A HARINGEY YOUTH PUBLICATION
free Feb 09
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issue 97
The darkest hour is just before the dawn Issue_97.indd 1
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Rosh Bell Kohli editorial team
Duane Uba illustrator
Daniella Daram anu editorial team
Ben Holt reviewer/reporter
Lewis Thompson reporter
Emily Harle poet
Josh B端y端kyilmaz film reviewer
Victoria Opyrch al reporter
Anisa Osman editorial team
Ellen Scott reviewer/reporter
Lawrence Cutk elvin reporter
Sanya Daley agony aunt
Exposure
Printers
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
The Cedar Group 31- 41 Worship St London, EC2A 2DX
Regrettably our office is inaccessible to wheelchair users but we will nevertheless make every effort to include your contributions Manager: Andreas Koumi
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Senior Editor: Gary Flavell Senior Designer: Luke Pantelidou Disclaimer Development Officer: Flo Codjoe 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 97 February 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 Rosh Bell Kohli
Everyone, at some point, is faced with challenges they must overcome. This is a fact of life. Physical and emotional trauma, social worry, academic difficulty; the world can be a demanding place sometimes. However, I believe that rather than ignore or resent its demands, you should relish them. It’s important to remember that with co-operation, diligence and, above all, optimism any problem, no matter how large, can be turned into an opportunity. Got some difficult schoolwork due? Spend that extra hour on it tonight and you could earn a higher grade and the respect of your teachers. Sponsors:
Fallen out with a friend? Make a move towards reconciliation and you’ll find out if your friendship is worth saving. Feel like you can’t go on? Speak to someone, they may have advice you need. The point I’m trying to make is that life is too short to get stuck by adversity. If you maintain a positive outlook, never give up hope and always make that little bit of extra effort, you’ll find that anything can be overcome. If you’re going through hell, keep going. Winston Churchill
Hornsey Parochial Charities
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IGOR
revie
reviews
Igor is a hunchback who dreams of being a mad scientist. He likes to be in charge and prove everyone wrong. Igor creates a monster called Eva who becomes his friend with designs on becoming an actress. The plot sees Igor tested again and again as Eva is subject to many devious plots from evil characters. Igor battles against the mischief done against him while fighting against his own pride and ambition. Igor, despite its PG rating, isn’t a suitable movie for children as the central theme of being evil might be unsettling for them, although you are left with a feeling that you don’t have to be evil to succeed. I also don’t think this movie would attract teenagers because they might find it boring.
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Benjamin Holt
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Ellen
Josh
Ben
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THE ROCKER Robert “Fish” Fishman is a rock drummer who plays for the eighties hair metal band, Vesuvius (you know the volcano). His dedication to rock doesn’t suffer when he is eventually kicked out of the band. When he hears that his young nephew is starting a high school band called ADD, Fish wants in. They reluctantly make him the newest member and he is given the chance to prove to his old cohorts that he is the greatest rocker who ever lived. My first thought of this movie was that it would be another waste of time like Jack Black’s School of Rock but I gave it a chance and... I loved it. Mainly because it’s actually funny and nothing like School of Rock thank goodness. This movie is a definite must see.
Josh Büyükyilmaz
FAMILY GUY (7th series) Family Guy is back and it’s even funnier than before. Series 7 shows all of the Griffins’ usual hilarious antics, with the 100th Family Guy episode featuring Stewie, who finally fulfils his dream of revenge against Lois. As usual, the writers of the show aim to shock a laugh out of their audience, daring to joke about religion, George Bush, and homosexuality. The bonus disk of the box set also includes a live show of Family Guy, which is amazing to see, and loads of deleted scenes. Any fan of Family Guy won’t be disappointed by this new series.
Ellen Scott
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Depression can be beaten – Anon. Imagine yourself balancing on a tight rope, high above the ground, with absolutely no way down. That’s how I felt at the beginning of my second year doing A’ levels. At the time I just remember thinking I was having a terrible phase and it was that would pass on its own, but it didn’t. It took me a total of five years to realise what was actually happening to me. I moved to England in 2003 and found it difficult. I began cutting myself and life seemed worse than ever. I tried telling people how upset I was but I wasn’t able to communicate it clearly as it’s difficult to describe a feeling. Bad relationships and a close friend’s death made things worse. I had difficulty concentrating at school and started to miss deadlines; my teachers become increasingly disappoint-
ed with me. Then it happened. I had to let it out, this cry for help that had been building up inside. I went to my dad and broke down saying “I want to die”. It felt like someone was inside my mind controlling me and squeezing my brain until I could take no more. My dad spoke to a doctor and I was referred to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). I was assessed by a psychiatrist. She asked me “have you ever thought you may be suffering from depression?” I hadn’t, it sounded outlandish. I remember thinking “is this why I am struggling with everything?” I found it difficult to wake up in morning, I struggled to concentrate on anything for any length of time and I isolated myself from family and friends. I often thought that if I died it would all be over with. It was depression and I was wading through it, struggling to find an escape route.
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Anon.
Then one day the best person I have ever met arrived on my doorstep. Without her I would have given in to depression; I surely wouldn’t be here at Exposure telling you my story now. This lady was sent from CAMHS and she counselled me for six months, I was also prescribed anti-depressants. I was given Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), which helped me change how I thought about life and the way I reacted to situations. It helped me focus on the ‘here and now’ rather than the causes of my distress. It gave me a plan of how to start every day and make it through to the end. Therapy is an important treatment to ease you through the realms of depression. Originally I was sent to a psychotherapist I felt like I was being forced to confront my demons face-to-face. This
wasn’t going to work for me (although it does for some people). Choosing the right therapist is important, as different methods work better for some than others. There is no miracle cure for mental illness; finding the right one for you is crucial to recovery. Since I recovered I decided to resit my final year at college and take it slowly. I managed to complete one A’ level successfully. This year I’ve applied to go to university and already have a four conditional offers. Despite the severity of this experience, I’m happy that it happened. It sounds cheesy, but it made me stronger. Going through something like this toughens you up, and prepares you for problems in the future. It’s a cliché, but “what ever doesn’t break you, makes you stronger”; that makes perfect sense to me.
It felt like someone was inside my mind controlling me and squeezing my brain until I could take no more.
For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27
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How do
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Ben Holt talks about Cerebral Palsy If someone looks at me they might think I have lots of problems. They might call me names, they might make assumptions about me. Many won’t understand what it’s like to live my life. So here goes: an explanation of what it’s like to have Cerebral Palsy and everything else that comes with it. Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects about two babies in every thousand. You can’t catch it, and you can’t inherit it from your parents. Cerebral Palsy develops because at some point during pregnancy the brain of the baby is damaged. The word ‘cerebral’ is a part of the brain that is affected and ‘palsy’ means ‘difficulty in movement’ – so the damage to my brain means I can’t walk in a ‘normal’ fashion. I also have epilepsy, which is common in people with Cerebral Palsy. I have suffered quite badly with seizures in the past but I’m taking tablets daily to help control them – I do still have fits occasionally though. When I do have a seizure I also have black outs that make my vision very blurry. Having a fit can be exhausting, so afterwards I’d normally have to sleep it off, occasionally it would make me physically ill. When I have a seizure it has to be timed because it’s vital to know how long it lasts. I have to go to hospital if one lasts longer than fiveminutes. Luckily that hasn’t happened yet. I know when a seizure is coming as I get cramping in one arm. I have to put myself into the recovery position on the floor where I remain until the seizure stops.
Ben
I look?
In addition to all that I was also born with a squint (where one eye points in a separate direction to the other). The doctors gave me an operation to pull the eye over to its normal position when I was a baby. This left me with my vision severely impaired in the left eye. I have to have worksheets and handouts enlarged so I can read them. I call it the lazy eye as my right eye does all the work! In both primary and secondary school I had additional learning support as I couldn’t write down what the teacher said fast enough. The students did bully me a little. Once in the school changing rooms when getting changed, some students threw my belongings around. I reported it to my Head of Year and talked to the Support Staff who were with me at the time. It happened a few more times, but eventually it stopped. Getting around London has always been an issue. When I use public transport I can’t use the majority of underground stations due to stairs or escalators. I can use the stations that have lifts available or very few stairs, but this seriously limits where I can go. I am forced to use buses and taxis as I get more freedom that way. I’ve told you about the difficulties I face and the ailments I have because I want to raise awareness and understanding of Cerebral Palsy. I may take more time to walk down the street, but that doesn’t mean I’m less capable of reaching the end. I’m not useless; I can do normal things and work a normal day. I can do it. My motto is “prove them wrong, Ben!” but really, I don’t want a motto like that – I want to benefit from the same opportunities as anyone else, free from assumptions on my ability and discrimination because of the way I look.
I may take more time to walk down the street, but that doesn’t mean I’m less capable of reaching the end
For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27
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Joshua
Gallery
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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Duane
Gallery
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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Slave Away Lewis Cyrus Thompson sweats on who made his shoes A child sweatshop is a place where children are often forced to work in terrible conditions for little money. They are associated with making clothing, but in reality, a child sweatshop produces many items that we use every day. These young ‘workers’ are often abused both physically and verbally, and according to antislavery.org, many are sexually assaulted. Children working in a sweatshop will often have to fend for themselves; they don’t have a big brother or a group of friends to look out for them. They’re not working by choice, when did you want to spend all day sewing material? Either their parents need money for food or they’ve been kidnapped and forced to work. Nobody in the sweatshop cares about them; they could be sick or starving but they still have to work. In the worst cases the only way they get out is by dying or becoming too weak to work and tossed in the street like rubbish. There they are often forced into prostitution. It’s easy to think that you wouldn’t let someone treat you that badly, but what choice do they have? If a supervisor hit you you’d think to hit them back. In a sweatshop, if you hit back you get battered and possibly tortured to set an example to other children.
You complain about the trainers you didn’t get for your birthday. They complain about the birthday they didn’t get because they were making your trainers! They have little or no possessions – if they do, adult workers or other children in the sweatshop will take anything of value from them. They’re not living on the street, but they’re crammed into a room with others and left without personal space. These young people are denied the conditions that we take for granted: food, running water, a bed, a bedroom, a house and privacy. The International Labour Organisation has estimated that over 250 million children age 5-14 work in sweatshop conditions around the world. That’s everyone in Britain four times over.
They eat what they are given, and are grateful for every morsel – they may not get to eat again until tomorrow.
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Lewis
There is no need for them to care about their looks because being attractive isn’t important, especially when the healthier ones get worked harder and for longer. They eat what they are given, and are grateful for every morsel – they may not get to eat again until tomorrow. Sweatshops exist because they have become essential part of the economy that supports their countries. They perform work at a price developed countries, like England, can’t compete with. When pressure is placed on sweatshops to improve wages and conditions by local authorities, the companies simply move to a more accepting area. This results in
problems for local people, as there is less money in the area. There is plenty of opportunity available to young people in Britain and it’s insulting not to take advantage when you consider the plight of the child sweatshop worker. Instead of complaining about not having, you should be thankful. The next time you buy chocolate, toys, clothing, fruit, a computer game, think of the children that are dying in the process, think of those still working, on the brink of starvation.
For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27
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Victoria Opyrchal addiction isn’t a game World of Warcraft is a computer game: a fantasy world where you battle with friends and against foes, a colourful place full of beautiful scenery and mystical creatures. It’s a somewhere for you to escape your problems and meet new people and do things that are not possible in real life. But behind all this fun is a serious problem: addiction. Once you start you’ll want to play the game for hours on end. You escape into that fantasy world, you forget about real issues and just concentrate on the screen. The game compels you to continue playing by rewarding your efforts with items for your character which gains experience, thus making it more powerful and able to do more interesting things, like search unexplored areas. To make the character as powerful as possible it might take over 100 hours of playing. I’ve been playing World of Warcraft for six months and I’ve accepted that I’m addicted, obsessed even. Playing Warcraft is more enjoyable than doing homework, or going to school. Sometimes in ‘real life’ it isn’t easy to make friends, but in the game it’s easy because everyone has the same thing in common: World of Warcraft. And working together with these friends is a part of the addiction – it
spreads from player to player. There is plenty of research going into discovering whether gaming addiction is a genuine affliction. The Smith and Jones Clinic of Holland recently became the first facility in Europe to offer a residential treatment programme for compulsive gamers, so that would suggest this is an international problem. Furthermore there are plenty of testimonies from worried parents all over the internet claiming their children are addicted to gaming. In South Korea and China there have been numerous deaths linked to exhaustion and dehydration from marathon gaming sessions. World of Warcraft has over eight million gamers playing regularly – all potential victims of gaming addiction. There are stories in newspapers all over
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the world that report how the game destroys families and the minds of teenagers: Sydney Herald in Australia tells of a boy in Australia who is playing the game for up to 16 hours daily. His mother cries constantly, comparing his addiction to heroin. The article told of how “he’d smashed his keyboard and put holes in walls to sedate his rage, brought on by the game”. For me it consumes all my free time, and then some more. I often don’t do anything else but spend time playing. I find it very hard to find anything else
as entertaining as playing World of Warcraft. I’m constantly thinking about the game when I’m not playing it. It can get upsetting knowing that I’ve been doing nothing but playing all day. I’ve come to the conclusion that while I love Warcraft it really is nothing more than entertainment. It might set you free from your troubles in the real world, but doesn’t mean those troubles are gone. People have to find a balance between playing the game and doing productive things in real life. Since writing this article I have found a balance for myself. To break my addiction I now take two-week breaks from playing. When my break is over I will play it again, but I enjoy it more knowing that I don’t need to play it; I just can if I want. If you feel you are addicted you should visit your GP who can refer you to people who can help. You don’t want to waste your youth inside a computer game.
A boy in Australia was playing the game for up to 16 hours a day. His mother cries constantly comparing his addiction to heroin.
For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27
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By Sanya Daley Illustrations by & Duane Uba
I’ve been having many problems with school and at home. I’m really stressed out. The only way I can relieve some of this stress is by harming (cutting) myself. I know this is dangerous, but I don’t know what else to do.
My dad has lost his job and the family is having financial problems. I want to help but I don’t know how. I’m only 14 and I am at school all week. What can I do?
Look for what situations cause the stress so you can avoid them where possible. Also realise that you do have a coping strategy that works, but there are better ways to cope. You have to identify safe ways to release stress, maybe by talking to a friend or a counsellor, also by being creative in expressing your feelings through art, writing or music. Excercise can also be very good. Try to begin reducing what ‘feels right’ – you can use an elastic band or ice as opposed to cutting.
There’s little you can do financially and it isn’t usually a teenager’s role to provide. You can support your dad emotionally though; you can talk to him and encourage him to talk to others. Help out by doing chores around the house, and look on the internet for jobs, you may be better at computers than he is!
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Duane
Sanya
At the Haringey Young People’s Counselling Service you can tell they know what they’re talking about. You get free one-to-one counselling, and it’s completely confidential. You can find them at 10 Bruce Grove, Tottenham, N17 6RA or call them on 020 8493 1019
Someone I know suffers from panic attacks and finds it very difficult to leave the house. She is often forced to rush home. I’m scared for her and I don’t know how to help, she’s just enrolled at college. Learning breathing techniques can help cope with an attack. There will be student services at the college that will give her access to a counselling service that can help with tackling fears as well as changing her focus on safety rather than danger. Offer to go out with her if she’s going somewhere and encourage her to talk to others.
My friends and I have been experimenting with marijuana, and I’m concerned about the effects it might have on me. Firstly cannabis has been reclassified to class B so there is a legal concern. Side effects of powerful strains like skunk can lead to paranoia that can last long after you’ve stopped smoking. You need to be aware if its for social use, or has become a habit, and make sure you are getting stoned in a safe place. You could speak to a counsellor and call the Frank helpline on 0800 776600. Their advisors can tell you everything you need to know.
Everyone’s got problems - see the Directory on page 27 for a list of support services.
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Lawrence
Lawrence Cutkelvin on life after school when you’re 14 When I was in year 10 I made the worst decision of my life. I left school never to return again. I was a good student; I never caused trouble and always did what I was told during lessons. But things weren’t great, and mostly I loathed the prospect of attending. I often refused to get up and constantly argued with my parents about playing truant – the majority of the time I won; my attendance was shocking. The reason? I was a fat loser. I was constantly being picked on because I was overweight. I was quiet and shy and I never defended myself. I couldn’t concentrate in class for all the abuse: once I was shot in the back with a pellet gun. The bullying was a day-to-day occurrence. I never told the teachers; people always say tell someone, but in reality, when you’re at school no one believes that it will help. A couple of months into the beginning of year 10 I’d had enough. One day I was a pupil at the school, the next I wasn’t. I didn’t even tell anyone I was leaving; I just knew I wasn’t going back. A lot of people ask me why I didn’t change school: I just didn’t want to be the new kid at another school after everything I had experienced. At home I was less motivated than when I was in education. I’d spend my days sleeping until late afternoon, then stay up all night playing computer games and watching television. I never strayed further than the nearest fried chicken takeaway to eat. I was stuck in a continuous loop, the same thing over and over.
A year passed before Connexions contacted me. I was sent to a place called Springboard, for young people who’ve left school early. It was the worst place for me, there were lots of kids there who were disruptive and would smoke, scream and shout during lessons. I left after three weeks, I was knocked back even further. Connexions arranged interviews for colleges, but I didn’t turn up. A part of me couldn’t be bothered, but mostly I wanted to avoid situations where I had to meet new people my own age. I presumed all of them would be like my old classmates. I signed on to Job Seekers Allowance and would spend time looking for boring worthless jobs with no prospects. It was then that I realised I had to change my perception of what education and young people are like: I used to pass kids outside college every day and see people outside, chatting, laughing, while I was on my way to spend three hours in a room full of old people looking for a job. So I did something about it. Two months ago I enrolled at a college and a part of my course has led me here to Exposure, where I am writing positively about something I used to be afraid of. Obviously my education suffered by leaving school. I’ve got no GCSEs. My development as a person also suffered – I struggled with confidence and I have found it difficult to communicate with other young people. Getting back into education is helping me develop areas of my life that I should have sorted years ago. I blame myself as much as the bullies at school. Maybe I should have ignored their jibes and got on with it.
I didn’t even tell anyone I was leaving; I just knew I wasn’t going back.
For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27
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T
Haringey Youth Council
Times are changing for the HYC. Elections were held to decide which young people would make up the new HYC cabinet. Alisha and Adam both comment on their time as co-leaders of your youth council.
are chan Alisha Barlett – outgoing female co-leader of the HYC
The last year with the Haringey Youth Council has been full of good and bad experiences. I’ve gained confidence from talking publicly and have benefited from being a leader of a large organisation. At times it has been difficult to motivate the young people involved but we have managed it and the HYC has done some good work. Despite this, I have decided to stand down and give way to a new young person with the new ideas and enthusiasm. The recent elections proved that the HYC was eager for change, especially at the top. While I stood down, the male co-leader position was challenged. The votes were counted and it was a tie and everyone had to vote again. The second time there was no doubt and a new male co-leader was elected for the first time since HYC’s formation.
The next year is going to be tough for HYC. Training takes time and there’s a lot to learn for the new members of the cabinet. Still, it remains an exciting time for the young people of Haringey, and I wish the new members the best of luck for the following year and hope they succeed in pushing the Haringey Youth Council forward to do better and bigger things.
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If you want to make a change, the HYC is the place to make it happen.
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Timee Adam Jogee – outgoing male co-leader of the HYC
Since June 2006, I have been a dedicated, passionate and committed member of Haringey Youth Council. in December of that year I was elected co-leader. I committed myself to creating an organisation that was ‘by young people and for young people’. I look back at something that was originally nothing more than a piece of paper and our imaginations. Today it’s an organisation that is actively and passionately delivering on behalf of Haringey’s young people. As co-leader I had the opportunity to give speeches in front of and with Ministers, MPs and Councillors on many issues including gun and knife crime, and fighting for better provisions for our young people at meetings and conferences from Westminster to Exeter!
I remain and always will be a committed supporter of Haringey Youth Council and youth democracy.
Shout Out about it! On 22 November 2008, Haringey Youth Council hosted Shout Out at the Bernie Grant Centre. It was a conference that gave Haringey’s young people a chance to shape the Youth Council’s agenda for the coming years. Over 200 young people from all over the borough, representing all schools, came together to discuss the issues that affect them and solutions to their concerns.
nging The day ran smoothly with the usual speeches from typically important people. The students then broke into workshops where they talked about poverty, the environment, sex and relationships, gun and knife crime and the inter-generational dialogue.
The Youth Council’s main objective has always been to address the issues and concerns of young people who live, learn and work in Haringey. They were given this opportunity to really have their say and shape how the Youth Council works and the issues it fights for.
Adam Jogee MYP said: “It was a really good day, which showed the young people of this borough are ready, willing and able to have their say and are prepared to serve their community to make it better for us all!”
Email youthcouncil@haringey.gov.uk or visit www.youthspace.haringey.gov.uk to find out more and get involved.
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Ellen
Sex and relationship education is changing says Ellen Scott You’re a teenage girl who is having unprotected sex. Every time you do it you risk getting pregnant (not to mention STIs). If you get pregnant your stomach gets huge, you can get stretch marks, you will get emotional, you’re likely to suffer from morning sickness, your feet will swell, and after nine months of that, you have a baby, which hurts, a lot. That baby takes up time, energy, and a lot of money. You’ll be exhausted all day, and unable to sleep at night as the baby keeps crying – all because you and your boyfriend didn’t use a condom. According to Channel 4’s ‘Sex Education Show’, 21 British teenagers get pregnant everyday. That’s the highest rate in Europe. The biggest problem with sex and relationship education (SRE) is that we’ve been taught about the science of sex and pregnancy, but not about the emotional implications of being physi-
Currently teenagers receive their knowledge of sex from many different corners. Some of their friends may choose not to have sex at all, while others practise safe sex regularly without problems. Additionally youngsters also receive advice from friends and family. There are conflicting opinions coming from many directions leaving teenagers unsure of what stance they should be taking – and it’s here the new SRE that will have the biggest impact. All across the country, young people will all be receiving the same sound advice on both the physical and, especially, the emotional aspects of sexual intercourse and relationships. Schools will also have to demonstrate that they are teaching it well. Teenagers do not currently see sex as something intimate. Sex needs to be embraced as something special, an important part of any healthy relationship, as well as being fun. Education of
We’ve been taught about the science of sex and pregnancy, but not about the emotional implications of being physically intimate cally intimate. Although the legal age for intercourse in Britain is 16, in practice many teenagers have sex younger, when sex can easily be mistaken for love and affection – surely school age is the perfect time to learn about such factors so even young people under the legal age can make informed decisions. But SRE in schools is changing. The government is listening to concerns and is making changes to the way SRE is taught in our schools. They are currently working on a change in the curriculum where it would become law for schools to focus on the relationship side of sex as much as the physical side. The government is also promoting special courses for parents who need help with talking their children about sex (Haringey already has this up and running!).
sex in young people would promote respect for your partner and yourself, making it more likely for protection to become normal when having sex – after all there’s nothing attractive about a teenager who is HIV positive and has a screaming baby, is there? For advice and guidance on any issues relating to sex and relationships, sexual health, contraception and your body, use visit www.ruthinking.co.uk and www.youthspace.haringey.gov.uk. All services are free, confidential and available to young people. You can also visit your local GP who will have information and advice on hand. A list of local services dealing with sexual health can be found on page 27
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What’s happening? Look! Business like show business. Ever fancied yourself as a bit of a Noel Clarke or an Ashley Walters? Do you think you can make it as an actor, or write your own play? Maybe you see yourself singing on stage? Perhaps you want to design sets or manage a theater production? If so the free 10-week Treading the Boards programme at the Bernie Grant Art Centre in Tottenham will give you the opportunity to do it all. All you have to be is passionate and aged between 13 and 21. You will participate in workshops tutored by people already in the game: Richard Blackwood and Wayne Rollins of
Choice FM and Geoff Schumann and Audley Anderson of Fame Academy will be passing on their skills in acting, script writing, vocal projection, theatre stage management and set design. Treading the Boards will be running every Saturday until the 28 March 2009, and every day of the half term week in February. On completion of the programme you’ll receive a recognised accreditation and a chance to perform in front of an audience in the play ‘Josie and the Multi-Coloured Weave’. To get involved call Yemi Akinfenwa on 020 8489 8841 or Faith Williams on 07980 316 762.
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Brand new cabinet, with youthful veneer Young people of Haringey! We have a new Haringey Youth Council cabinet. New blood, out with the old! There was much drama to be found in January at the Civic Centre as youth councillors listened eagerly to the hustings and manifesto speeches of candidates before deciding whom to vote for. Through the drama of surprise recounts and unsettlement in the audience, the following new members were eventually elected:
Female Co-Leader – Funmi Abari (Hornsey Girls School) Male Co-Leader – Areeb Ullah (Islamic Community Centre) Secretary – Jack Light (Highgate School) Treasurer – Fabrice Yala (Total Respect) Junior Champion – Colin Foster (Gladesmore School) Senior Champion – Rumare GilbertDillon (Woodhouse College) Environmental Champion – Tilly Peterken (Highgate Wood School) To see the new cabinet and find out what they will do for you over the next year, visit their first HYC event on 25 February 2009, Civic Centre at 5pm. For more information go to: www.youthspace.haringey.gov.uk
Wow, what a difference! The WOW! awards are a national organisation that offers recognition to people and projects that provide ‘excellent customer service’ to the public they serve (you may have noticed on page 3 that Exposure is a double winner – thank you very much). And it is our pleasure to spread the joyous news that Haringey Youth Service’s Berkeley Gardner of Bruce Grove youth centre won his own WOW! award in January for summer activities for young people at No. 10. “I was surprised,” said Berkeley. “Clearly parents and young people enjoyed the activities. We offered them art workshops and drama classes, as well as the usual physical activities. It was a good mix and the most pleasing thing was that there were lots of new young people coming in. We know that youth clubs have a bad reputation, but we worked hard to break that preconception, and it seemed to work.” Thanks Berkeley... and well done!
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Emily
The lights are out By Emily Harle
The lights are out but I will stay, I’m all packed up and the walls are bare But I can’t leave now; it’s vast out there. The air is thick; it’s hard to breathe, My head says go! But I can’t leave. The clock has stopped at half past nine, But here I have no use for time, Down is up and up is down, Round is square and square is round, Four white walls and a towering door, A cracked ceiling and cold grey floor, Within this place I am confined I am a prisoner in my own mind.
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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 0800 161 3715 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 4YP Clinic, St Ann’s Hospital St Ann’s Road Tottenham N15 3TH 020 8442 6605/6536 4YP nurse mobile : 07943817289 www.4yp.co.uk 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 020 888 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 Revolving Doors Agency Tackling the link between mental health and crime 07779 098 269 www.revolving-doors.co.uk
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 e2e Employment scheme 020 8889 0022 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 Junction One-stop shop for young people 020 8881 7050 Drop-in centre Ground floor Marcus Garvey library Leisure Centre N15 4JA www.thejunctionharingey. co.uk
Exposure is a registered trademark of Exposure Organisation Limited, registered in England no. 3455480, registered charity no. 1073922. The views expressed in Exposure do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. (c) 2008. 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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THE RESULTS
ARE IN!
Haringey’s young people have been voting for which three of the 14 candidates will represent the borough in the UK Youth Parliament. Go to the Youth Space website to find out who was elected, and you never know, you might be looking at the future Prime Minister.
While you’re there find out how you can Have Your Say and make a difference in Haringey: The Participation Crew are trusted with the Youth Space website and all the information on it; the Youth Council work with the youth service to make Haringey a better place to live, and the Youth Funds is a pot of money that can be spent in the borough the way young people want it to. But you can’t change anything by doing nothing, so get involved, Have Your Say: www.youthspace.haringey.gov.uk
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