimate governments. These are commonly called ‘blood diamonds,’ not for their colour but for their cost in human suffering.

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Nisha

Blood diamonds have been a concern since the 1930s when industrial diamond mining began. And they remain newsworthy even today: just recently a major celebrity was in court - although not on trial – clarifying whether she

While governments sluggishly move to address the diamond problem (and some play ignorant altogether), the media attention has enabled pressure to be put upon every diamond company to prove that their stones are conflict free. Many

These are commonly called ‘blood diamonds,’ not for their colour but for their cost in human have found this difficult. suffering Changes are slowly being made. was aware that she had received blood diamonds as a gift from former Liberian president, Charles Taylor.

Despite the media coverage, conflict diamonds remain an issue, human rights continue to be violated, and the world stands by and lets it happen. Why wasn’t the human rights issues in Iraq met with the same indifference? And also, still, diamonds remain one of the most desireable things you can give your partner.

Diamonds are found mostly in the African nations of Sierra Leone, Botswana and Angola. Sierra Leone is currently recovering from a 10-year civil war.

Diamonds have always been at the heart of Sierra Leone’s problems, particularly their production. They are extracted from mines, polished to perfection by enslaved, injured kids and distributed.

The Kimberely Process was set up in Decemeber 2000 by the United Nations.

It’s aim was to ‘address child labour and to bring change to the current process of the diamond production.’ They are working to find a way where diamonds can be extracted and circulated without bloodshed and misery.

While many people understand the magnitude of receiving a diamond as a gift, it’s mainly because of the value of the stone, or because it’s linked to a proposal. The surpise that comes with receiving such a gift should be because of the cost in human suffering rather than the hit on the wallet.

If you have to buy a diamond make sure that it’s from an ethical source, where the people who are mining the stones are as valued as the stone itself.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p23

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REALITY CHECK Illustration by Duane Uba

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For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p23

Annabel Duane

Annabel Adabie says live in the real world I’m a reality television junkie. I just can’t get enough of it. I watch it all the time: American Idol, The Hills, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here. I’m hooked. And I’m not the only one. The 2009 final of Britain’s Got Talent drew in 19.2 million viewers, that’s nearly one-third of Britain’s entire population!

Reality television helps young people escape. After school, teenagers want to watch something that will take their minds off homework and lessons.

Watching other people make fools of themselves in front of the nation does just this. People eating the private parts of a kangaroo, diving into shark infested

been allowed to perform due to her mental state. Her subsequent mental breakdown and admission to The Priory would suggest not. This raised further concerns about whether contestants, typically general members of the public, are mentally ready for the pressure of instant fame.

‘Social experiment’ show Big Brother is said to put their housemates through psychological tests before they enter the house. However, Channel 4 has continually been criticised for entering vulnerable housemates who are incapable of dealing with the pressure of being on the show.

In 2006, housemate Shahbaz Chouhdry threatened to commit suicide on live television, and more famously Vannessa Feltz, in 2001, clearly suffered during the programme.

One in seven UK teenagers hope to gain fame by appearing on reality television waters or being cooped up in a house with strangers for months is captivating.

As well as giving us the chance to laugh at tone-deaf wannabees, or washed up 80s popstars, some reality shows do actually manage to produce talented people. Us Brits have a knack for spotting talent and thrusting it into the limelight.

Leona Lewis, Cheryl Cole and JLS have all emerged from UK based reality television shows. And on Big Brother we found an unlikely national treasure in Jade Goody.

She turned out to be a savvy businesswoman earning millions before her death in 2009.

Then there are some that question how real reality TV really is. The X Factor in particular has been subject to controversy with suggestions of fixing and cheating.

Numerous contestants have claimed to have been manipulated by the show’s producers. Series 5 hopeful, Rachael Hylton, said that she was “set up” by TV bosses to come across as mean and aggressive, and series 4 finalist Rhydian Roberts said that he was “unfairly edited to look like an idiot.”

In 2009, Britain’s Got Talent made headlines when Susan Boyle made it through to the final of the show. There were questions whether she should have

She said, “I think reality TV programmes do a lot of damage. Nothing prepares you for scrutiny and incarceration and worrying what people might think of you and trying to survive all at once. Believe me it was extremely intense and a most unnerving thing.”

This obviously doesn’t deter young people. According to a 2007 report by The Learning and Skills Council, one in seven UK teenagers hope to gain fame by appearing on reality television.

Some people do ‘make it’ through reality television. Magazines and tabloid newspapers help sustain their career by interviewing and printing pictures of them falling out of trendy clubs, but it rarely lasts. The vast majority of people that appear on reality shows disappear pretty quickly. Who remembers Nicki Evans, Bad Lashes, or Kandy Rain from The X Factor?

It’s a concern that so many young people around the country are hoping to become famous through one of these programmes. Additionally so many of these shows seem too be exploitative for the sake of entertainment. This makes me question how ethical reality television is and, ultimately, how much, if any, I should be watching in future.

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HARINGEY

Krisitina Volchkova, Amanuel Tewodros, & Alessandro Mecconi get Roman-tic about especially in young people. pottery Exposure’s job was to make a video of Some people might get a kick out of getting covered in wet mud and damp clay, but not us. However, this summer, that’s exactly what we ended up doing!

Last July, Bruce Castle Museum, with the involvement of young people, coordinated a project called Haringey Potter.

It was based on the recreation of a real Roman kiln, which was found during the 1960s in Highgate Wood. It was a very exciting discovery, and was the only one found in London. The kiln was about 2000 years old.

Now perhaps this isn’t something that all young people might find exciting, but when you realise that by being involved in this project you are recreating a historical artefact, in the same spot and using the same methods as the Romans did all those years ago, well, it is exciting.

The Haringey Potter project was, and remains, a part of the Cultural Olympiad, which uses the power of the Olympic and Paralympics Games to inspire creativity, 18

the kiln building, as well as the subsequent exhibition at Bruce Castle Museum as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

But once we got started, directing a video and taking pictures were the last things on our minds. We were in a whirlwind of enthusiastic volunteers who all wanted to create something specia; it was clear how perfectly this project promoted London’s rich heritage and culture.

So, feeling very ‘Roman’, we got to work with the other volunteers with building the kiln. Using fresh clay found in Highgate Wood we made bricks that were then used to form the structure of the kiln. The clay, which was hard from being underground, had to be softened with water and broken up using big spades in a wheelbarrow, a job that somehow always fell to the girls!

Towards the end of the first week, after the kiln was deemed safe and secure by the big wigs, it was finally ready for

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p23

POTTER

Kristina

making pottery.

With guidance from professional local potters, we made authentic historical pots, some of which were of roman

Amanuel

Alessandro

found it interesting that the group were creating reproductions of ancient roman pottery using the same techniques and instruments.”

using the clay from the ground to create the pots in the same way that the romans did 2000 years ago – it’s something we’ll never forget design, from the clay in the ground and pre-bought terracotta moulding material.

These were then placed in the kiln, where the heat strengthens the pots and makes them fit for purpose. Once cooled the pots were removed and kept safe for exhibition.

The site was regularly visited by groups of local school children, photographers and the public, as well as the Mayor of Haringey. Leading archaeologists also showed an interest, “We are happy to know that young people are interested in such a project that requires a lot of time and hard work.”

We had some international visitors too, from Italy and Ecuador, one of whom commented on the pottery, “I

Even David Lammy MP came down and made a pot, and it survived the fire in the kiln (some pots crack under the heat.)

Creating pottery from a roman kiln that you’ve built yourself, using the clay from the ground to create the pots in the same way that the romans did 2000 years ago – it’s something we’ll never forget.

You can visit the exhibitions at both the Bruce Castle Museum and Highgate Wood from 15th September 2010 to 27 February 2011

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what’s Image by Vicki Opyrchal

MIND YOURSELF Sad? Confused? Angry? Numb? Lonely? Hurt? Upset? Scared? Clear your mind!

With funding from Wates Foundation and National Lottery Awards for All, Exposure’s ‘Mind Pictures’ & ‘Mind Journeys’ projects will enable you to:

tell your story using film/words/graphics

meet other young people like you

explore emotions/ideas together

make sense of your experiences

come to terms with your feelings

help others by raising awareness

retake some control of your life

gain valuable skills and experience

For details call Exposure on 020 8883 0260, email flo@exposure.org.uk

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Vicki

THE LIFE & RHYMES...

Calling all young poets of Haringey!

Are

you

aged

between 11 and 25? Have you ever had your poems published? a

Base

Haringey

group,

is

based

putting

Scholars, poetry together

an anthology of poetry, and are looking for local up and coming poets to contribute. The deadline is 31st October and a specialist panel will select a total of 15 poems – even poems that do not make it into the book will be published on a website in weekly rotation.

Email your submissions to atgempire@yahoo.co.uk. If you have any questions call Alim Kamara on 07932 302 771

WHAT A MOUNTVIEW! Mountview is one of the country’s leading drama schools. And with support from Tottenham Grammar School Foundation, they’ve just set up something called ‘Haringey Young People’s Bursaries’. The bursaries give eligible young people, between the ages of 11 and 24 living in Haringey, a chance to benefit from some of the best performance arts training in Britain, whatever their background.

If you’re interested in performing arts, and want to learn from the best, contact Eddie Gower or Jo Hamlyn on 020 8826 9217.

Or email eddiegower@mountview.org.uk

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Gassed... Tamara Wickham-Heyward

Tamara

I was born into drugs Been raised as a thug Most man see me on the roads But what can you do?

That’s all I know But that’s just me Nights were lean Shaking out from police I can’t change and I don’t know why Lord only knows how much I’ve tried I still remember my first high I need to change, Not for me, for you But what’s a thug supposed to do?

People see me as they see me But most of the time weed seems to need me So most times you come second best, I’m like a reflection of my mum, So you see me with the gun, I shoot…

That’s me over Done…

My happy ending…

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

Markfield Project Inclusive services for disabled and non-disabled young people Markfield Road, Tottenham 020 8800 4134

Hearthstone For people experiencing domestic violence 020 8888 5362 Victim Support Haringey Working for victims of crime 020 8888 9878 www.vslondon.org

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

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.haga.co.uk/children_ and_family

VOLUNTEERING

For lesbian bisexual and questioning women aged 25 & under. www.girldiva.org.uk

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

www.shharingey.gov.uk Tel: 020 8442 6536 4YP Plus Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic Women Only Clinic - 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 (Walk in clinic) Thursdays 3:30pm-6:30pm 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

Girl Diva

DRUGS & ALCOHOL DISABILITIES

Young people’s sexual health services including dedicated clinic, drop-in sessions and the 4YP bus

020 7700 1323 www.facebook.com/firstmove

CRIME/ABUSE

4YP Haringey

First Move For people lesbian, gay, bixual, trans or think they might be.

MENTAL HEALTH

Muswell Hill Area Youth Project Muswell Hill Centre, Muswell Hill, N10 3QJ 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

HOUSING

SEXUAL HEALTH &RELATIONSHIPS

YOUTH CLUBS

Directory

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 First Rung Training, support and opportunities for young people 020 8803 4764 www.firstrung.org.uk

Shelterline Shelter’s free housing advice line 0808 800 4444

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

Haringey Detatched Team/ Youth Response Team Working with young people on the streets of Haringey 020 8493 1006

Exposure is made possible thanks to core funding support provided by Haringey Intergrated Youth Support 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) 2010. All rights reserved. ISSN 1362-8585