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Contents ’s Welcome

Summer is finally here, and I hope everyone is enjoying some rays of sunshine. And hopefully, it stays with us all through to the very end. Once again, we have a bumper edition of Mojatu Magazine for you with lots of sumptuous stories and features to feast on. We have packed an awful lot into this magazine; therefore, it is time for you our esteemed dear readers to look through this splendid edition.

In this issue, we have covered a myriad of noteworthy and mind-stirring issues in this magazine. But chief, among them, is that we have focused on mental health, domestic violence, community engagement, acts of goodwill, benevolence, and the environment and how the City Council is working hard and making every effort towards making Nottingham cleaner and greener.

Nottingham is a green city with a legendary past, home to creativity, culture, music, and the legend of Robinhood. Delve into the city’s underground history with the labyrinthine of 800 plus caves deep beneath the city’s streets. Nottingham is also known for its rebellious and pioneering history dating back to the legendary Robinhood and his band of Merry Men, who fought for the rights of the oppressed. We, at Mojatu live by this very spirit – fighting for those who need help.

We always have been looking for better ways to spread kindness and love and during the Ramadan, Staff, and volunteers at Mojatu joined hands to feed those observing the Holy Month of Ramadan. We also have featured two Nottingham’s finest music royalties. Our aim is to bring you stories that will inform, uplift, and inspire you.

Enjoy the read!

Peter Makossah Group Editor-in-Chief

Editorial

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Contributors: Julius Mwangi | Angela Wathoni

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Pa Modou Faal | Saida Barbar | Penny Cooper

Sharon Stevens | Szeching Tse

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NOTTINGHAM CELEBRATES KING CHARLES III IN GRAND STYLE GRANDEUR

- By Unity Bryant

It was not only historic, but it was also grand, euphoric, and ecstatic as tens of millions of pairs of eyes witnessed a great and momentous occasion, which was marked with pomp, grandeur and pure bliss and majesty, as a new crowned king took his place in the annals of history.

Happening after 70 years, the coronation of a British monarch was a regal and magnificent - and the people of Nottingham joined in the celebration in paying tribute to the Crowning of King Charles III and the Queen Consort, Camilla.

Held on May 6th, a tradition for over a thousand years and began at 11:00 am, the world witnessed a significant moment as King Charles III ascended to the throne after an exceptionally long wait to succeed his mother.

King Charles’s crowning at Westminster Abbey in London captivated over 20 million people across the globe as scores of people in Nottingham converged at the Nottingham Castle and in the Nottinghamshire County residents congregated in Southwell Minster to join the world in celebration of the coronation.

Nottingham dished out a buffet of her communities’ diversity and cultural heritage through a special service which was jointly organised by Southwell Minister and the Nottinghamshire County council.

The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Wendy Smith, said: “The King’s Coronation is historic for the countrythe crowning of the first new monarch most of the population have ever known.”

Ben Bradley MP, the Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “This is a historic moment for the whole of the UK and Commonwealth and there will be celebrations across the world to commemorate King Charles III’s Coronation.”

Special viewing

Celebrations for the King’s coronation took place at Nottingham Castle on Saturday, May 6 as a special viewing of the royal event was shown.

The sold-out screening had large crowds sitting on the Castle’s grounds, watching the coronation on the big screen and the gates were opened at

10:00am for the special screening of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla which took place at Westminster Abbey, in London. Preceding the coronation ceremony, the Windsor Castle grounds set the stage for a historic grand concert, which became an amazing spectacle for the 20,000 attendees.

The party continued the following day on Sunday with a concert hosted by the revered Hugh Bonneville, marking the end of the beginning of a remarkable coronation weekend with Nottingham’s singer Gideon Akpovi, who is widely known on stage as Jerub, opening the show.

The Aspley-based Jerub alongside DJ Pete Tong and singer Vula Malinga opened the show billed as one of the biggest music shows in history with a starstudded line up comprising among other global superstars including, Lionel Ritchie, Take That, Katy Perry, and the Queen of Afro-beats, Tiwa Savage.

NOTTINGHAM SINGER MAKES A MARK AT KING CHARLES III CORONATION CONCERT

- By Peter Makossah

The 24-year-old dark-skinned young man with a dishevelled and unkempt afro-textured kinky hair from Nottingham was largely unknown, but on that one bright Sunday he made an indelible mark, and everything changed, forever.

residents has had gathered at the Nottingham Castle grounds to watch one of their own making his story and history.

The silky-voiced vocalist, Jerub appeared to have understood the assignment well as he acquitted himself with a flawless performance in the company of sometime Basement Jaxx vocalist Vula Malinga. He was selected to help open the Coronation Concert alongside one of the UK’s best-known DJs and Jerub grabbed the once in a lifetime opportunity with both hands and owned the stage with extra-bravado alongside DJ Pete Tong and his Ibiza Classics orchestra in a spectacle set to be viewed by millions around the world.

Jerub, who has been singing since the age of 11, was told the exciting news that he would duet with Vula alongside Pete Tong the same day he had one of his songs played on Radio One.

Now, a magnitude of people from over a hundred countries know his name after he performed at King Charles III and Queen Consort, Camilla at Windsor Castle in London.

The Nottingham-based singer was tapped to perform with Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics Orchestra at the King Charles III and Coronation Concert.

For young Gideon Akpovi, who is best known by his stage moniker, Jerub, joined a star-studded line-up of global talent at the Coronation Concert on Sunday, May 7th, 2023, who included Lionel Richie, Take That, Katy Perry and Steve Winwood among other.

Not only did he make himself proud with this defining moment of unmatched rarity, unreal actuality, and dream-world veracity, he made his country of birth, Nigeria and his current city of abode and permanent home, Nottingham great pridefulness of honour.

As he performed as an opening act for the new King and his Queen before a multitude of people in attendance, and millions more watching on TV and on the myriad online platforms, back in his hometown, Nottingham, scores of merrymaking

“It’s a historical momentous event that comes once in many people’s lifetimes, so I’m really honoured for being given such a huge the opportunity to sing before the King and rest of the world,” says the 24-year-old soloist.

Jerub moved to the Aspley area from Nigeria when he was 10 years old.

Around the age of 11, he decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps and join a choir and four years later, he picked up a guitar, and by the age of 19, Jerub had started writing his own songs.

The Nottingham-based songwriter, singer and performing artist Jerub, also spent his years early years studying in local schools and attending Bluecoat Wollaton Academy and Bilborough Sixth Form College.

The Nigerian-born musician got his first break in 2019 after he sent his first single to BBC.

Said Jerub: “I sent it to Dean Jackson, who has hosted the show for so long, and he just loved it straight away and he’s been a fan ever since.”

Jerub’s compatriot, British- Nigerian songbird, Tiwa Savage dubbed the Queen of Afro-beats, draped in emerald gave a gallant and solitary performance that cemented her place in contemporary pop trends.

NEW SCHEME SET TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF WOMEN IN GYMS - By

Staff Reporter

For women who feel uncomfortable in gyms in Nottingham will have their troubles and worries put to rest as a new scheme is set to be launched to improve the safety of women who feel harassed or receive unwanted attention in the city’s gyms.

The scheme aims at making women feel safe and to put to an end unwanted attention woman when exercising in the gyms in Nottingham.

Random Vox pop interviews conducted by Mojatu Magazine reveals that most women feel so uncomfortable in gyms as they are given unwanted and unnecessary attention when they are exercising more particularly the curvy and big bodied Black and Asian women.

A Single Parent of two, Rose Otieno, 38, from St, Annes but originally from Kenya said: “I feel uncomfortable when men stare at me when I am exercising in the gym.”

42-year-old Yasmin Patel, a naturalised British from Pakistan said: “Every time I go to the gym, the guys stop doing whatever they are doing and fix their eyes on me, and it annoys me to the core of my being. I had to ask my husband, Panjwan to accompany me to the gym just so I can feel safe.

Eleanor Smalley, a former PCSO and now Project Manager for the Newark and Sherwood Safer Streets initiative, became aware there was more that could be done to protect women after experiencing first-hand an uncomfortable situation in her own gym.

Safer Streets is a joint initiative between Nottinghamshire Police, The Police and Crime Commissioner

and Newark and Sherwood District Council, aimed at reducing crime and making people feel safe. This year, the decision was taken to include a strategy focusing on tackling violence against women and girls and as a result of her own experience Eleanor has developed the Safer Gym Group scheme.

A survey has been launched to determine the scale of the problem, which has already attracted more than 400 responses and from the responses already received, more than 25 percent of women said they had experienced an uncomfortable interaction at

the gym, with 75 percent of these incidents never reported to the gym or police.

More than 30 percent of women said the uncomfortable interaction made them leave the gym, with some never returning. Incidents included unsolicited help with equipment, being watched or stared at, inappropriate comments or even having their pictures taken without consent.

This is part of Nottinghamshire Police’s response to Violence Against Women and Girls, which includes creating safer spaces for women and girls.

PAY AND DISPLAY PARKING MACHINES TO BE PHASED OUT IN THE UK

-

By Peter Makossah

Motorists across the United Kingdom are being warned about a major change regarding how you pay for parking in the country and concerns have been raised by the public about the impact of the move on elderly and vulnerable people.

Pay and display parking machines are set to be scrapped across the cities in the UK including Nottingham, in a move that could have a ‘disastrous’ impact on older and vulnerable drivers, experts have warned.

Only those who download and use a car park’s specific app will be able to pay for parking in Britain, which will be particularly challenging for the elderly and vulnerable who don’t own a smartphone or struggle to use them.

Campaigners have expressed concerns that this move could “alienate some people, including the elderly.”

The Times has reported that councils are getting rid of traditional pay and display machines as 3G data networks that power the meters are being shut down by mobile phone operators. Brighton and Hove city council plans to eliminate its parking machines by May 31, while the London borough of Bromley aims to do the same by early April.

In January, Harrow completed the process of removing all its machines, while Enfield is set to follow suit and remove all its meters by early April. Westminster city council has been without pay and display machines since 2019.

Other boroughs, such as Richmond, Merton and Barking and Dagenham, have also removed some machines, as reported by the Mirror.

However, with up to 30 smartphone apps in operation across the country, motorists may need to download multiple programs and navigate varying rules to avoid being fined.

The cot of upgrading to 4G is being blamed by councils as mobile providers prepare to shut down their 3G networks.

Vodafone and EE are set to discontinue their 3G networks by the end of 2023, while Three will do so in 2024. Pay and display meters are being removed and replaced by smartphone apps across the UK.

According to Caroline Abrahams, the charity director at Age UK, the potential end of pay and display parking could be catastrophic for certain individuals. She said: “The news that we may soon see the end of pay and display parking is disastrous for anyone without a smartphone, including millions of older people who are struggling with the shift away from the coin-in-the-slot payment methods they used throughout their lives.”

The British Parking Association acknowledged that “most people appreciate the convenience of using apps to manage and keep track of their parking time,” but conceded that “this technology may not be suitable for everyone, including seniors.”

OUTPOURING OF SOMBRE TRIBUTES FOR NOTTINGHAM TRIPLE KNIFE-ATTACK VICTIMS

By Staff Reporter

The two supertalented teenaged university students and a ‘respected and beloved’man in his 60’s murdered in the early hours of June 13th, 2023, on Ilkeston and Magdala Roads respectively in a brutal knife-attack were described as ‘fantastic, bubbly, beloved and respected.

Heartier and sombre tributes are massively outpouring for the two 19-year-old University of Nottingham students and rising sports personalities, who were killed around 0400 am on their way home from a night-out, as many people who knew them say the two were great and kind people and always happy and cheerful.

Touching tributes have also paid for a man in his 60’s found fatally knifed in Magdala Road.

“They were fantastic and loved by everyone.”

Promising and rising Cricket player Barnaby Webber, talented England national team hockey player and medical student, Grace Kumar, both 19, and 65-year-old Ian Coates, a school caretaker at worked L.E.A.D. Academy Trust were brutally murdered.

Shocked and saddened’

Hours after the shocking attacks, which put Nottingham City on a standstill, at around 12:30 hours armed police cut off Ilkeston Road- where the teenager students were stabbed to death.

The University of Nottingham said it was “shocked and devastated” as it revealed two of its students were among the dead.

“All of us at Nottingham are deeply shocked and saddened by

the deaths of two of our students,” Vice Chancellor Shearer West said in a statement.

Students in Nottingham turned out in solidarity at a vigil at St Peter’s Church the following day, with flowers left for the victims and one card made out to ‘Grace’. A vigil was held on June 14th at the University of Nottingham in memory of the slain students.

Another vigil organised by Nottingham City Council was held on June 15th to honour and pay homage to the triple knife attack victims.

Leader of Nottingham City Council Councillor Davis Mellen said the incident would not only affect the families but also a wider community in Nottingham.

‘Horrified and disturbed’

In an exclusive interview with Mojatu Online on Wednesday, an eyewitness, Rodrigo Edwardo, 20, a Nottingham Trent University second year student said he is horrified and disturbed as he witnessed the two students, who he knew, being stabbed as he was also coming from a night out clubbing in the city centre.

“I am horrified and disturbed. I am lost and deeply saddened. What I saw cannot go away from my mind and I don’t think it ever will.

I witnessed two innocent people that I interacted with every day.

Two bright lights’

Another witness recounted “Two bright lights have been switched off forever. A country’s future has been robbed. Their families have been robbed. The world has lost.

I hope justice will be done.

“I still don’t believe that my two

friends are gone forever. I am sad,” said a University of Nottingham student who chose only to be identified as Shanique.

A witness, who chose anonymity said he saw a man and woman being stabbed on Ilkeston Road at around 4am.

A middle-aged man said he heard awful, blood-curdling screams and there was a “black guy dressed all in black with a hood and rucksack grappling with some people.

Senseless murder

The family of cricketer Barnaby said “complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain” –labelling his death as a “senseless murder.”

Webber’s family said “Complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain and loss at the senseless murder of our son. He was a beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to.”

A Nottingham University student who was stabbed to death as she walked home was a rising

England Hockey star whose hero father was awarded an MBE for saving the lives of three teenagers knifed in a gang attack.

Kaleigh Wylie, 35, from Nottingham, said she attended the River Leen School in Bulwell, also known as the Bulwell Academy, in the early 2000s when he was the caretaker.

Grace O’Malley Kumar, 19, and her friend, Barnaby, was walking home after a celebratory night out in the city to mark the end of exams with fellow student, 19-year-old Barnaby Webber, when they came across a hooded knifeman.

England Hockey tweeted “We are all deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Grace Kumar. Grace was a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads and our thoughts are with Grace’s family, friends, teammates and the whole hockey community at this time.”

‘Beloved and respected’

Mr. Ian Coates’ employers, the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, described him as a “beloved and respected member of the Huntingdon Academy staff.”

“Ian was a beloved and respected member of the Huntingdon Academy staff. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this extremely sad time.”

She said “Ian helped pave my life from the age of 16 and I am where I am today for the kind words and encouragement from Ian.”

TALK? YES, MENCAN!

- By Peter Makossah

45-year-old John Phillip, not real name, takes a day as it comes with no hope for tomorrow. The clock of his once bubbly-jubbly life isn’t ticking anymore as he’s going through hell, but he doesn’t want to tell anyone because he fears he would be ridiculed.

John’s story sounds like an overused clich but it is a tell-tale truth. A story of many men struggling with mental health but are stuck in a rut like a rat.

Men’s mental health is a topic that is often taboo or ignored, but men can experience a wide range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia

Huge societal expectations and traditional gender roles shoulder a big responsibility on men, and this exerts insurmountable pressure on the male folk and mostly if they go through some tough times, they suffer in silence.

Society expects men to be strong and masochistic in nature and therefore whenever they feel pressured and stressed, they often choose to bottle it in for fear of being labelled as weak and a failure if they speak up or tell anyone what they are going through.

Such suffering in silence plays a major role as to why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems as men are often expected to be the

But, in fact, men can talk. Yes, they can.

Men, just like women, need support when the chips are down, and it is against this background that Mojatu Foundation in Nottingham has established a men group called MenCan to help the menfolk in the communities support each other.

In an Interview Mojatu Mental Health and wellbeing specialist, Modupe Karen Modupe explains that the men’s group was formed to encourage men in Nottingham, is to encourage men, especially of ethnic minorities, to come together to speak about their challenges in everyday life.

The MenCan Project lead, Akubor: “It is about having a safe space where men can come together to discuss lived experiences and real-life issues, exchange ideas on how to deal with those issues, support each other, and engage in activities that improve their wellbeing, mental and physical health.

“Men of ethnic minority backgrounds find it difficult to speak about whatever they are going through because culturally men are supposed to appear strong by masking their emotions and not talking about real-life issues that might affect their physical or mental health.”

Akubor, who co-run the MenCan project with Saida Barbar, who is Mojatu’s FGM project director says

their mental health issues than women.

A National Health Interview Survey reports that just one in three men took medication for daily feelings of depression or anxiety, while just one in four spoke to a mental health professional.

MenCan project coordinator and lead, Patrice Musarurwa, business owner, in a separate interview explains: “Many men use alcohol and drugs to cope with depression rather than talking about it. They may use escapist behaviour too, such as throwing themselves into their work.”

However, Musarurwa explains that since the formation of MenCan, it has shown that men can talk and pour their hearts to others if they feel safe and comfortable to do so.

“Since we started a lot of men have come forward to seek help and it is going on well with the numbers getting bigger and better every day.”

A Member of the MenCan group, Henry Ntholowa, suggests: “Men who can’t speak openly about their emotions may be less able to recognise symptoms of mental health problems in themselves and less likely to reach out for support. “

POLICE WARNS NOTTINGHAM RESIDENTS TO BE VIGILANT AGAINST SEXTORTION

- By Staff Reporter

Police are warning social media users in Nottingham City and the county areas be extra vigilant against the rising ‘sextortion’ blackmail attempts.

Nottinghamshire Police says they have been receiving a spate of reports in recent weeks following threats to post intimate videos or faked photographs of victims online.

Inspector Matthew Basford, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Incidents of this kind have been extremely distressing for victims. As such, we are investigating every case with a view to bringing offenders to justice.

“Cases of sexual extortion are sadly taking place around the country, but, following a series of reports in Nottinghamshire, we are taking this opportunity to remind people of ways they can prevent themselves falling victim.

“I would also encourage parents to speak to their teenage children to ensure they are aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves, such as ensuring their security settings on social media accounts are up to date.

“Any victims of unreported offences should contact police. Officers take reports of this kind seriously and each case will be dealt with in confidence with no judgement made.”

According to the police, ‘sextortion’ refers to cyber-enabled crime where victims are lured into performing sexual or intimate acts, which are then recorded by the offenders. +

Those targeting them then threaten to make the footage public or share it with the victims’ families unless they pay them.

In other instances, offenders threaten to mock-up intimate pictures of victims using photos taken from online.

Nottinghamshire Police received 15 reports of sextortion attempts in April 2023 alone, involving male and female victims aged 14-59.

Detectives fear the actual number of cases is far higher as some victims may feel too embarrassed to report it or end up paying the demanded sum.

NOTTINGHAM HAS A FIRST FEMALE BLACK DEPUTY LEADER

- By Sharon Stevens

For the first time ever in history, Nottingham has elected female black woman as the city’s Deputy Leader. She is Councillor Audra Wynter, who was first elected in 2019 as a labour councillor for Bestwood, Bestwood Park and Top Valley and she has seen first-hand the challenges people in our city are facing.

She says: “I am proud and privileged to be the first female black Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and HR.”

Councillor Wynter, who was born in Nottingham has for the last 29 years have primarily been involved with social housing providers, local startups, and support programmes to help people with budgeting and debt management.

Said the deputy chief: “I hope this experience will be valuable in supporting the council to deliver on the priorities that matter to you, including support with the cost-of-living crisis, providing new homes for local people, and growing the local economy to create more opportunities for local people.

Says the deputy lead: “The last four years have seen everybody’s household bills rising considerably and local authorities continue to struggle with reduced funding from the central Government.

“The council has also been on a very important improvement journey over the last few years, and I will continue to work with the Leader Councillor, David Mellen and the wider executive to ensure we are delivering balanced budgets and high-quality public services that people in our city rely on.”

Councillor Wynter said she is paying tribute to her predecessor, Councillor Adele Williams, who she stated that she has been very supportive during this transition period.

She says: “I am very grateful for her advice as I take on this new role. I am all too aware of the responsibility I am taking on and very humbled by the opportunity to serve you in this role.

Councillor Wynter was also Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Parks during her first period of being elected.

She undertook both roles to the best of her ability and succeeded in all aspects of her work and

has always placed the needs of the residents of Bestwood at the forefront of whatever she did.

In her first term as Councillor to Bestwood Ward, Audra advocated for and supported the residents in many different ways, including: encouraging new businesses in the area, organising litter picks, and providing food parcels for those in need.

Also, she has been working in partnership to provide financial management support for those struggling with the Cost-of-Living crisis, working in partnership to resolve anti-social behaviour and creating opportunities to help those facing homelessness.

“I have been working in supporting a family who was facing deportation, instigating the building of new homes in Bestwood and helping organise community events, such as Random Acts of Kindness.

In this role, Councillor Wynter says she will draw on her years of experience as an accountant, board member and Chair of many significant successful businesses in Nottingham.

Explains Councillor Wynter: “As the first black female Deputy Leader of Nottingham City Council, it is not only an honour to serve the people. It’s also a privilege to inspire black females to break the glass ceiling.”

FGM AND THE ROLE MEN PLAY

- By Saida Barbar

Men in their roles as fathers, husbands, community, and religious leaders may have a significant impact on the persistence of female genital mutilation (FGM).

However, it has been observed that in most FGMaffected regions, men may decline to marry a woman who has not had FGM.

Few men say it persists out of social duty. Interviews with men in Northern Sudan demonstrated that they had a poor understanding of FGM as it was not until they were newly married that they experienced the unavoidable effects of their wives’ FGM, they too felt that they were victims of FGM aftereffects.

Men discussed their own issues, such as their sexual unhappiness, empathy for the pain of women, and perceived challenges to their masculinity, and most of the men have trouble with vaginal penetration, wounds or infections on the penis and psychosexual problems.

When men witness their wives’ sexual unhappiness, they think that they are to blame and experience depression, disappointment, and a decline in confidence. Most of the young men today want to marry uncut women but are forced to marry a cut woman because of societal stress.

Men’s opinions vary on FGM, many people would prefer for it to end but are unable to express their support for its termination due to social pressure and obligations within the society.

Communities must be the source of change, and opportunities for adults to discuss the practice among themselves must be provided. The term FGM refers to all non-medical treatments that include the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other harm to the female genital organs.

Social obligation and marriageability are the two main motivations that continue FGM. at FGM/C affects both women and men and that men may play a more significant role in the decision-making process regarding FGM.

FGM’s key message

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to

the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Traditional practitioners mostly conduct the practice, and it is largely usually practised on young girls (the average age is 5 - 8 years old).

In most cases FGM is performed without sterilized medical equipment or anaesthetic by individuals who are not medically trained. About 125 million women have undergone FGM in 29 African countries and the Middle East.

FGM is also found in other parts of the world including Asia and among migrant communities in Europe, Australia, and North America. It is estimated that 500,000 women living in Europe have undergone FGM.

FGM and Human Rights

FGM is internationally recognised as a violation of human rights and constitutes an extreme form of violence against women. There is a worldwide effort to eliminate the practice which is supported by many international and regional treaties as well as consensus documents.

In 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a joint statement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) against the practice of FGM. All the committees condemn the practice and have formed international treaties. The measures in place by these committees have ensured criminalisation of FGM.

In 1993 the Vienna Declaration and the Programme of Action of the World Conference on Human Rights expanded the international human rights agenda to include female genital mutilation. The right to participate in individual culture and freedom of religion is protected by international law, however this might be subject to limitations necessary to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. Therefore, culture is not justification for FGM.

Protects against all forms of mental and physical violence and freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Requires States to take effective and appropriate measures to abolish traditional practices which are detrimental to the health of children.

NEW ULTRA-MODERN NOTTINGHAM CITY CENTRAL LIBRARY SET TO OPEN THIS SUMMER - ByPeter

Makossah

The replacement for the old Central Library on Angel Row will be ready to open to the public this summer 2023 after the work to turn the building into a modern library has been completed.

Approved plans for work to get underway on Nottingham’s new Central Library was done last July, creating a landmark development at the heart of the city’s regenerated Southside.

The replacement for the old Central Library on Angel Row will be ready to open to the public next summer after the work to turn the building into a modern library has been completed.

The City Council’s Executive Board was told that a number of assessments of the design and affordability of the scheme have been carried out and that careful management of the city’s property portfolio and successful sales have allowed #10.5m to be identified within the council’s capital programme for the work.

The work involves turning the shell of the building - part of the new Broad Marsh Car Park and Bus Station complex - into a modern library, and so also involves installing new floors, lifts, electrics, and plumbing.

The former main library on Angel Row closed in March 2020 due to pandemic restrictions, but it has not reopened, and the building is being sold off. However, some city residents, who are campaigning to save outlying libraries earmarked for closure in a savings programme, have questioned the move.

Stewart Halforty, of the Save Nottingham Libraries Campaign, said: “We are horrified that the council can find more than #10m for a new library when for a tiny fraction of that they can keep open three beautiful libraries in some of the most deprived parts of Nottingham.

“We need a Central Library, and we are over the moon that it will finally be opening.”

The new library

Spread over three floors and fully accessible via lifts, the new library will feature a high-quality children’s library with an immersive story telling room, extensive book collection and comfortable areas to sit and read.

Other amenities will include feature book walls and shelving to display a large collection of books, free wi-fi and free access to computers, laptops and iPads, a caf頡nd ground floor reception area which can be converted into a performance space

The library will also include specialist and rare collections room for local study material, Learning lab for special activities and school class visits meeting rooms, exhibition space, creative design areas and business intellectual centre for the city and business Intellectual Property Centre for the city.

The Central Library’s depth of stock and specialist collections is seen as a fundamental part in fulfilling the city’s Library Strategy and a key link to ensuring and supporting community library delivery and development.

Similar work is also planned for Collin Street alongside the new library to become fully pedestrianised, with a new plaza planned to link through the demolished section of the former shopping centre to Lister Gate and the city centre beyond.

A masterplan is in place outlining a vision for the Broad Marsh site, including green space, an enhanced entrance to the City of Caves attraction and a mixture of housing, retail and leisure uses.

The first Nottingham Public Lending Library opened in 1868 - It was opened by Mayor John Barber and situated on Thurland Street in premises formerly used by Artisans’ Library.

NOTTINGHAM DODGES THE AXE IN FOREST

- By Julius Mwangi

The evergreen Nottingham Forest faced a chaotic start to the season, but with a lion-heart, they engaged an extra gear and fought with every fibre in their DNA and managed to survive the chop to stay aloof in the Premier League.

After eight games, Forest, who signed 22 players in the summer, were at the bottom of the table and risking being bandied out of the world’s most popular football league.

In a do or die encounter against Arsenal at their backyard, Nottingham Forest took the visitors to the wire by walloping them 1 - 0 in an exciting match, which was a ground-breaking decider for both teams.

It was the most important game of the season and at the blow of the whistle, the City Ground went into an uncontrollable frenzy.

The job was done. Happy Days.

The visitors, who have been outstanding all season, knew from the onset that amassing three points at City ground would have kept their title race hopes afloat while on the other hand, the hosts were aware that a win meant survival in the lucrative football league tier after a difficult start to the season.

The players for both camps fought for their lives from the first whistle but it was the former Liverpool’s man, the lanky Nigeria international forward, Taiwo Awoniyi who chiselled a deep wound into Arsenal’s lifeline with a beauty of a goal past in-form gunners’ goalie Aaron Ramsdale.

Forest Manager, Steve cooper who was given a new contract despite a disastrous start to the season, and many believe they could fight to compete to play European football next season.

But the achievement of manager Steve Cooper and his players in an extraordinary season - only the fourth time in the Premier League era when all three newly-promoted clubs stayed up - when it seemed inevitable Forest would pay the price for haphazard recruitment, and at the very least the manager would lose his job, deserves to be remembered long after the campaign itself.

Between mid-August and mid-October, Forest spent nearly two months without winning a game, and from 5 February to 26 April, they went over two months without winning a game.

During that time, they won three games out of 11 and dropped to second-bottom of the table with six games left.

The roof of the City Ground was blown off by Awoniyi’s goal in the tense 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Saturday, and there were even more jubilant scenes at the final whistle.

After 19 games, Steve Cooper’s team gained 30 points and lost just five times at home, turning it into Forest’s fortress and ultimately ensuring their survival.

With the certainty of a second season in the top league, supporters can now look forward to enjoying the final game away at Crystal Palace without feeling any strain.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE HONOURS 12 INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL AWARDS-

By Staff Reporter

Twelve incredible and inspirational young people have been honoured and celebrated in a special awards ceremony aimed at recognising amazing children and teenagers.

The Live Our Best Life Awards 2023 ceremony, organised by Nottinghamshire Police, was held on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Village Hotel, in Chilwell.

The sparkling awards night treated guests to not only outstanding performances but also the chance to showcase exactly why the winners and runnersup had been chosen.

The third consecutive year of the Live Our Best Life Awards saw those aged between eight and 18, who have shown incredible resilience, selflessness, talent, or have done something inspirational or risen above adversity, highlighted for their achievements.

The awards were once again held in connection with the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation and featured a very special video filmed with Stephen’s mother, Baroness Lawrence, explaining her support.

Receiving the highest number of nominations ever, six winners and six runners-up were chosen to attend and awarded trophies and other gifts in recognition of their hard work.

This year’s winners are:

• Rising Above Adversity Award - Josie-Leigh Wightman, aged 12, who despite their background

or upbringing are an inspiration to others.

• Lyrico Steede Award - Jahlil Kumar, aged 15, for making significant progress and inspiring others to make positive decisions and better life choices.

• Young Performer of the Year Award - Charnae Samuels-Stevenson, 17, for displaying amazing talents such as singing, rapping, dancing, acting, or anything creative.

• Young Leader of the Year Award - Zeko Smith, aged 12, for leading by example and being a role model to their peers and other young people through student, sport, or youth work.

• Bringing People Together Award - Joel Bailey, 18, for bringing the community together or fighting to eradicate hate or racism.

• Young Inspiration Award - Olivia Waddley, aged 16, for doing something inspirational, showing incredible resilience, or doing something selfless to help others.

Youth outreach worker and founder of the awards Romel Davis, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This year’s awards were such a fantastic event and we’re still on such a high.

“Last year’s ceremony was amazing but somehow, we’ve been able to go one better again this year. The feedback and impact have been overwhelmingly positive and I’ve had several adults and young people tell me it was the best night of their lives. The energy and vibe of the whole evening was electric.”

“I’m so proud of this year’s winners and runners-up. Getting to once again meet so many amazing young people is incredible and highlighting their fantastic achievements really makes my job special.

We are so passionate about working with the young people in Nottinghamshire and the awards are just one way we are continuing to shine a light on all of the amazing work being done.

“Live Our Best Life 2023 was such a huge success and I want to thank everyone involved from our sponsors, performers, and anyone who shared and supported this year’s awards for their time and continued backing. And of course, I want to say a huge congratulations to every single winner and runner-up for being a truly inspirational person.”

MOJATU HOLDS 2023

MENTAL HEALTH WEEK TO INCREASE AWARENESS

By Kristina Beck

Concerned with a surge in mental health issues in communities in Nottingham, Mojatu Foundation, a local charity, is holding a Mental Health week to increase awareness.

To mark the Mental Health Week, a Yoga session was organised on Thursday May 18, at Marcus Garvey Centre along Lenton Boulevard in Nottingham, as part of the myriad activities being conducted to commemorate the week.

This year, the 2023 mental health awareness week takes place from Monday May 15 to Sunday May 21, with a focus on anxiety as a theme.

Mojatu Foundation Mental Health and wellbeing specialist, Modupe Karen Akubor, said: “The campaign aims at increase the awareness and understanding of anxiety in order to demand change.”

Akubor said the campaign ‘just anxiety’? seeks to educate about the difference between anxiety and anxiety disorders and encourage people to signpost support to each other.

“With anxiety affecting millions of people worldwide, it is crucial to raise awareness and reduce the stigma so that we can support people struggling with anxiety to feel understood and supported,” said Akubor.

In 2022/23 an average of 37.1% (women) and 29.9% (men) reported high levels of anxiety with the most likely age group to experience anxiety being those aged 16-29 and the least likely are those aged 70+.

According to data, in 2023 60% of individuals experienced at east mild symptoms of anxiety while at least 1 in 6 people will be diagnosed with anxiety in any week in England.

It is said that a quarter of adults felt so anxious that it stopped them from doing things they wanted to do - women are twice as likely to be affected by panic disorders than men.

‘Common emotion’

Anxiety is an extremely common emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives - for example people may experience anxiety before an exam or interview. During these times - these feelings are completely normal.

It is a feeling of unease, worry or fear that ranges from mild to severe. However, people with more severe anxiety have more constant feelings of anxiety which affect their daily life.

In the UK, anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders.

Anxiety can manifest itself through thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations, often triggered by worries about the future.

An anxiety disorder happens when your anxiety interferes with your ability to function, you find yourself overreacting when your emotions are triggered, and you struggle to control your responses to certain situations.

Whilst anxiety is a normal emotion, for some people, they can struggle to control their worries - -this causes their anxiety to affect their daily lives and ability to live as they would like to, impacting their overall mental and physical health.

Anxiety can cause people to socially withdraw, struggle to maintain their work life and make them avoid certain situations or places.

Often, anxiety can cause repeated panic attacks that can be difficult to control as many people find it difficult to reach out for support, so they find ways to hide their anxiety, so it is unnoticeable.

Anxiety can be triggered by a range of experiences during childhood, adolescence or adulthood and someone who has gone through stress and trauma is likely to experience symptoms of anxiety.

UK CAR THEFTS ON THE RISE - BUT POLICE ONLY INVESTIGATE 1 IN 4 CRIMES

By Peter Makossah

On one chilly Saturday afternoon, 67-yearold pensioner, Edward McDonald was taking a nap with his wife, Annabel, 65, in one of the upmarket cul de sac streets in Wollaton when he heard a loud knock on the door.

He got up, leaving his wife asleep, and went downstairs to attend to the “knocking visitors.”

And, when he opened the door, he was greeted by an unusual sight and unwelcome presence of a middle-aged East European-looking woman with a small baby in her hands.

“She looked, hungry, tired and desperate and when she said she wanted some food for her and the child, I believed in her there and then.

“I told her to come in and wait in the lounge while I fetch some food for her in the kitchen. When I was in the kitchen, I heard a car start and rave and I thought it was my neighbour,” he narrated in a matter-of-fact tone.

Edward’s eyes turned red, and a river of tear drops started to run through his cheeks before his voice blurted with a dictation of anguish, despair and regret.

“I finished putting her and her child’s food and walked to the lounge and she was gone, and so was my 2021 plate Mercedes Benz S Class 350 model vehicle.

“For a moment, I thought I was dreaming. It was surreal. She was gone. She tricked me into it,” lamented Edward.

He said he felt stupid at that moment and he didn’t call the police to report the car crime immediately.

“I just felt like someone would bring the car back. But nobody did. I called the police and reported the matter. But nothing happened.

“The insurance told me my car was stolen due to my negligence and therefore I never got any help,” decried Edward.

Edward’s story sounds unreal, but it is not an isolated account as many people have lost cars in similar fashion and their vehicles were never recovered.

Annual crime rate in Nottingham postcode area is

5.4 crimes reported per annum per 1, 000 workday people.

Compared to the national crime rate, Nottingham’s crime rate is at 81% and vehicle crime makes up 4.8% of all crimes reported in the postcode area.

The total number of “vehicle crime” is 6, 200, and this number has increased by 7.4% when compared year-over-year in the period of March 2022February 2023.

Shocking new statistics have been released that show that police across England and Wales are only investigating less than one in four car thefts.

What is equally as concerning, is that the total number of car thefts rose by a third when compared to the previous year.

According to the data, police attended just 10,963 of 47,228 car thefts last year - just 23%.

The worrying numbers continue as this number has decreased from 2021, where 24.72% of the crimes were investigated by the police.

The report indicates that police do not investigate three-quarters of the car theft crimes

In terms of the total number of car thefts recorded, the West Midlands was far ahead of its nearest police force - with 15,899 recorded crimes. And of these thefts, only 17% were attended by police.

Following the release of the data, MPs called the figures a ‘national scandal’.

The Home Office stated: “Car theft is a truly distressing crime, and we are closely working with the automotive industry and police to ensure our response is as strong as it can be.

The area that Nottinghamshire Police covers is a real mix of a major conurbation in Nottingham, large towns, such as Bassetlaw, Newark, Sherwood, Mansfield, Ashfield and large swathes of countryside.

Nottingham and its suburbs are the big car crime hotspot in the area and as it’s a large city, that’s to be expected. However, it compares favourably with other areas and even the highest area for crime - NG1 - is under 1000 crimes per 10,000 cars registered.

It is strange that however rational we are, for most of us, sex is still completely taboo.

Discussions about our problems under the sheets are usually conducted in quiet whispers or, more commonly, not at all. Many of us would do anything to avoid the topic altogether.

But when it comes to preparing ourselves for the hot-shoe-shuffle emotional coil, we cannot bury our heads in the proverbial sand.

BABY, LIGHT MY FIRE!

By Peter Makossah

Sex after giving birth...... Some women get right back into the saddle while others find it a serious challenge. MOJATU investigates.

sole property, were now completely off-limits. She adds: My breasts were very sore and red, and he just wasn t allowed anywhere near them. And then there was the  third party in our bed, which shall we say, got in the way a little.

Jennifer, whose baby, Tambudzai, turned two this month, says her husband respected her need for a break from intimacy for a while accentuating that her spouse s patience and understanding made her feel more loved and appreciated.

The good news is that somehow, after a while, the sex is good! I can t put a date on it, but one day I just woke up and felt sexy again. It s a miracle, says Jennifer who originally came from Zimbabwe. But 36-year-old Elizabeth Moeketsi of Inham Road, Chilwell in Nottingham was not prepared for how long it took her and her husband, Kegiso, 38, to have sex again after the birth of their child, Prudence. Just before our daughter was born, a male friend of ours who had a one-year-old daughter came around to drop something off. He made some nudge-nudge, wink-wink joke with my husband about preparing for the sex drought and said something about six months.

Six months? You didn t have sex for six months? I asked. I was incredulous. I thought, well, that s not having a baby s fault, that s an indication that something else is wrong in the marriage.

She expected her sex life to simply whip back into shape within days of giving birth. She was unprepared for the shock of not wanting her husband, Terry, to touch her during the first few months of parenthood.

Jennifer Mambo, 24, of Kennington Road, Radford in Nottingham says: It was terrible for him after the baby was born. My boobs, which had been his

And yet six months after the baby was born, we hadn t had sex, remembers Elizabeth. Luckily, my husband took the long-term view.

He was working harder than ever. I think a new baby in the house does that to men. They seem to need to work hard in their contribution to parenting. And, I was exhausted all the time, she says.

Another issue for Elizabeth, who was born in

Mbabane in Swaziland, was that she was also breastfeeding for longer than six months.

During breastfeeding, my breasts somehow seemed out of bounds for sex. It felt like they belonged to the baby and no one else. I couldn t think of them as anything other than sources of nourishment, says Elizabeth.

She continues: I felt a bit abnormal at times; like my sexuality had walked out of the door. And then one day, out of the blue, it walked in, again.

Fuelling the fire

Parenting and sexual and reproductive health expert, community nurse, and midwife at Victoria Health Centre in Nottingham, Roselyn Dunn says: Some women are so involved with their babies that their relationships become less important. But they forget that one day their child will grow up and leave home and it s important that spouses still have the connection that initially brought you together.

She says that levels of desire in men and women can differ  dramatically in the months and even early years of parenthood and explains that even if a woman does not feel quite ready to rock his world, it is imperative to share non-erotic moments such as a cuddle on the couch or take turns massaging each other.

Dunn explains that a woman s interest in lovemaking only starts returning around three to six weeks after giving birth.If you are extremely tired and do not feel supported by your partner, or you are suffering from postnatal depression, this could affect libido and will need to be discussed and treated.

Being given a  me-time by your partner or a close relative can be very helpful, Dunn says.

A nurse and a sexual and reproductive health specialist Fatima Siyana-Chilemba says: Generally, women are advised to wait until their six-week postnatal check-up before resuming intercourse.

At least, 90 percent of couples have sex within a year of having a baby with couples recommencing intercourse seven weeks after childbirth on average. Pamela Banda, 43, of Arnot Hill Park, Arnold in Nottingham, who had her baby by caesarean section, however, explains that apart from low libido and exhaustion, a new mom might feel nervous about having sex, since she is still more sensitive to pain.

The best time to have sex for parenting couples is

after the baby has been fed and sleeping that way you won t feel rushed, Banda says.

The bottom line is that sex doesn t always come naturally for new mothers. Sex after a baby, however, is something different.

Thinking of adding the pitter-patter of little feet to enhance your relationship? Think again.

According to recent research, conducted by the Institute for Social and Economic Research in Colchester in England, having children make most men less satisfied with their lives while women reported an increase in happiness when mothering children. The financial strain of having children seems to impact negatively on males and their attitude to having offspring.

There seem to be no rules about how long it should take about how long it should take to have sex again after a baby, nor is it set in stone how different people will feel about it?

Sex is an everyday occurrence and should not be a source of embarrassment. Sometimes we have more of it, sometimes we have less and sometimes we have none. But we should always feel comfortable and confident in talking about it, says Paige in a matter-of-fact tone.

NOTTINGHAM ‘MINI POLICE’ TAUGHT HOW TO BEST HELP KEEP COMMUNITIES SAFE

By Staff Reporter

The only way to make a tree grow upright is to straighten it when it is small and it is easy to do so.

The same applies to humans and animals, you can only train people and animals better while they are young and it is for this reason the police in Nottingham are teaching school going children how to help protect the communities.

More than 20 primary schools have benefitted from a police initiative offering safety and wellbeing advice. It is for the same reason that the Nottinghamshire police are training school children, aged 9-11, as Mini Police who are part of Police’s cadet scheme.

The Mini Cops being taught on how to help keep local communities safe. Nottinghamshire Police are working in more than 20 primary schools across the county, the initiative helps children to learn about safety and wellbeing, and the vital role of the police.

PCSO Lucy Oran said: “The Mini Police programme isn’t just about the children learning more about the police and building that relationship, we also want to give them new experiences within the local community.

“It’s been really good for the children to visit places on their doorstep like Asda and NET Trams and when the children are out in the community in their Mini Police uniform it always creates a conversation with people we meet.

“As well as delivering lessons on important topics it’s really important to be able to do different activities with them which helps to give them an insight into the varying work the police do and open the children to new opportunities.”

Bentinck Primary School & Nursery, St Mary’s Catholic School, Forest Fields Primary School, Claremont Primary School and Djanolgy Sherwood Academy all have Year 5 students involved in the programme.

The Radford Road police team delivered key messages on topics around knife crime, hate crime, cyber and road safety. The sessions gave the Mini Police advice and information to help keep themselves safe.

Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue service provided a lesson on home fire safety. The Mini Police were also involved in many community projects including a speeding operation and litter picks.

Both St Mary’s Catholic School and Bentinck Primary School & Nursery visited Asda in Hyson Green to learn about shop theft, learnt all about road safety and visited NET Tram depot.

Last term, they also visited the Choice and Consequences exhibition at the Galleries of Justice to see the impact of knife crime and learn of the death of Ben Kinsella who was tragically killed 10 years ago. Next term, more children will be visiting the exhibition with their schools.

MIDLANDS NET ZERO HUB SECURES £47M TO RETROFIT SOCIAL HOMES

By Peter Makossah

The Midlands Net Zero Hub has successfully bid for more than £47m of grant funding to improve the energy efficiency of up to 4,226 socially owned homes in the region from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2.1 aims to improve homes across the region making them warmer in the winter, while reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.

Working in partnership with 24 consortia members, made up of 14 housing associations and 10 local authorities, the Hub - which is accountable to Nottingham City Council - used the experience of previous project successes to make a strong case to secure the funding.

The homes will have cavity wall, external wall and draught-proofing installed, which will result in lower bills for Nottingham City Homes residents and support the city’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2028.

Councillor Sally Longford, Portfolio Holder for Energy, Environment and Waste Services, said: “It’s fantastic news that the Midlands Net Zero Hub has successfully bid for £47m to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the region.

Longford said reducing emissions from the county’s buildings is vital as nearly a quarter of the UK’s carbon footprint comes from heating and powering homes.

Michael Gallagher, Head of Midlands Net Zero Hub, said: “I’m delighted that the Hub’s domestic retrofit team has secured more Government funding to help

mitigate rising cases of fuel poverty in the region.

“Not only do schemes like SHDF make homes more comfortable for tenants and reduce energy bills, but they also help to minimise carbon emissions from domestic properties.”

The grants will be used to retrofit homes in the region, using a ‘fabric-first’ approach which will see over 15,000 measures such as insulation, draught-proofing and double glazing installed to improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of the properties. Nearly £600,000 of the funding will be used for developing digital technologies to support smart building use, for example sensors to monitor the effectiveness of the measures installed.

Through SHDF Wave 2.1, an estimated 356 jobs will also be supported in the region, which will help to grow the green economy and improve opportunities for those working in the retrofit sector.

The Midlands Net Zero Hub has a strong track record of delivering retrofit schemes in the region.

In the first phase of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, the Midlands Net Zero Hub secured £14m to retrofit 1,550 social homes in the Midlands region.

Recently, the Hub received £135m of funding to support privately-owned homes to make energy efficiency improvements through the Home Upgrade Grant scheme - and as part of the consortium bid, Nottingham City Council secured £2.9m to retrofit 371 social homes in the area.

URGENT NEED TO EQUIP UK AFRICAN & ASIAN COMMUNITIES WITH RIGHT DEMENTIA INFORMATION

By Julius Mwangi

There is an urgent need to close the information gaps on dementia for the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities to ensure that everyone understands better about the deadly disease.

The call was made in an interview on Thursday on the side-lines of a dementia workshop held at Marcus Garvey Centre in Lenton, which was conducted by public health experts from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in collaboration with the Angolan Women Voice Association and Mojatu Foundation in Nottingham.

Angolan Women Voice Association founding director Paula Pontes said the only way to help the African, Caribbean, and Asian communities is to impart to them the correct information about the disease.

“It is important that we empower the people from the Black and Asian communities with knowledge and the correct information about dementia in Nottingham and surrounding areas because as they say, ignorance is bliss and that a little knowledge is dangerous.

“It is against this background that we thought it is significant to engage public health experts from Nottingham Trent University to come and talk to the people from the community on how cultural and ethnicity can impact dementia and how to deal with it.”

Pontes added that healthcare professionals require religious and culturally sensitive training and support in delivering person-cantered care, or care which respects the needs, rights, and wishes of every person.

“This is especially the case for those from ethnic minority communities who continue to underaccess care because of a lack of tailored services,” said Pontes. The dementia workshop was conducted by NTU’s public health experts from the School of Social Sciences, Dr. Penelope Siebert, Dr. Hannah Christie, and Ellis Richards.

During the workshop, one of the participants, Maria Fontes,90, who grew up in Africa, accepted that she is experiencing, some dementia said:

“It is hard growing old in Africa and having dementia. But I must say that people in some parts of Africa do understand the plight of those suffering from dementia and supports them,” she said.

Edrissa Touray, Fearless Youth Association (FYA) Training and Youth Development Manager contributing said: “It is time we must have this conversation in the Black, Asian and Minority communities so that everyone is on the same page.

“Times have changed. In the past, people in African communities used to rely on subsistence farming to take care of everyone but now a lot of people live in cities and therefore they will have to work to earn a living and that makes it difficult to have time to look after them at home,” said Edrissa.

According to Dementia UK, there are an estimated 25,000 people in ethnic minority communities with dementia in the UK; there are varying experiences and care needs in each of these communities.

While the number of white British population with dementia is expected to double by 2051, the number of people from ethnic minorities is expected to increase seven-fold by the same time as per reported by the Alzheimer’s Society in 2019.

Although the prevalence of dementia is higher in some ethnic minorities, they are also less likely to engage with dementia services. Research has suggested that until barriers such as stigma, communication problems, and discrimination are explored and resolved ethnic minorities will continue to miss out on vital support.

There is a lot of research that highlights the importance of considering the ‘super diversity’ of ethnic minority communities. The ability to acknowledge and respond to these specific cultural differences within ethnic groups is essential to ensure a holistic person-centered approach is met.

Interestingly, it has been suggested that standard tests for detecting dementia may not be culturally appropriate, consequently leading to flaws in diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s Research UK state that the memory tests currently conducted compare performance to the majority of white British population norms.

The lack of culturally tailored questions on these tests could prove to be a huge hindrance in trying to reach a diagnosis of dementia in these communities.

There is also evidence that the early onset vascular type of dementia is more prevalent in the African-Caribbean population. Because of the migration history of the African-Caribbean community to the UK, this population is demographically the oldest of those communities defined as ‘Black’ in the UK national Census categories. Researchers have proposed that the raised risk of vascular dementia is linked to the higher risk of hypertension and other lifetime health risks that increase the risk of stroke in this population.

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

By Lynette Wairegi

Earlier this month, on May the 4th, the world celebrated Star Wars Day.

Star Wars’ Fans had flooded social media platforms with the tagline “May the fourth be with you,” a clever pun and wordplay to the movie’s popular phrase “May the force be with you.”

In the movies, the term ‘force’ is recognized as an energy field that connects everything and everyone with the universe. The tagline is used to wish people good luck implying that the force works in their favour. The fandom merely replaces ‘force’ with ‘fourth’ just to add a unique touch to their celebration.

The fourth day in May became Star Wars Day because of the phrase, “May the force be with you,” used by Jedi masters in the movies. The first recorded reference of the phrase being used was on May 4, 1979, the day after Margaret Thatcher was elected as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Her political party, the Conservatives, placed a congratulatory advertisement in the London Evening News saying “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. The earliest uses of the phrase “May the 4th Be with You” that we have evidence for date from 1978, one year after the release of Star Wars: A New Hope.

By then, Star Wars was firmly established within American popular culture and became “like a handshake,” as Professor Leo Braudy would later comment in the documentary, Empire of Dreams.

That summer of 1978, clever newspaper writers used the phrase as a gimmick to mark Independence Day

celebrations on the Fourth of July. “

English-speaking audiences in the United Kingdom were familiar with it as well. It was on May 4, 1979, that the first known instance of “May the 4th Be with You” being used to mark the earlier date took place. Another lesser-known instance came from within Lucasfilm in 1982.

Randy Thom, who today is the director of sound design at Skywalker Sound and has been with the company for over 40 years, worked as a location sound recordist on Revenge of the Jedi - its title, of course, it was later changed, and at the time of production it was known under the codename Blue Harvest.

Thom joined the production unit in northern California as they shot in the redwood forest doubling for the moon of Endor.

May 4, 1982, happened to be a working day, and Thom recalled thinking of the pun on his own when contemplating the date.

He shared it with others on the set and would continue to write an annual message to the company declaring “May the 4th Be with You” for years to come.

So, how did you celebrate Star Wars Day?

Did you watch some Star Wars movies? Or maybe bake some Yodi-faced cookies?

Whatever you did...

May the 4th be with you, always.

BAME COUNCILLORS SCORE HIGH IN NOTTINGHAM 2023 LOCAL ELECTIONS - By

Julius Mwangi

A number of councillors from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities has increased in this year’s Nottingham City Council local elections as Labour Party floored the ruling Conservative Party to maintain its foothold for the city.

The Conservatives failed to get a single seat this time around losing the only seats the won in 2019.

In the previous local elections in 2019, Labour won 50 seats while the Nottingham Independents won three. The 2023 Nottingham city Council elections took place on 4th May 2023 to elect all 55 members of the Nottingham City Council.

Out of the 55 seats, the Labour Party scooped a staggering 51 seats, where 26 belonged to the people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Communities.

The representation of the minority black community seats also increased by one from a previous seven in 2019 and to eight in 2023.

In an interview with Mojatu Magazine Labour Councillor for Mapperley Leslie Ayoola said: “It very pleasing and encouraging that the number of councillors from the Black, Asian and Minority groups has increased in this election.

“This is an indication that many people from the minority groups are now coming forward than ever to serve their communities.”

Councillor Ayoola grew up on Pearmain Drive in Nottingham and was educated in the ward has a master’s degree in Youth and Community Development and a BA in Business, according to the Nottingham City Council website.

Councillor Ayoola, who has a passion for community development said: “I would love to see as many black young people taking part in the development of our city and they can do that by participating in politics

and be leaders.”

Nottingham City has a large BAME population 34.6% which accounts for just over third of the total population and this is likely to increase over the next few years.

BAME communities in Nottingham have faced many challenges over the years, with health risks being much higher than in the general population - this has led to poorer outcomes for these groups - with less opportunity and support available.

Over the years, the number of Black and Asian people in Nottingham City Council has increased dramatically.

This can provide inspiration to many Black and Asian communities who may feel disconnected from the larger Nottinghamshire County.

Nottingham City has a large BAME population 34.6% which accounts for just over third of the total population and this is likely to increase over the next few years.

BAME communities in Nottingham have faced many challenges over the years, with health risks being much higher than in the general population.

This has led to poorer outcomes for these groups, with less opportunity and support available.

Over the years, the number of Black and Asian people in Nottingham City Council has increased dramatically - this can provide inspiration to many Black and Asian communities who may feel disconnected from the larger Nottinghamshire County.

YOUTH WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A GREENER PLANET - By

The picturesque landscapes of Segera, Laikipia county, have become a familiar sight and a commonplace for the Youth Future Lab (YFL) team.

A herd of plump and stout zebras slowly grazes over the bubonic landscape and it is a fascinatingly beautiful as the group of youth visiting the area watching the captivating clouds slide over the bright blue sky.

When one wise woman from the west, Margaret Mead, once said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has,” she might have had the Youth Future Lab in mind.

Buoyed with determination and a great passion for mother nature, the entourage included Willy Kamau, Frederick Kioko, and Alice Kamau and this trio of enthusiastic conservationists has had previously visited the region for a different tree-planting initiative. However, they returned to Segera with renewed vigour and a new mission – to plant trees as part of the government’s ambitious tree-planting efforts.

What they found was a breath-taking oasis that never ceased to inspire them, and an opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future for the planet. After setting off from Nairobi before dawn on Thursday, April 6th, 2023, the team made swift progress on the journey north.

As they passed through the bustling and hustling towns of Karatina and Nyeri, they marvelled at the energy and vitality of the people they saw.

Soon enough, they had crossed the equator and were closing in on Nanyuki, where they had arranged to meet a lawyer and surveyor, who could help them with the tricky task of demarcating plots in the sprawling savannah of Segera. As they arrived at their destination, they were struck by the same beauty that had inspired them on their first trip.

Segera had not lost its magic, and the team was grateful to return to such a stunning place, a vast area that made them feel insignificant due to its sheer size. From afar, they could see the great Mount Kenya and Aberdare ranges and other hills around the region.

Our team was well-equipped with knowledge of the types of trees that would thrive in the Segera region.

Willy Kamau

Among the species selected were Grevillea robusta, African Olive, fever tree, cedar, podocarpus, and others, carefully chosen to ensure the success of our tree-planting efforts. The team worked closely with the locals on Thursday, and to their delight, they were able to cover four plots of land instead of the initially planned three. In total, they planted 150 trees and 500 aloe vera plants.

The team’s work was briefly halted by the arrival of majestic elephants that frequented the area at night, a pleasant surprise - Witnessing the locals’ deep reverence for these gentle giants and commitment to peaceful coexistence with wildlife left the team inspired and with a newfound sense of respect for all living creatures.

On Friday, they were joined by friends of YFL from Nairobi and Nakuru, who were eager to assist in planting trees and sharing mbuzi choma and drinks with the community. Together, they worked tirelessly, planting 50 trees and 300 aloe vera plants. It was a pleasant surprise to the team when they were blessed with a deluge of rain, which Kenyans believe is a sign of God’s blessings.

The rain poured before they could complete the day’s task, but the team got creative and provided shelter for everyone while ensuring that the fire was not extinguished by the rain and strong winds.

Despite the challenging conditions, they were able to complete planting on the designated plots, and the locals were thrilled to see their efforts. They went, saw, planted trees, conquered and above all else created a future that will be greener.

POLICE GATHERS 150 YOUNG BLACK PEOPLE TO BUILD TRUST IN NOTTINGHAM

By Peter Makossah

Police in Nottingham gathered around 150 young people, majority of them Black youths, at a black-led Nottingham church as part of a police-commissioned event in a bid to improve trust between the law enforcers and the youth in the community.

The event, held at God’s Vineyard Ministries in Derby Road, Lenton, which lasted for two hours gave the young people aged between 16 and 25 the chance to discuss their views and experiences of the police.

The event was organised by Nottinghamshire Police, the Majority Black-Led Churches (MBLC) and the Police and Crime Commissioners Office on Sunday earlier last month.

It was attended by around 150 young people from the black community together with 15 police inspectors as well as Chief Superintendent Sukesh Verma, Head of Local Policing.

Young people took to the stage to discuss issues that ranged from stop and search, being arrested and engaging with officers.

Chief Supt Verma said: “This was a well-attended event which allowed us an opportunity to have young people and police officers under one roof to discuss the issues that really matter to them. It also gave us a perfect opportunity to explain what we do.

“We need to break down these barriers and build a better relationship with young people.”

Chief Supt Verma said the police should not only be looking at engaging with young people postincident, for example when a crime has occurred, and we are investigating.

“We should be engaging with them every day,” said Chief Supt Verma: “We need to look at more ways to build that trust and confidence. We are already making massive inroads but there is still a lot of work to do.”

Added Chief Supt Verma: “Not only will it be beneficial for young people to feel better connected to their police force, but it will also allow us to build a better intelligence picture when incidents do occur.

“We will be running similar events over the coming months which will feed into our overall plan.”

NOTTINGHAM DESIRES TO BECOME UK’S FIRST CN28

By Penny Cooper

Nottingham City Council (NCC) have risen to the challenge of climate change and have a strong desire to achieve the first Carbon Neutral City in the UK by 2028.

way - It is important at the same time to look after our most vulnerable, and more action is needed there.

Energy Generation

There is a need to look at other forms of energy generation, for example, heat from abandoned coal mines is an innovative and practical solution to one of the big challenges facing the economydecarbonising heat supplies.

The city’s ambition is roughly outlined in the city’s website www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/CN2028 and if you wish to read the Action Plan in detail, you will also find it there - whatever you are able to do to support this initiative, is a thumbs up for our city and our environment. Section One looks at Carbon reduction measures, Transport, The Built Environment, Energy Generation, Waste and Water and Consumption.

Transport

30% of CO2 emissions are accounted for in the city through transport, not surprising perhaps considering the many types of diesel and petrol vehicles still in use - it is hoped that by making public transport more accessible, increased cycling and walking and the move towards low emission vehicles, and other low carbon initiatives, this figure can be neutralised.

The introduction of the tram, electric buses and building an electric charging infrastructure throughout the city, is the way forward.

The Built Environment

294,000 tonnes of CO2 are emitted in the city for heating and hot water, with approximately 84% of homes heated by gas - this is 25% of the City’s overall emissions of CO2 - Nottingham City Homes has been active in installing boilers, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation in approximately 30,000 homes.

There are other actions which have improved energy efficiency in properties, but perhaps something all of us are aware of is the energy crisis, which will make all of us look at energy consumption in a more positive

Natural processes warm water within the mines and can, if sustainably managed, provide a continuous supply of heat. Mine water temperatures are not affected by seasonal variations and subject to the right support, mine water can provide renewable, secure, low carbon heating for buildings in coalfield areas. It is a way forward, which may produce other initiatives which can be trialed in Nottingham and let us not forget Solar energy, opportunities for change springing up throughout the city.

Waste and Water

In 2018/19, 113,000 tons of household waste was produced in Nottingham, of that 26.5% was reused, 64.5% was sent for energy recovery and 7% was sent to landfill with an aim is to remove it totally from landfill in the future.

NCC owns EnviroEnergy, which provides high pressure steam from refuse burning at Nottingham’s Eastcroft incinerator, an alternative source of energy and we need to look to improve behaviours to reduce water consumption and waste management.

Consumption

This relates to CO2 emissions through the things we buy and consume. The carbon footprint of items we purchase or consume can be just as damaging in carbon emissions as some of the areas we have already looked at - NCC are looking at using local food suppliers by catering services to reduce food miles, both in sourcing and delivery, for example, in school kitchens. We can all do so much more, we can shop more wisely, there is a need for website information and you may well be able to think of more than you can do, let me know at info@mojatufoundation.org and if you want to know more, go to Nottingham City Council website at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/ CN2028 for a more detailed overview of the Carbon Neutral 2028 initiative.

CITY CENTRE MCDONALDS RESTAURANT IN NOTTINGHAM A ‘PROBLEM AREA’ FOR POTENTIAL CHILD EXPLOITATION

By Peter Makossah

A McDonald’s restaurant in Nottingham city centre has been identified as a “problem area” where children and young people may be spotted and exploited by criminals.

Nottingham City Council has had recently employed extra staff in a bid to tackle the abuse and exploitation of children and young people in the city.

It follows an inspection by watchdog Ofsted, which rated the council’s Children’s Services as ‘inadequate’ last year and the Council has since put in place an improvement plan is now in place to address concerns.

John Matravers, head of safeguarding at the council, said: “For the citizens of Nottingham, it is really important to recognise the signs of abuse and exploitation when they see it.

“We are also now working very closely with colleagues in the voluntary sector, with the police, colleagues in the county, looking at areas like McDonald’s in Clumber Street, which is very well known for being an area which has free Wi-Fi, where children gather, that is known, and there is a need there for that disruption to those criminal activities that can happen around there.”

The council is focussing on children and young people who may go missing from home, or care, who can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

When they return council staff must aim to conduct a return interview within 72 hours.

Mr Matravers said: “You will all be aware we were significantly criticised in the Ofsted report in terms of the quality and timeliness of our return to home interviews. They were, at the time, around 24 per cent within statutory timescales.

He said the council will have a strategy “by the summer” with further work with McDonald’s staff in Clumber Street “coming up.”

“As part of our work in the local community, our Clumber Street restaurant works closely with the local BID [Business Improvement District] to provide safe spaces for young people when needed,” the company said.

The police have said some vulnerable Nottingham children face particular risk of sexual exploitation, modern slavery and other exploitation from criminals including ‘county lines’ gangs, which use children to ferry drugs across county borders, often using public transport.

Mojatu Magazine established that during a Children and Young People Scrutiny meeting on March 30, councillors were told the McDonald’s branch on Clumber Street has been identified as a “problem area” where criminals could contact vulnerable children.

McDonald’s says staff at the branch are already “mindful” of spotting children who might need help and it intends to meet the council soon to discuss next steps.

THE MAGPIES ARE BACK

By Julius Mwangi

There is an incessant jubilation and tones of excitement in the Robinhood City as two of its most beloved football teams have done well this year with one staying up in one of the world’s prestigious football leagues while the other ascended back to the national league.

tally with 107 points, though Wrexham surpassed this amount by accumulating 111 points and winning the league. In the playoff final, Chesterfield had the advantage for most of regulation time when Andrew Dallas converted a penalty in the sixth minute.

However, Notts County midfielder John Bostock managed to even the score with an 88th-minute freekick that Ross Fitzsimons could not save.

Both sides notched up a goal in extra-time, with Chesterfield’s Armando Dobra scoring first with a curving effort in the 93rd minute but Notts County quickly responded through Ruben Rodrigues in the 108th minute.

Notts County Manager Luke Williams told the local media: “We were ready for this occasion because of the obstacles we have had to overcome.”

Nottingham Forest have had to fend off Arsenal to stay afloat and avoid a chop while the Magpies, Notts County bounced back to the Football league.

Happiness is back in Nottingham City and the County as now football lovers will have a double showdown cheering their favourite teams.

Notts county bounced back with a full swing to the Vanarama national Football League after beating chesterfield on penalties at Wembley Stadium in the national league play-off final.

Archie Mair, the goalkeeper who is on loan, turned out to be the hero after saving two spot-kicks as the magpies secured their return to the English Football League after a four-year absence.

Luke Williams’ side finished second on 107 points in the National League behind Wrexham and missed out on automatic promotion.Notts County set a National League record with 32 wins over 46 games, only to be surpassed by Wrexham who achieved 34 victories.

Additionally, they tallied the most away wins in a single season with 15. They were top scorers in the National League, notching 117 goals, one more than Wrexham.

Moreover, they broke the record for highest points

Williams declared Notts County’s campaign as “incredible,” commending his players for showing great mental strength, and credited their victory in the penalty shootout to Cedwyn Scott whose decisive spot-kick secured a 4-3 win.

History of the Magpies

Notts County - founded in 1862 - are recognised as the oldest professional football team in the worldThe Magpies, who plays in the National League, and are perched on second position, have been at their Meadow Lane home since 1910.

Following its foundation in 1862, Notts County initially focused on playing a game that they invented themselves. Once the Football Association was formed, they switched to football.

Soon thereafter, their full-back Ernest Greenhalgh participated in the first-ever international match: England vs. Scotland. In 1888, Notts County was one of the 12 founding members of the Football League, finishing their first league season in 11th place.

In 1891, the Magpies missed out on their first big chance to win a major trophy by losing 1-3 to Blackburn in the FA Cup finals. They made up for it three years later, with Jimmy Logan scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers.

This remains the only major trophy in the club’s history, as well as the first time that a team outside the top division won the FA Cup.

MOJATU FEEDS THE NEEDY DURING RAMADAN

By Peter Makossah

As the cost of essential food staples is soaring through the rooftops across the globe coupled with the skyrocketing cost-of-living more people are hungry than ever before and this Ramadan, a staggering 828 million people do not know where their next meal will come from.

In the United Kingdom, and in Nottingham in particular, those in the ummah, whose homes and livelihoods have been desecrated and sullied by the economic hardships emanating from the high cost of living are simply struggling to make ends meet in this holy month of Ramadan.

It is therefore against this background that Mojatu Foundation, a Nottingham based charity organisation, buoyed by the sheer need to help the needy fasting have embarked on noble acts of benevolence and mercy by distributing food to those fasting.

Since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, Mojatu Foundation has been distributing food to households around Nottingham as well as hotels that are occupied by asylum seekers.

Last Friday, on Good Friday, the day Christians commemorates the death of Jesus Christ who was crucified on a cross, Mojatu Foundation staff, accompanied by their families and friends came together once again and distributed hundreds of packs of food stuffs to various households, hotels turned into asylum seekers accommodation in various locations in the city.

The distributed food packs included in them rice, chicken, assorted fruits, and bottled water.

Mojatu Foundation Operation Director Angela Wathoni said: “Ramadan is an especially important time of huge significance to our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world and therefore it is important for everyone to show kindness they fast and having a personal spiritual commitment with the heavenly father.

“Giving to others holds spiritual significance in Islamic teachings and we all know that the British Muslim community are incredibly generous with their generosity, and we can reciprocate that generosity in this time of Ramadan.”

Prophet Muhammed (May Peace Be Upon Him) put it right when he said: “Whoever feeds a person breaking his fast will earn the same reward as him, without anything being lessened from the reward of the fasting person.”

Ramadan is observed to honour the fourth pillar of Islam, known as Sawm.

As per the history of Ramadan fasting, there are several reasons why Muslims are required to observe Sawm, including to demonstrate self-control and restraint, cleanse their bodies, be reminded that some people do not have access to food and go hungry every day, be more compassionate and grateful for what they have in life but more importantly to strengthen their bond with Allah.

NOTTINGHAM SIKHS CELEBRATES VAISAKHI

By Staff Reporter

The spiritual centennial event was marked with pomp, colour, and grandeur. The celebrations were apt and oozed precision as everyone in attendance looked the part. Everything symbolised significance, and divinity.

A deep-seated vibrancy and a merry-go-round mood dictated the eventful day’s happenstances as the procession took centre-stage in grand style.

Communities in Nottingham on Sunday, April 16 joined hands and shared a wonderful time together in celebrating one of the most momentous events in the Sikh spiritual calendar.

The Sikh faithful accompanied by throngs of people from all levels of society gathered in Basford, Nottingham for the first time after the Covid-19 pandemic, to celebrate the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan Festival.

Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi as creation of the Khalsa, not as the Sikh new year or harvest festival.

Roads were temporarily closed in the area as residents lined up onto the streets as they took part in the traditional Nagar Kirtans procession.

On the day, the Sikh spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, led the Nagar Kirtan and five Khalsa (Panj Pyare) representing the spirit and body of the Guru and the procession walked to all the seven Gurdwaras in Nottingham.

The spring festival, which happens in April every year, is a day to celebrate 1699 - the year when Sikhism was born as a collective faith. - to celebrate Vaisakhi, Sikhs visit places of worship called Gudwaras and enjoy parades and special processions.

In an interview with Mojatu Magazine, during the procession, one senior official at the Basford Gurdwara, Papadeep Singh said Sikhs celebrates Vaisakhi on the first day of Vaisakhi, the second month in the Indian national calendar.

He said: “April is known as Vaisakhi in the Hindu calendar, where it is the first month of the year and the date is determined by the solar calendar and marks the sun’s entry into the sign of Aries after leaving Pisces.”

Singh expressed happiness that a lot of people from all social classes and diverse backgrounds came out to support the Vaisakhi Festival.

“Nottingham is cultural and religious melting pot of gold where we all coexist. We are incredibly grateful for the support we got from the community,” said Singh.

Cities across the world with large Sikh populations usually hold large public events to mark Vaisakhi with Sikh communities celebrating with processions called nagar kirtan - which means town or neighbourhood hymn-singing.

As well as signalling the start of a new lunar year, the festival also has an important religious significance.

Celebrating Vaisakhi includes prayers, processions, and the raising of the Nishan Sahib flag.

Ramandeep Kaur, a Sikh faithful from St. Ann’s Gurdwara, said: “This is a very special day for me and my family as we celebrate our spirituality as we mark the Vaisakhi festivity with pomp, colour and style.”

Arts & Culture

NOTTINGHAM’S FINEST GOSPEL DIVA: MATAMANDO MKUKUPA-MANEYA - By

Peter Makossah

“I love music. I breathe music. I sing for the Lord. I don’t just sing, I minister the word through music,” says the award-winning songstress.

Matamando is not only talented singer, she is more, and does a lot more.

Born in in commercial city of Malawi, Blantyre, she moved to Nottingham decades ago, and she has established herself as one of UK’s top gospel soulful singers, a worship recording artist, songwriter, worship leader, mentor, and she’s an ordained minister.

Away from music, she is a wife and a mother. She’s married to Daniel Maneya and together they have three children, namely, Nathaniel, Charis, and Abigail.

An alumnus of Nottingham Trent Alumni, Matamando, released an EP in 2017 from which her hit single, I belong to you was track of the week on premier Gospel Radio.

she reveals: “The song, I belong to you was featured on UK’s Gospel compilation album and I became the female artist in Nottingham to have songs played on Premier and UCB for seven years straight and still going.

“I feel blessed. I am proud of myself, and I believe I still have got more to give.”

Her presence is dominantly infectious, and so is her smile.

She is a giant and a gospel goldmine. For her, everything lies in her name. She’s well built, plump, big, bold, and beautiful and polished like her slick, and silky-smooth voice - her name, Matamando, means praise - and praising the lord is what she has been doing since she was two years old.

You can’t help it, but warm up to Nottingham’s finest gospel diva, Matamando Mkukupa Maneya, daughter of the late legendary jazz icon, Isaac Mkukupa.

Matamando comes from a musical family and grew up around music and musicians - she started singing at the tender age of two at the age of six she ministered in a song at one of America’s biggest preachers, Reinhard Bonke - and at a very tender age she’d need a curtain-raiser for international artists like Israel Houghton.

The Nottingham self-styled gospel diva has, among her pinnacle heights in her gospel music career, performed alongside UKs Gospel Legends, Noel Robinson, and Basil Mead.

For her advice to the youth, the Bulwell based composer and performer says: “Believe in yourself and in your dreams. Work hard for nothing comes easy. You can have talent but if you don’t sharpen it, practice then all is but vain.”

‘MINIATURE MASTERPIECES’ IN AN EYE OF THE NEEDLE AT WOLLATON HALL -

By Julius Mwangi

A celebrated micro sculptural artist is launching miniature masterpieces as part of his ‘Disappearing World’ collection and Wollaton Hall’s transformation project.

Since a tiny sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus rex - small enough to sit in the eye of a needle - went on display in Wollaton Hall.

From the renowned sculptural artist Dr. Willard Wigan MBE, alongside the first real full sized Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton shown in England for more than 100 years, the Nottingham City Museums team have been working hard in collaboration with partners to bring a brand-new exhibition to Wollaton Hall to inspire visitors big and small.

Internationally renowned micro-sculpturist, Dr Willard Wigan MBE, has created and installed a new extraordinary micro-sculpture of a perfectly formed T. rex, measuring just 0.5mm which sits within the eye of a needle, for the coming months.

Now the very tiniest micro-depiction, and, Titus, the first real Tyrannosaurus rex to be exhibited in England for over a century, stand side by side. Titus the T. rex demonstrates the immense power and impact of this king of the dinosaurs, while Willard Wigan’s creation presents the smallest, but no less powerful.

According to Nottingham City Council, this will be showcased alongside Wollaton Hall’s World of Wonder Transformation - and will display sculptured pieces in the eye of a needle, never before seen on display.

All in dedication to a world where nothing does exist, small things can become everything.

‘Disappearing World’ focuses on biodiversity in danger and the national initiative launches alongside

a new natural history gallery at the Hall which highlights the need to study taxidermy to support global conservation.

Miniature Masterpieces featuring ‘Disappearing World’ and the new gallery ‘The Taxidermists’ Tale’ as part of Wollaton Hall’s gallery transformation programme have been grant funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. This exhibition will be free to visitors, as part of the standard free entry to the Hall’s Natural History Galleries, so that it is accessible to all.

Dr. Willard Wigan MBE said: “It is a real honour to be exhibiting one of my sculptures alongside the breath-taking Titus T. rex exhibition. Wollaton Hall Natural History Museum is renowned for being home to rare specimens from across the globe, including Titus himself, which made it the perfect home for my T. rex sculpture.”

Nottingham City Council’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Wendy Smith, said: “I was thrilled to meet Willard Wigan, and unveil the micro-sculpture of a T. rex to make it accessible to visitors.

Titus the T.rex Exhibition opened in July 2021, to international acclaim and over 70,000 visitors have already met Titus and engaged with the bespoke interactive exhibition designed around him.

Rachael Evans, Museums Development Manager at Nottingham City Museums and Galleries at Wollaton Hall, said: “It is an astonishing moment for us.”

It will be available April - October 2023, with no prebooking necessary.

Plan your visit: www.wollatonhall.org.uk/visit

GOOD FRIDAY

By Lynette Wairegi

Good Friday

Is a really important day

It is always on a Friday

Always on the seventh

It’s a Christian holiday to commemorate

The crucifixion of Jesus

This Good Friday is a public holiday

All the sales are up

It is also known as the Black Friday

Church bells are ringing across the country

The colours black and red

Represent Jesus’s blood and death

Pain and suffering

Happiness striped across his face

Jesus went through this pain

So, our future can be like it is today

Hot Cross Buns are being made in bakers shop

Cooked with love and care

When the white icing cross is stamped across the bun

You can taste the kindness in the air

While we pray, eat and share

Good Friday is a public holiday

To commemorate his death at Calvary

Which is the place outside the walls of Jerusalem

Where Jesus died for our sins

Whether you call it

Holy Friday

Great Friday

Great and Holy Friday

Or Black Friday

We pray and show respect To Jesus’s death

And now say Amen Amen.

MUSIC FOR THE SOUL - PHE B HEALS

Q&A with Nottingham’s music Queen

She’s one of Nottingham’s phenomenal and blazing music sought-after prodigies, a rare gem of a special-kind and her music does not only soothe the mind or serenades the heart, it also regales the soul. Her music heals.

Her music is special and different. She delivers the music to her audience and music lovers straight from the deep corners of her heart - it is her truth.

Her name is Phedra Broch bus she widely known by her stage moniker, Phe B and she caught up with Peter Makossah in this Q&A and she pours her heart.

Excerpts:

Q. Who is Phe B?

A: The stage name “Phe B” comes from my real name, which is Phedra Broch. I am a singer/songwriter, poet, artist and beat maker. I was born and raised in Germany to Ghanaian parents and have lived in the UK for about a decade and a half. I would describe my music genre as healing. I infuse velvety soulful vocals into various sounds, creating a distinctive make of conscious music.

Q What inspired you to get into music?

A: One day, I just decided that I cannot waste my time on earth keeping my messages to myself. I am not a Saviour, but I believe that I have been gifted with a talent and I can use this to help people in some way. I will be satisfied if I help even one person.

I will also give credit to my dad. I have known him to

make music since I was young. He would often record at home and make us CDs to listen to. Witnessing this growing up, fuelled my love for music making although I did not start sharing until very recently.

Q: What’s your message to young girls aspiring to go into music?

A: My advice to young girls who want to go into music... or anything at all, is to eliminate the impact that other people’s opinions have on their self-esteem and self-worth. There are people that will attempt to make us feel small and worthless. Oftentimes, they are projecting. Do not allow that to affect you. On the other hand, there are people who give constructive criticism. You can use that to improve yourself, but never permit these opinions to stop you from simply going for it.

Q: Any challenges that you face as a female artist?

A: The only challenge I will ever face is that within myself, I think. The inner voice of doubt and hesitation. I have held back a lot, and that is a daily battle. Perhaps, there are further challenges that I will experience as I continue to embark on this journey, but I will deal with them if I get there.

Q: Your music is unique and different, why did you choose this route?

A: To be honest, it is not a choice I made. This is innate and I am simply honouring what I consider to be my truth.

NOTTINGHAM’S GOOSE FAIR RETURNS THIS SUMMER FOR TEN DAYS

By Staff Reporter

Nottingham City and County residents and those living in the sorrounding areas of the prized Robinhood locality must brace themselves for more fun and exciting moments as one of the biggest entertainment gatherings in the East Midlands, the Goose Fair, is back this summer for a staggering ten days nonstop on the bounce.

The number of new visitors to the city’s entertainment shindig, according to the City Council, is expected to be much higher than last year.

The organisers, Nottingham City Council and the Showmen’s Guild have announced that Goose Fair will once again be held over ten days in 2023, between Friday 29 September and Sunday 8 October.

In a statement the two organisers say the decision follows the successful staging of the fair over ten days in 2022, which saw an extra 130,000 visitors in comparison to the five-day event in 2019.

Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham’s Goose Fair has been staged annually since at least 1284, and so it’s great to see that it will return in 2023 for a ten-day event.

“This longer period will allow opportunities for more local and regional visitors, increase the city’s economic uplift, and enable new and impressive rides and attractions as well as returning favourites. We look forward to welcoming the Showmen’s Guild back for another fantastic event for all the family to enjoy.”

Over half a million visitors came to Goose Fair last year from across the region, helping to generate a significant economic uplift for the city. This included visitor spend and local event suppliers and companies, who provided the visiting showmen with goods ranging from catering supplies and consumables to accommodation.

In reaching this decision, it was recognised that a ten-day fair does impact on local residents and some businesses in and around the Forest Recreation Ground. The council will work with those affected to seek to mitigate some of the concerns raised during last year’s fair.

James Curringham, 36, a father of teenaged two girls and a younger boy, of Commercial Road in Bulwell said: “I am excited and worried at the same time. We

will surely have a lot of fun but that means spending a lot of money especially on the kids.

“All the same bring it on. We have to compensate for the lost times during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.”

Roselyn Mashingaidze, 45, a Zimbabwean naturalised British of Basford Road, and a mother four, said she can’t wait for the next edition of Goose Fair.

“I and the kids are looking forward to go on the rides and play the games. I work a lot and this (Goose Fair) will create an opportunity for me to bond with the kids. I will book an annual leave for this,” she said.

The environmental impact of the event, both on the city’s carbon neutral ambitions and more locally on Hyson Green, has also been considered. Showmen’s Guild members attending the fair will now pay a 3% levy on the site fees, to help the event become more sustainable in future years.

With over 250 rides and attractions and thrills aplenty for all ages, the fair is one of the largest travelling fun fairs in Europe, and Nottingham city’s biggest event in its annual events calendar.

No decision has been made on the length of the fair in future years.

William Percival, Chair of the Showmen’s Guild Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire branch, said: “We’re pleased to welcome this good news after the success of the ten-day fair last year, which worked well for the showmen, the council and local businesses in Nottingham.

“We’re grateful to the council in allowing us to bring an extended fair for a second year, and hopefully it will be as successful as it was in 2022. We’d like to thank the council’s events team for the work they’ve done with the Showmen’s Guild to make this possible.”

NEW CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS EXHIBITIONS AT NEWSTEAD ABBEY

By Our Reporter

Nottingham City Museums’ studio pottery collections will be celebrated in Crafted in Clay: Studio Ceramics, a pottery trail around Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire, from 04 March to 29 October 2023.

According to a press release from Nottingham City Council Crafted in Clay: Studio Ceramics will feature over 100 ceramics by around 30 potters, including Bernard Leach, Lucie Rie, Hans Coper, Walter Keeler, Richard Batterham, John Ward, Siddig el Nigoumi and Judy Trim.

Using the fireplaces and furniture within Newstead Abbey as a linking trail, these pots find a temporary resting place within the rich context of the Abbey’s historical rooms.

Newstead was home to successive generations of Byrons, followed by the Wildmans and the Webb family, and pottery would have played an integral part in their daily lives and for special occasions.

The trail imagines how these owners might have placed the pottery around their home.

Additionally, the Tommaso CorviMora, who runs the celebrated Corvi-Mora Gallery in London, has selected work by innovative contemporary potters alongside artists who use clay in their work, in a separate exhibition space within the Abbey.

The aim of this exhibition, New Areas: conte ceramics, is to give a partial and subjective overview of contemporary ceramics in Britain.

The work included spans forty years, from the mid-Eighties until today and includes Gordon Baldwin, Alison Britton, Adam Buick, Shawanda Corbett, Simon Carroll, Julian Stair and Matthew Warner.

The exhibition revolves around the work of artists who have either focussed on the vessel as starting point of their investigation or who have adopted the model of the studio potter (an artist following the whole process of making ceramics from beginning to end, working alone in the studio) to structure their own practice. In most cases both elements are present.

Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning, Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, said:

“We are thrilled that significant pottery collections will be showcased at Newstead Abbey, including objects from within the Nottingham City Museums collection, as part of the two exhibitions. As the pottery objects are on display within Newstead Abbey’s Historic House, they add a new dimension to visitors enjoying this popular venue, and highlight the significance of and Nottinghamshire’s cultural importance, enjoyed by visitors nationally, internationally, and local residents too.”

Newstead Abbey is best known today as the ancestral home of Lord Byron (1788-1824). The original Newstead Abbey was founded by Henry II as an Augustinian priory in the twelfth century.

In 1540, following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the property was offered to the Byron family by Henry VIII and converted into a residence.

The estate grew over time, but a large portion of the original medieval fabric survived, including the west front, constructed in 1274, and the fifteenth-century cloisters. Later extensions were built out of stone quarried from the main church building.

The main building suffered from neglect and deterioration before being inherited by the Romantic poet, who lamented, “Thou, the hall of my Fathers, art gone to decay” in the poem “On Leaving Newstead Abbey” (1807).

Lord Byron sold the property in 1818 to his childhood friend Thomas Wildman, who spent much of his wealth to restore and redecorate it and opened it to visitors. After subsequent changes in ownership, it was donated to the city of Nottingham in 1831.

To book tickets for house admission to see the exhibitions from March, go to the Newstead Abbey & Gardens website: www. newsteadabbey.org.uk

FYA HOSTS MUSIC FESTIVAL TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH IN NOTTINGHAM’S COMMUNITIES

By Unity Bryant

Truer to the words of Arthur Schopenhauer, “Music is the food of the soul,” therefore, it is unsurprising that music has a myriad of advantages for the mind, body, and of course, the soul as it is the rhythm of life that gives life to soul.

There are scientific and methodical benefits to incorporating music into the youth space as it creates a momentous mix of vibrations and sounds which come together to create rhythm and hence an electric mix of energy and just like our bodies needs food and energy to thrive in this world, music acts as food for the soul, rejuvenating it, filling it oomph, and revitalising it

Therefore, we ask: “Where would we be without music and where would we be without the youth?” However, there is only one answer to these questions. “Nowhere!”

Music is not only the food it is also a healing to the soul just as the youth are not just a number to the population, they are a soul of the nation.

Music is relaxing, motivating, fun and stimulating and it is against this background that Fearless Youth Association, (FYA) a non-profit organization, a project under Mojatu Foundation, recently hosted a music festival at the Marcus Garvey Ballroom in Lenton, Nottingham for the for the youth in the communities.

The festival, which was solely organised with an aim

music artists taking to the stage.

FYA project lead Khaled Hijazi in an exclusive interview told Mojatu that the festival provided a space and platform for young people to showcase their talents and network with peers.

“The music festival was organised to empower the young people showcase their talent but also to have their voices heard in the communities and to ensure that they are celebrated.”

Khaled Hijazi said the ultimate goal is to bring is bring the communities together to celebrate art, music and craft while networking and connecting with each other as one people of Nottingham.

With refreshments provided, the festival was a celebration of the community, creativity, and youth empowerment.

FYA is a charity that supports young people, particularly in Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities through creative projects, training, and activities.

The youth organisation’s aim is to provide young people who are not in education, employment, or training with the opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, coming together to learn from other young people to build confidence and skills to keep them away from violence on the streets.

The festival was a testament to FYA’s mission, with over 200 young people and refugees from the local community coming together to enjoy an evening of music and talent that showcased a diverse range of

MOJATU OFFERS UNIQUE TREE PLANTING EXPERIENCE TO COMBAT LONELINESS

By Unity Bryant

The old saying that says that an idle mind is a devil’s workshop may sound as an overused cliché but it remains as true as it was said then as it is today.

Unoccupied minds can be a fertile ground for doing all things, unlawful and immoral, and it is against this background that a Nottingham based non-profit making charitable organisation, Mojatu Foundation, an organisation that supports the community, organised a unique experience for refugees and asylum seekers to tackle loneliness.

The activity involved planting trees at Farmeco, a farm located on the outskirts of the city. The aim was to not only bring the refugees together but also promote environmental sustainability and support the farm. The activity required teamwork and cooperation as participants worked together to dig holes, plant trees, remove dead ones and support the newly planted ones. Despite the language barrier everyone communicated and worked together effectively to have a positive experience.

This provided a sense of accomplishment and purpose, boosting their self-esteem and confidence. The event was important to provide social interaction and tackle loneliness.

Many refugees experience isolation and loneliness, especially when they are far away from their home country and loved ones.

This activity allowed them to connect with others and work together for a shared goal. The shared experience of planting trees creates a bond between the participants, promoting social cohesion and wellbeing. The tree planting experience at Farmeco was a heart-warming experience that bought refugees and Mojatu together to build a community and support wellbeing.

To gain an understanding of the attendee’s perspective, we interviewed Ann, who participated in the experience and shared her thoughts with us.

“ I had a refreshing experience at the farm.

I think the people who run the farm are amazingthey have a lot of passion and dedication for what they do and it shows in their work - they are also very friendly and welcoming, which made my visit even more enjoyable. It is always encouraging to see people who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the world.”

Spanning 13 weeks our accredited building and construction courses are the perfect way to kick start your career.

You will:

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If earning yourself a globally recognised qualification that could help with employment opportunities in the future as well as invaluable on-site experience is up your street, find out more information below;

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This programme is split into two sections:

1. Participants undertake Accredited Music Production training course to fully develop their technical skills and will also be coached by experienced industry professionals to help them fully embrace their creative side.

2. The final product will be a powerful sound collage that participants will take away with them with the possibility to showcase their work at a series of venues, events and on the radio.

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An exploration of thoughts, feelings and energy through the creative power of written prose and rhythmic beats.

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UK REGISTERS GROWING CONCERNS OVER DROP IN HPV VACCINE COVERAGE AMONG SCHOOL PUPILS

By Mary Njeri

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) latest report on the routine adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation programme, which is primarily delivered in schools has registered growing concerns over the drop in HPV vaccines indicating that coverage in year 8 and year 9 pupils is yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The UKHSA, therefore, is urging parents and guardians to ensure eligible young people are caught up with their HPV vaccine before they leave school. Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “The HPV vaccine is available for girls and boys in year 8 and we encourage everyone eligible to take up this potentially life-saving vaccine when offered.

“In recent years we have seen vaccine coverage fall due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Dr. Saliba says Many young people who missed out on their vaccinations have already been caught up, but more needs to be done to ensure all those eligible are vaccinated. According to UKHSA report the HPV vaccine is offered to all 12 to 13 year olds in school years 8 and 9 and follows a 2-dose schedule.

The report says HPV vaccine coverage decreased by 7% in year 8 girls and 8.7% in year 8 boys in 2021 to 2022 when compared to the previous academic year.

The data suggests that the NHS has already caught up many children who missed out on their HPV vaccine since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with dose 1 uptake improving for children in year 9 and year 10, but coverage remains

below pre-pandemic levels.

The UK HPV vaccination programme, according to UKHSA, is one of the most successful in the world, with high uptake and millions of doses given since its launch in 2008.

The programme in England has been shown to have dramatically lowered rates of harmful infections and cervical cancer in vaccinated women, with the strongest effects seen in those vaccinated at younger ages and is saving lives.

HPV vaccination also protects against genital warts and other cancers of the genital areas and anus, as well as some cancers of the head and neck.

A study published in The Lancet in 2021 found that cervical cancer rates were 87% lower in young women who had been eligible for HPV vaccination when they were aged 12 to 13 years, compared to similar young women born a few years earlier who had not been offered vaccination, clearly showing the programme is preventing cervical cancers.

Overall, the study estimated that the HPV programme had prevented about 450 cancers and 17,200 pre-cancers up to mid-2019. All the routine adolescent immunisation programmes have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and coverage is not back up to pre-pandemic levels.

Children and young people who have missed out on their HPV vaccinations should contact their school nurse, school immunisation team or GP surgery to arrange a catch-up - they remain eligible until their 25th birthday.

NOTTINGHAM CITY IS IN URGENT DIRE NEED FOR HOMECARE WORKERS

By Peter Makossah

Overwhelmed by acute shortage of professional carers, Nottingham City Council is coordinating a campaign to encourage more people to become homecare workers to provide much needed support to vulnerable residents in our communities.

Local homecare providers have jobs in homecare available now, with full pay, flexible hours and training and opportunities for people to progress their career within the sector.

Mojatu Online understands that Pathways to Health and Social Care is part funded by Nottingham City Council and the European Union through the European Social Fund (ESF).

The recruitment drive is essential to the city’s efforts to support people to stay living independently in their own homes - especially those who are elderly and vulnerable.

The Nottingham City Council says this is important because it will also help the NHS to discharge patients back to their homes.

Councillor Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “We are working with our care providers to increase our capacity in homecare.

“Nottingham needs more homecare workers. It’s as simple as that. We need them to provide vital support to our elderly and vulnerable residents. We really want to help people to live as independently as possible, but we need homecare workers to support them. She said homecare workers make a real difference to people’s lives because they allow people to live independently - rather than go into temporary care homes or longer-term placements.

“Working in homecare can also make a difference to your own life as well as the lives of others, it’s an incredibly rewarding job where you know you have made a difference, so you get real job satisfaction, said Councillor Woodings.

She, however, explained that not only that the work can be local to your home, it can also be flexible around hours to suit your home, family or social commitments.

Said Woodings: “You don’t need qualifications or past experience for these roles - you just need to be the type of person who is able to provide quality care. If you are compassionate, patient, respectful and dedicated to helping to improve the lives of people you support, you should think about getting into the care workforce.

“We are working with our partners in health and care to improve and make visible the career progression in the sector but there already are great opportunities to develop.

From day one, though, you would be making a real difference to people in our city, and starting off on what could be a lifetime career in the sector, by supporting people to live well in their own homes.”

The rallying call for homecare workers is part of the council’s Pathway to Health and Social (PHSC) programme, which aims to ensure there are enough carers to support people in their own homes.

To find out more about care worker roles at local providers please visit: https://www.nottinghamjobs. com/homecarejobs

MOJATU HOLDS 2023 MENTAL HEALTH WEEK TO INCREASE AWARENESS

By Kristina Beck

Concerned with a surge in mental health issues in communities in Nottingham, Mojatu Foundation, a local charity, is holding a Mental Health week to increase awareness.

To mark the Mental Health Week, a Yoga session was organised on Thursday May 18, at Marcus Garvey Centre along Lenton Boulevard in Nottingham, as part of the myriad activities being conducted to commemorate the week.

This year, the 2023 mental health awareness week takes place from Monday May 15 to Sunday May 21, with a focus on anxiety as a theme. Mojatu Foundation Mental Health and wellbeing specialist, Modupe Karen Akubor, said: “The campaign aims at increase the awareness and understanding of anxiety in order to demand change.”

Akubor said the campaign ‘just anxiety’? seeks to educate about the difference between anxiety and anxiety disorders and encourage people to signpost support to each other.

“With anxiety affecting millions of people worldwide, it is crucial to raise awareness and reduce the stigma so that we can support people struggling with anxiety to feel understood and supported,” said Akubor.

In 2022/23 an average of 37.1% (women) and 29.9% (men) reported high levels of anxiety with the most likely age group to experience anxiety being those aged 16-29 and the least likely are those aged 70 plus.

According to data, in 2023 60%

of individuals experienced at east mild symptoms of anxiety while at least 1 in 6 people will be diagnosed with anxiety in any week in England.

It is said that a quarter of adults felt so anxious that it stopped them from doing things they wanted to do - women are twice as likely to be affected by panic disorders than men.

‘Common emotion’

Anxiety is an extremely common emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives - for example people may experience anxiety before an exam or interview. During these times - these feelings are completely normal.

It is a feeling of unease, worry or fear that ranges from mild to severe. However, people with more severe anxiety have more constant feelings of anxiety which affect their daily life.

In the UK, anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders.

Anxiety can manifest itself through thoughts, feelings or physical sensations, often triggered by worries about the future.

An anxiety disorder happens when your anxiety interferes with your ability to function, you find yourself overreacting when your emotions are triggered and you struggle to control your responses to certain situations.

Whilst anxiety is a normal emotion, for some people, they can struggle to control their worries - -this causes their anxiety

to affect their daily lives and ability to live as they would like to, impacting their overall mental and physical health.

Anxiety can cause people to socially withdraw, struggle to maintain their work life and make them avoid certain situations or places.

Often, anxiety can cause repeated panic attacks that can be difficult to control as many people find it difficult to reach out for support, so they find ways to hide their anxiety, so it is unnoticeable.

Anxiety can be triggered by a range of experiences during childhood, adolescence or adulthood and someone who has gone through stress and trauma is likely to experience symptoms of anxiety.

UNMASKING THE HIDDEN STRUGGLES

By Willy Kamau

In the land of vibrant sunsets and rhythmic beats, a hidden battle rages on - a battle for the wellbeing of Kenya’s youth population - many are intimately acquainted with the silent pandemic that plagues a cohort of future leaders.

Each day, people witness first-hand the struggles and pain that many young Kenyans endure, silently battling their own minds and the urgency to address the mental health crisis is paramount for it is a battle that cannot be fought alone.

Deeply entrenched in our society is a web of stigma and misinformation that shrouds mental health issues in darkness - and the fear of judgement and rejection drives countless youth into silence, their cries for help echoing unheard - but communities must lift this veil of ignorance and change the narrative.

Together, the people need to embark on a journey of empathy and understanding and by fostering awareness and education, we can bring mental health out of the shadows and into the light and create spaces where open conversations thrive, where young voices can share their struggles without fear of judgement.

It is through this vulnerability that healing can begin. However, awareness alone is not enough for there is an urgent need to confront the harsh reality that mental health services in Kenya are woefully inadequate, leaving countless youth stranded in their hour of need.

The government and communities need to unite to invest in mental health infrastructure, ensuring that specialized care reaches every corner of our nation, and the people must build a network of support, providing access to compassionate professionals and innovative telemedicine initiatives that bridge the gaps between urban centres and rural communities.

The weight of expectations rests heavily upon the shoulders of young Kenyans, threatening their mental resilience - academic pressure, unemployment, and social challenges create a

perfect storm of stress and anxiety.

Also, there must be advocacy for stress management programs, counselling services, and the promotion of healthy coping mechanisms - by nurturing the mental well-being of our youth, we empower them to face life’s challenges with resilience and gracethe gaping wound of socioeconomic disparities that exacerbate mental health issues among our youth.

As aspiring leaders, the youth must demand targeted policies and interventions that address these root causes of inequality - let us support organizations that empower disadvantaged youth through entrepreneurship, vocational training, and equal opportunities - together, we can create a future where mental well-being is not a privilege, but a birthright for all.

The journey towards mental health and well-being demands that an aggressive confrontation to the cultural barriers ingrained within the communities as traditional beliefs often stigmatize mental health, branding it as a sign of weakness or spiritual affliction.

But we can change this narrative.

Through advocacy and sensitization programs, we can break down the walls of misconception and foster a culture of compassion and support.

As young writers, we have a unique opportunity to raise our voices and advocate for change. Together with the Youth Future Lab team, we stand at the forefront of the movement, committed to shining a light on mental well-being.

Our collective strength lies in our unwavering dedication to create a future where the mental health of our youth is prioritized and nurtured.

In the depths of our struggles, resilience is found; in the face of stigma and misinformation, unity lies, and it is through empathy and shared experiences that we a strong nation is built; a nation where mental health is no longer a hidden battle, but a journey of healing and growth.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES MEN CAN MAKE TO BOOST THEIR SELF-ESTEEM

By Tristan Best

Here are a few tips for better health, style, hygiene and confidence…

It’s highly advised that you do not smoke, or at least not a lot, as it ruins the hard work you have put into your body and can stunt your growth. You may be seeing good gains – but if you stop, you may see great gains.

Make sure you keep yourself in a good daily routine. This will help to strengthen your mind, while also keeping your organisational skills intact –which is the key to optimum productivity.

Surround yourself with good people. This includes people who pay attention when you speak to them, listen and respond with intelligent questions and advice.

Many people believe that you take on a fraction of the people you surround yourself with. Therefore, if you have a group of five friends with low self esteem and goals, you might

just find yourself aiming for the same results, when in fact you could be aiming much higher.

Invest in yourself. Buy yourself some good deodorant, aftershave and bathroom products to ensure that you have a clean smell and appearance. This can instantly open or close doors for you if you get it right or wrong. Toothpaste, conditioner, shampoo, body wash, moisturiser and mouthwash are all key.

It’s also always key to look after your hair and your beard, if you choose to grow one. It sets a good impression when you have a clean look and a well maintained style.

Furthermore, invest in a gym membership, gym clothes and a good pair of trainers to help work on your body, and buy a good suit for job interviews so you can further your career..

Take these tips on board and apply yourself more to gain your maximum potential.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SUPPORT

You are not alone

We provide free emotional support and signposting

How we can help you

How we can help you

Our work tackles discrimination and racial inequalities within ethnic minority.

Our work tackles discrimination and racial inequalities within ethnic minority.

We provide self-management skills to help reduce anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder

We provide self-management skills to help reduce anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder

About us

About us

Mojatu Foundation is a charitable Incorporated

Mojatu Foundation is a charitable Incorporated

Organisation that works to empower and support ethnic minority communities across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Berkshire at risk from ongoing prejudice and whose needs are often overlooked.

Organisation that works to empower and support ethnic minority communities across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Berkshire at risk from ongoing prejudice and whose needs are often overlooked.

1-2-1 wellbeing drop-in session and community wellbeing activities.

1-2-1 wellbeing drop-in session and community wellbeing activities.

Physical and mental health awareness.

Physical and mental health awareness.

We provide confidential and comprehensive consultationliasion service for individuals

We provide confidential and comprehensive consultationliasion service for individuals who require further support on mental health, emotional and psychological needs.

We are located at:

We are located at:

The Howitt Building, Lenton Boulevard, Nottingham.

The Howitt Building, Lenton Boulevard, Nottingham.

NG7 2BG

NG7 2BG

You don't have to struggle in silence let us talk...

You don't have to struggle in silence let us talk...

For further information

For further information

please contact us on:

please contact us on:

+447393499446

+447393499446

mojatu.foundation

mojatu.foundation

mojatu.foundation

mojatu.foundation

MojatuF

MojatuF

NYAMA CHOMA, A KENYAN DELICACY THAT’S ASSOCIATED WITH GOUT

By Mary Njeri

It is one of the best delicacies in the eastern part of Africa and yet one that is associated with causing one of the deadliest and painful diseases for mankind.

that before,” said David.

A gout attack occurs suddenly, usually waking you up with a feeling of your big toe being on fire.

The joint becomes swollen, hot, and tender that it can’t stand the weight of your bed sheet.

Gout symptoms come and go; however, you can manage symptoms and avoid flare-ups through proper interventions.

David had only heard of gout but didn’t know much about it and so, he decided to learn all he could about his newly acquired condition.

It is simply barbequed red meat prepared on an open fire.

David takes ‘nyama choma’ at least twice weekly and drinks as much. Usually, uric acid dissolves and goes through the kidneys into the urine. But, sometimes, the body produces too much of it, or the kidneys excrete too little.

This leads to an accumulation that forms sharp urate crystals in joints and nearby tissue that cause swelling, inflammation, and pain.

Besides overindulging in red meat and beer, there are other risk factors for gout.

For many a man and woman in Kenya, Nyama Choma, a special delicacy, is the best meal you can have particularly when you are out there having fun but, in the end, there is a heavy price to pay - you will get ill.

Three years ago, David, 40, was awakened by excruciating pain in his right big toe after partying with friends - it was like the toe was burning - the weight of the bed sheet seemed to worsen the pain. This was David’s second time experiencing this, so he decided to see a doctor after taking some pain relievers.

He went to the hospital the following morning, and after conducting some tests, his doctor diagnosed him with gout.

Gout is a complicated and common kind of arthritis - it is indicated by abrupt severe pain attacks, tenderness, redness, and swelling in one or more joints, primarily the big toe.

“The pain was so much. Never felt

Gout strikes when urate crystals accumulate in your joints, which causes intense pain and inflammation of the affected joint.

Urate crystals are produced when the body has high uric acid levels.

Uric acid is when it breaks down purines - naturally occurring substances in the body.

Also, purines are available in some foods, including organ meats and red meat. Purine-rich seafood includes tuna, scallops, trout, mussels, sardines, and anchovies.

Other sources of purines include alcoholic beverages, such as beer and drinks with fructose.

When he knew about the causes of uric acid, David instantly knew that his regular nights out with his friends caused this problem.

On their boys’ night out, David and friends indulge in plates of ‘nyama choma’ and as much beer as possible. ‘Nyama choma’ is a Kenyan favourite among men as they like to take it while drinking.

Gout is more prevalent in males than females. Males over 65 are thrice as likely to get it as their younger counterparts.

Your dietary choices may be aggravating your condition. Alcohol inhibits the elimination of uric acid from your body. Foods high in purines elevates uric acid levels.

Taking alcohol and eating foods high in purine can increase your susceptibility to gout.

If a close family member had or has gout, it predisposes you to the same.

NOTTINGHAM FAMILY FIRM STRIKES SUPPLY DEAL WITH SUPERMARKET GIANT

By Peter Makossah

A Nottingham-based local family business entity, the DSL Group has hit a jackpot after striking a lucrative supply deal with one of Europe’s largest retail chain giants, Morrisons.

DSL has been trading for over 30 years.

Karanbir Landa, director at DSL Group, said: ‘We have been revolutionising the market for decades and we are all working together to continue to bring surprise and delight, disrupt the promotional space and innovate new ways to inspire consumers to purchase.”

“We are very proud to partner with one of the largest and most beloved brands in the market”, Landa added.

“Morrisons can now offer great quality products that meet their loyal customers’ expectations.

“We know what it takes to create excitement with our extensive research, knowledge and expertise in consumer purchasing behaviour.

“Our creative promotions and products keep customers coming back.”

The firm is known as a market leader within the convenience sector, supplying branded products from companies including iN Tech, RoadPatrol and JCB to over 5,000 stores across the UK.

The third-generation family business already supplies major supermarket chains such as Sainsburys and Co-op and has now launched its ready-to-go promotions and core non-food range within the Morrisons estate.

Morrisons is the fifth largest supermarket chain in the UK.

NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL INJECTS £400K INTO SCHOOLS FOR ADVICE ON RELATIONSHIPS, SEX AND EDUCATION - By Our

Nottingham City Council is geared to spend more than £400, 000 on a new team to provide support to schools on relationships, sex, and education (RSE), to empower the school-going youth with knowledge that will instil into a lifelong dose of confidence.

The City Council will spend a total of £416,610 on the project over three years, with the recruitment process starting soon.

It is understood that Nottingham previously had a similar project, which ran until 2018, but it was stopped due to financial challenges.

According to the documents that Mojatu Online has seen, there are plans to recruit up to four members of staff for a new team for the project.

“The specialist nature of the team means that they will be able to direct towards the most effective interventions according to current best practice,” reads in part the City Council documents.

The report says there are multiple areas of the country where this model has been successfully implemented including Manchester, Leeds, Hertfordshire, and Surrey.

Further reads the Nottingham City Council documents: “Reported successes range from improving school packed lunches to improving the Ofsted outcome for health and wellbeing to ‘Good’ across 95 per cent of schools over a seven-year period.”

“Measures of success were self-reported by schools and included things like setting up breakfast clubs and organising access to water bottles leading to improved behaviour and fewer cases of enuresis,” continue to read the documents.

The Nottingham City Council says the team will be a “one stop point of contact” for schools to access resources around Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and health. The team will provide support, training, and signposting to schools in the city.

City Council documents state: “The team will focus on prevention, providing and coordinating support across a range of areas that impact on health and wellbeing, including sexual health, drugs and alcohol education, financial wellbeing and aspirations.”

Reporter

Relationships and Health Education is statutory for primary schools and Relationships, Sex and Health Education is statutory for secondary schools. But provision varies as it is dependent on the school the pupil attends.

Another focus for the team will be on ‘Eating and Moving for Good Health’ as statistics show that in Nottingham City, the proportion of year six children living with overweight, and obesity is 40.8 per cent.

Recent predictions put that at 50.7 per cent by 2028/29.The team will be an “important vehicle” to educate and influence eating habits in early life.

‘Vulnerable to exploitation’

In January 2016, Nottingham City Council produced a charter on RSE and called on all schools in the city to sign up - the charter outlines the requirements for lifelong learning about the emotional, social, and physical aspects of growing up and sexual health.

It calls for age-appropriate RSE for children at primary age right through to teenagers.

The charter encourages schools to view RSE as a key element of their work to safeguard pupils, and asks for three things: to sign up and complete an audit of current RSE provision, to create and action plan and develop existing RSE and finally to evaluate, assess, and monitor progress - share good practice with others.

A lack of appropriate RSE may make youngsters more vulnerable to exploitation and inappropriate sexual behaviours because they have not developed the knowledge of what is right and wrong, or the confidence to seek help.

In 2018, Nottingham North MP, Alex Norris praised Nottingham’s Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) Charter in Parliament.

MY TURN: WITHOUT MOM

By Peter Makossah

As a society, there tends to be greater emphasis placed on mothers.

In fact, there seems to be this underlying implication that the more important parent is the mother - perhaps because of the seemingly high incidences of single-parent households headed by mothers, which means the hype around Mother’s Day is always more intense than it is on Father’s Day. Maybe that’s just me, and my 101 issues, with everything.

For the record, I believe that every child needs two parents who love and support them, whether this happens while living in the same house or not. There are certain occasions that often fill me with an unhealthy dose of dread and, sadly, Mother’s Day is one of them.

Before you start seeing horns on my head, please know that birthdays are also difficult for me, and add New Year’s Eve, Christmas,

Family Day, or any other day that places emphasis on family.

You see, I lost my mother when I was still trying to get used to my name and this physical realm, we exist in.

Mother’s Day has always reminded me that I have not been blessed with an experience that so many people hold dear. It took 25 years and a foray into spirituality to reach a point where I could acknowledge how much anger I had carried around with me through most of my childhood and early adulthood.

So, you can imagine what it feels like when all around you - especially with commercialisation of just about every moment we hold dear - the world is trumpeting the role, significance, and love of mothers.

I always feel uncomfortable.

My discomfort is not just limited to Mother’s Day. My birthday

always fills me with uneasiness. Graduation, Christmas, and wedding anniversaries, too, all make my heart sore and prickly uncomfortable.

I always feel empty when I remember that the most important person in my life, my mom, is never able to be with me during any celebration. And so is my dad.

On every Mother’s Day, I light a candle and whisper a few words to my mother. May we also celebrate fathers, and men because men too need some love.

Female Genital Mutilation FGM – FACTS , HELP & ACTIONS

Facts

FGM is any procedure that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

FGM has been illegal in England and Wales since 1985.

FGM is a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls.

FGM is Non-Islamic, against the teachings of Islam and brings Islam into disrepute. FGM is putting the health of our daughters, sisters, mothers and wives at great risk.

Over 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM.

• 103,000 women aged15 to 49 are living with consequences of FGM in England & Wales.

• In the UK, an estimated 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of FGM each year.

Help

Are you concerned a girl or woman is at risk or need of support?

Join the Community FGM Steering Group: Contact us

• For emotional & peer support for survivors in Nottingham, join the FGM Survivor’s club: Contact us

• Refer survivors needing medical attention to FGM medical specialist in Nottingham: Contact us

•

• 1,230 cases have been reported in the Midlands from April 2020 to March 2021 • Drop in sessions at Mojatu Office Unit 7, Howitt Bldg, Lenton Blvd, Lenton, Nott`s NG7 2BY

• Call 0808 028 350 for a 24/7 anonymous FGM helpline or email: fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk

• Call Nottingham City Council Children and Families Direct: 0115 876 4800

• Ring the police on 999 if FGM has just happened or about to happen

Actions

Ac tivities include:

To help end FGM and support survivors, join one of our campaigns or projects

• FGM Survivors Club

• FGM Steering Group

• FGM Global Faith Ambassador

• FGM Global Young Ambassador

• Request for training

vesting

• Volunteer with us

• ‘Adopt a tree’ project

• Donate to support our work

Feeding the animals

• Fundraise to support our work

• Women Skillshare Group

For more information, contac t Mojatu Foundation

Phone: 01158457009 Mobile: 07759 927671

Email: info@mojatufoundation.org | Website: www.mojatufoundation.o