OCTOBER 2007 ISSUE 3
A Hackney youth publication
Make your own news! Contrast is a FREE magazine written by and for young people in Hackney. If you’re aged 13 to 19 and you’re interested in writing, editing, design or illustration, come and join our editorial team. If you’re a young person in Hackney with something to say, we want to hear from you. Joining the Contrast team gives you the opportunity to see your name in print and get some accredited media training. We have a weekly editorial team meetings at Sky Partnership and Stoke Newington Library, and regular workshops at other venues in Hackney.
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Sky Partnership Day: Tuesday Time: 4.30pm – 6.30pm Venue: Unit 2, 222 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8AX
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Stoke Newington Library Day: Thursday Time: 4.30pm – 6.30pm Venue: Stoke Newington Church Street, London, N16 0JS
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If you would like us to run a workshop session in your School/Youth Club/Organisation please get in touch. For more information and directions to venues call Vicky on 020 7359 7825 or email contrast@socialspider.com
Credit where credit’s due Contrast is published by Social Spider. Social Spider is a Community Interest Company registered in England no. 4846529 The views expressed in Contrast do not necessarily reflect those of Social Spider or Hackney Council © 2007 Social Spider Community Interest Company ISSN 1754-0623This magazine is printed on recycled paper. Advertising: If your organisation is interested in advertising in Contrast, call Stephen on 020 7354 9129. email: contrast@socialspider.com Download our media pack from www.socialspider.com/contrastmediapack for information on rates and specifications Printers: MRT Studio Ltd, 615 Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, E10 6AJ Tel: 020 8520 5588 Contrast Editorial team: Selin Kavlak, Bana Mhaldien, Cheryl O’Garro, Rosheena Harding, Steve Liburd, Karess Laidley, Merve Yilmaz, Lara Akinnawo, Bisi Fashesin, Zaneta Denny, Jasmine O’Garro, Jamie O’Garro, Leanne Bourke, Rico Montaque, Emanual Sactey, Apo Gul, Sarah Jones, Lindsey Jones, Zulf Nalubega, Nana Rogues, Danika Thomas, Eric Ochieng, Veronica Charlery, Siobhan Moore, Ruth Dube, Stephanie Ugbomah, Darren Moore, Kristine Dode, Duygu Yildiz, Aygul Ozdemir and Silan Fidan. Contrast Staff team: Aysha Tegally, David Floyd, Mark Brown, Mustafa Kurtuldu, Stephen Gardiner, Vicky Hughes, Jo Worsley The Contrast team would like to thank: Hackney Youth Parliament, Dara De Burca, Nathan Cato, Leroy Logan, Halil Gam @ Halk Evi, Councillor Feryat Demirci, Sheema Meah, Sky Partnership and CityZEN. Contrast is funded by the Hackney Youth Opportunity Fund, which is managed by young people in Hackney Youth Service. Contrast is supported by: Sky Partnership, CityZen, Hackney Youth Parliament & Exposure Organisation Limited.
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Issue Three - Editorial Hiya! Wow! Third edition already! Time does fly. This issue we have interviews with some of Hackney's up and coming poets, the rising stars of Hackney and even a few celebrities. Plus there are film reviews and lots more. By the way, if you know anyone who is interested in writing for Contrast please contact contrast@socialspider.com.
The Contrast team is the eyes and ears for young Hackney and we want to make sure we want as many people as possible to contribute. Anyway, chill out until next time. X The Contrast editorial team
What’s On Young Film makers If you want to learn about filmmaking including: camera work, editing, acting, scripting and animation and are aged between 11 – 19 and living in Hackney Hackney Media Academy are running Film workshops. Free every Saturday from 11am at MTR Studio 23, Mouth that Roars, at 3 Charlotte Road. London. EC2A 3PB. If you are interested contact mouththatroars@btconnect.com or 020 7729 2323 Fighting fit Kickboxing classes are being held on Mondays and Thursdays between 4-6pm and Saturdays 12-2pm at The Bay Health Club, 183 Stoke Newington High St. N16. Free introduction and info call 020 7254 7056 or visit www.zendokickboxing.com/ Capoeira Classes are held on Saturdays between 4-5pm for young people aged 8-16. Capoeira combines dance, acrobatics and movement with music, at SPACe Centre, Falkirk St N1. For info call 07779 031273 or visit www.projectgem.org/ Sky Partnership
The Parenting Programme (young fathers aged up to 25) Offers information and advice for fathers that set out their rights and contain information on where they can get support. You can also join the Digital Pioneer programme and express yourself through music, media and creative writing….and a whole lot more. Train the Trainer project (young fathers up to 25 yrs) This new project that trains young dads to work with professionals to have a better understanding of how to engage fathers in their work. Fee will be paid to attend two training sessions. Sexual Health advice and info (For ages 11 – 25) Need advice and don’t know where to turn? Why not drop into SKY direction! Come and have a one to one advice session with our sexual health and relationship expert. If you are interested in any of the activities please contact: Tash at SKY Partnership office on 020 7729 6970 or info@skypartnership.org.uk Star MCs If you are looking to find your own voice through writing, recording and performing songs Urban Griots run workshops and showcases in this – for more information contact Uzo on 020 8141 7733 or 07833 996 809 or urbangriots@yahoo.co.uk. Ping Fancy joining a Table Tennis/ping league, with opportunities to go on to amateur or elite level? If you do please contact Nary Wijeratne on Nary.Wijeratne@aquaterra.org or 020 7686 8812
Sports and Fitness Coaching (girls ages 16 – 25) We will be paying for you to train in Football Level 1 coaching. After you are qualified, we will support you to run real training sessions for young people.
Hackney Mediation Service Hackney Mediation Service are looking for positive, creative young people who would like to make a difference in their community by becoming a peer researcher or a peer mediator. For more information contact Kweku at mediation@hackney.gov.uk or on 020 8356 4834
Lindsey, 16: “I like Victoria Park because there’s a lot to do there. It’s an open space where anybody can go without any hassle and it’s very relaxing.”
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Meet the poetry people During Hackney’s Write To Ignite Festival, Steve Liburd caught up with up and coming poets 'A Poem in Between People', also known as 'PIP' A Poem in Between people is a poetry group made up of four black men. Despite them not knowing each other for too long, they seem a close knit group. They were all really enthusiastic about their poetry and although they have other jobs they take writing their poetry very seriously. We met at the workplace of one of the members, a trendy cafe in Central London, where we enjoyed the perks of being the guests of one of the staff. Q: How has living in Hackney affected you? Joshua: Hackney has been quite instrumental to my growth. I've seen a lot of things and it's one of those places where even if you're not a part of the scene or certain attitudes of living you still see things. Most of the people that listen to poetry from Hackney are not very keen about hearing what’s wrong. Rico, 18: “I like going to Hackney Empire because it is a vibrant place – it’s the heart of Hackney. It helps talented people get promoted.”
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Q: Has being a young black man in today's society affected what topics you cover in your poetry? Joshua: No. I wasn't brought up here. I come from a completely different background, born and raised Catholic in Nigeria. When someone comes up to me and says 'you need to represent the streets' I start laughing. Inua: From growing up in Nigeria to here to Dublin, the thing I realised is that people are people everywhere regardless of their background. At fifteen years old, I realised that the world is far bigger than me and far bigger
than where I come from and what affects black people affects everyone else. Q: Do you ever get writer's block? Joshua: I have days when nothing makes any sense. I end up rhyming 'cat' with 'splat'. But then you come up with one line that you think is the best line you've ever come up with and it starts growing strands and from that line comes the whole poem. Q: What would you say to any young people interested in writing poetry? Joshua: Write. Don't write what you know, write what you feel. It's connected to what you know but also what you don't know. Being honest will get you a lot further then pandering to the crowd. Inua: I believe that there are as many worlds as there are people so, if you write something, the chances are that someone will understand where you are coming from and connect with it. You have the freedom of a page. It is a blank galaxy and whatever you write comes into being. Q: What were you doing at the 'Write to Ignite Festival'? Joshua: We're going to do poetry, what we do best. We were approached to do our music stuff but this show was for young people and they probably have misconceptions of poetry and the best way to change that is to do our best stuff, something they can easily connect to and give poetry a better image. For more information on PIP see their myspacepage www.myspace.com/apoeminbetweenpeople Contrast would like to thank PIP
Class act
Cheryl O’Garro joins the stars promoting education for everyone
And for those of you thinking, “What does our school get out of it?” there is the chance to win the internationally recognised School Aid Award for your school’s achievements! By applying online at www.schoolaid.tv and clicking on “Register” and then “Sign Up”, your school can help raise £500,000 and get an award. So get online, register and start raising! Events such as non-uniform days, bake sales and sponsored events will all help to raise the magic figure of £500,000. Every little helps! The event was organised to raise awareness of poverty and what factors stop other young people from getting the basic right to an education, as we do.
We met celebrities! We met celebrities! Earlier this summer Contrast went to Coram Fields in Central London for the UK Launch of the educational charity, School Aid. While we were there we met Devon Anderson (who played Sonny in Hollyoaks and Taj in Kerching), Ray Quinn (X Factor), Ortis Deley (former CBBC presenter) and Melinda Messenger (Fort Boyard)!!! They all turned up because School Aid needs your help! The charity is a partnership between relief programmes all over the world helping to provide education for children in developing countries. Money raised will be used to construct school buildings and provide equipment, teacher training, school meals and sanitation facilities. School Aid wants students and teachers in Britain to take part in up to eleven fundraisers include Peace Aid, which involves a sponsored silence to help provide teaching about peace. To get started you can apply for fundraising packs with a CD, DVD, stickers, posters and a guide to help students and teachers with informative assemblies.
We interviewed some of the celebrities and asked them why they were supporting School Aid. Devon Anderson said that he thinks: “Everyone deserves an education or the choice of an education” and Ray Quinn was happy that this project is a long-term effort: “I’m just really happy that it’s a year-long thing and not just a one off.” We also spoke to a teacher from Kenya who has firsthand experience about how poverty can affect education, bringing home the reason why help is so vital. He said: “A problem is poverty when people turn up late and delay classes, as there is no transportation to get them to school.” He also felt quite strongly about staff numbers: “The population of the people is high compared to the number of teachers in the school or it is very understaffed”. So join the list of celebrities and make a change. Apply to www.schoolaid.tv through your school or youth group and plan assemblies to raise awareness and money! I’m doing my bit. Make sure you do yours and help School Aid and those underprivileged to get an education to help them to see a brighter future.
Zulf, 16: “I like Hackney Downs because, before I started school, I used to play in the parks there – I miss it.”
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Left to right Bisi Fashesin, Ryan Phillippe and Lara Akinnawo
Question time Lara Akinnawo and Bisi Fashesin rub shoulders with the stars at the Dorchester Hotel Contrast was invited to attend the London press conference for the new FBI spy film, Breech. We rubbed shoulders with A-list Actors such as Ryan Phillippe, Chris Cooper and Hollywood director, Billy Ray, and we got to see for ourselves what happens at a press conference. The conference for Breech was held at the Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair, which is the poshest hotel we had ever been to. When we arrived, we were shown into a grand room. We found that the three main parts of a press conference consisted of the celebrity panel, a group of journalists and an interviewer who chaired the meeting. The panelists were seated at a table behind microphones, where they were able to answer questions from the crowd of journalists in front of them. Emmanuel, 18: “I like Hackney Community Farm because the ducks chase me.”
The interviewer’s role was to chair the conference, expanding on questions and making things more orderly. A number of journalists from different publications were there, including a reporter from The Guardian. Individual journalists put forward one question at a time, and other journalists were able to take down the response from the celebrity panel. Ryan Philippe, Chris Cooper and Billy Ray were extremely relaxed and looked at home answering questions; Ryan in particular, sat back in a black sleeveless vest top revealing
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the trendy tattoo on his arm. Chris was a very calm character and seemed to be putting more thought into his answers than the others, and Billy Ray’s enthusiasm about the film made us want to go back and watch it again! Not long after being in the conference room, we noticed that we were the youngest journalists there. We felt like we were small fish in a big sea! Although we were thrilled to be there, none of the other journalists shared our excitement at being in the same room as these big Hollywood names. It was just another day’s work for them! The journalists tended to be witty and used a lot of elaborate language. Their questions touched on subjects like politics and the how much insight the FBI gave into the real story behind Billy Ray’s the film. Right at the end of the enthusiasm about conference I finally plucked up the the film made us courage to ask the final question: want to go back “What kind of audience do you and watch it again! imagine would love this film?” ‘Anyone who wants to see great acting, rigorous authenticity and suspense’ replied Billy Ray. This has definitely given us both a taste for career in journalism in the future! Breech is in cinemas now.
Rising Stars Cheryl O'Garro profiles two talented young people from Hackney who are well on their way to success as a photographer and an architect Pictures take by Leanne
Leanne Bourke - Photographer Age: 16 How did you first get into photography? I was given my first camera at six, and instantly fell in love with it. My mum used to read those snazzy National Geographic magazines and I’d pretend that the garden was my own wilderness to capture on my own little camera, since then it's been a long nurtured hobby of mine. How long have you been doing it? I started messing around with cameras at six but I only became seriously interested about four years ago. What is your favourite subject or item that you have photographed? People! I love people. They're so flexible and always changing, much like the landscape, but landscapes take ages to change. At least with a person you have movement on a whim.
If you could take a photo of anything, what would it be and why? Hmm. Bones. I find bones really beautiful. The contours and colour, shadow and angles, all the little details. If I could paint well, I’d be painting them but alas, I can't paint for poo. Who or what inspires you? I inspire myself. Self-motivation is the key but I do admire Ansel Adams’ work. What other hobbies do you have? Hahaha. hmm. does sleeping count? I enjoy history, reading, and all the usual teenage pastimes. Anything else you want the people of Hackney to know about you? I have curly hair =)
Jamie O’Garro - Budding Architect Age: 9 How did you first get into designing and building? I don’t know, I just got interested in it. But when I first started watching Robot Wars and Fightbox, I always wanted to go on them. What do you find most enjoyable about building and designing? The building part and putting the parts together. It’s fun! What type of things do you generally like to build or design? Robots, rockets and aircraft, new transport that doesn’t use petrol and diesel.
What do you generally use to build your models? Lego, K-nex, Magnetix, cardboard boxes, lollipop sticks and when I can get them, bricks. What is your favourite building in the UK or abroad? The Eiffel Tower because it looks like a rocket! I don’t know, there’s lots! Do you know what I would really like to do? Dig up the Eiffel Tower, put rocket launchers on it and turn it into a rocket!!! What are you currently building at the moment? A nuclear power plant that uses the smoke that comes out to make energy.
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Learning issues Contrast talks to young people from the Kurdish community about education and underachievement
The Halk Evi is Hackney’s Turkish & Kurdish Community centre. For more information about the Halk Evi or the Kurdish Youth Parliment please contact: info@halkevi.com
Kurdish Youth Parliment
Why do you think that Kurdish youth are amongst the biggest underachievers in the UK? Aygul (Member of Kurdish Youth Parliament): One popular opinion is that Kurdish young people are stuck between two cultures. I disagree. They know their own (Kurdish) culture very well but they don’t seem to know much about the British education system.
research done on our underachievement and its causes.
Feryat Demirci (Hackney Councillor): We have a problem in our schools. The Kurdish community is a very new community in London and this underachievement hasn’t been recognised until recently.
Duygu: We are pushed to study but not given examples of how from our parents’ generation. As a result we have to become quite independent as we don’t seem to get their support but rather we end up supporting them.
Also, you have to consider the political and economical backgrounds of different ethnic groups back in their countries. Most Kurdish young people are secondgeneration immigrants whose parents have had no education or very little education.
There is a lack of parents’ involvement because of the language barrier and schools not recognising early on that young people need extra support because they won’t be able to get this at home. It is unlikely that they will speak English at home so by the time they do learn English to a standard level they will have lost a lot of motivation, which will push them away from education. We are now a recognised community and the government is trying to tackle these issues. Unfortunately a generation went through the education system who were not recognised and didn’t achieve very well. Duygu (University Student): There is an issue with the sub-culture that has been created amongst some of the Kurdish youth. It seems to be about being out and about having fun instead of being at school.
Steve, 16: “I love Mare Street because there are lots of shops there.”
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Also, sometimes a family’s only way of communicating with society is through their kids, so they will often make them take a day off school to translate for them at the doctor’s, for example. Do you think the problem is that Kurdish young people think are not good enough to achieve even if they try? Aygul: I’m not sure if that’s really the case. Other ethnic minorities have had vast amounts of research done, which has allowed them to raise awareness of their issues. Kurdish, Turkish and Turkish Cypriots haven’t had this opportunity to the same degree. There hasn’t been much
What do you think could solve the problems of underachievement? Feryat: The government is putting a lot of funding into it the moment, which all helps. Also, re-educating the schools and society as a whole. Mentoring always helps not just the young people but also perhaps the parents and even the schools. There are so many things out there for young people, not just university but training and apprenticeships as well. We need to make people more aware. Duygu: When I was at school they got the year 11s to speak to our class about the things that they were doing and that was really good. I think working together with Connexions would help. It’s about tying all of these things together, There are improvements but we could always do more.
Contrast would like to thank Councilor Feryat Demirci, Aygul Ozdemir, Duygu Yildiz, Silan Fidan & Halil Gam from the Halk Evi
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Welcome to the first ever Contrast Extra. This is a challenge any stereotypes you may have, as well as new four page supplement written and co-designed giving you some very interesting reading! by looked after children. Thanks We hope that it will give you an insight into what it means to be a looked after young person and The Contrast Extra editorial team
Different or not? A Care Leaver challenges your assumptions on what it means to be in care Some people say that it is because of a disability, others say it is because their parents do not want them.
One thing about being in long-term care is that it makes you grow up faster and appreciate what you have.
for reasons including family break-up, parental problems or if they are vulnerable or in danger. You may think these things do not happen but I got news for you… they do!
care and the fact that they can feel left out at times can make it worse. Until you know what it is like being in care, don’t judge someone who is!
“people assume that I, Well, the only way that people’s eyes will be open is by me telling I am lucky that I have experienced both good and others in care, are you what it is like being a care leaver right here in Hackney. and bad carers. disruptive, rude and out of control but that There is lot of stigma about being in care. People are put into care However some people have a difficult time in is not true.”
Most people assume that I, and others in care, are disruptive, rude and out of control but that is not true.
Care Leaver,16
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Fashion sense Are you wearing this season’s styles? Veronica gives us the lowdown on the what’s hot and what’s not in Hackney past and present
This year, the items that are in fashion for girls are: leggings, footless tights, flats/flip flops, skirts and dresses. I like the fashion this year because it is simple and there are lots of styles to it. Everyone can wear these clothes. They are flattering and they can be cheap and still look good! Last year’s fashion was a bit different, it was: pumps, little jackets, vest tops and rara skirts. Boys’ fashion this summer has been dull and dry. It doesn’t have any style and the majority of boys have been dressing in tracksuits and trainers as if it were winter. Last year was very different; they were wearing sandals and shorts with vest tops or T-shirts, which I prefer. These photos show a selection of outfits that are popular this summer – these will keep you in style... My favourite shops for this season’s clothing in Hackney are: Primark, MK One, JD Sports (especially for boys), Peacocks, New Look and Atlantic Clothing There seems to be a big difference in fashion today compared to 50 years ago. More people nowadays are dressing revealingly, less people are wearing hats - they are generally just worn just as fashion, whereas they used to be a part of everybody’s outfit. Fifty years ago not many women wore trousers, men had side
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partings in their hair and women had a curled style that was called a wash and set. Very different to the wide range of hairstyles you can have today.
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Sleeping in is over – What’s next? Ruth tells us about the different educational options after GCSEs It’s that time again. Time for what, you ask?
helpline and ask for details about placements in your area.
Did you feel that your holiday went by too quickly?
You can also go direct by getting in touch with employers who offer apprenticeships. They can be found in your local job listings, newspapers or by listening to your local radio stations. Local recruitment agencies may also be able to help.
As you probably know and hate, it’s time for school and possibly college again. You got your results and I hope they were good. So now that’s out of the way, what next? Some of you might be going to college or maybe staying in your school for 6th form. There’s a range of things you can do in college, such as BTECs, A-Levels and vocational courses. If your grades weren’t what you expected you can always do re-takes. If you don’t want to go to college you can speak to your Connexions advisor about doing an apprenticeship - you can phone the apprenticeship
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What is an apprenticeship? It is a work-based training programme for young people who want to develop their skills and career. With an apprenticeship you can earn money, gain new qualifications and skills, as well as knowledge. There are over 200 different types of apprenticeships so there is bound to be one that suits you. You can do an apprenticeship if you’re aged between 16 and 24 and not in full-time education. By doing an apprenticeship you can gain the same level qualifications as GCSEs and A levels. There are many options available so why not check them out?! Apprenticeship helpline number: 0800 0150 600 Website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Poetry Change my way of thinking So I was able to change my way Used to be an unhappy young man with a screw face. Used to be violent, loved to start trouble with no cause. I did most of the crimes in the book. I was running with the wrong crowd in the wrong direction. So I ended up wasting my health to gain respect. Doing things to please the friends that I thought were my friends. So I grew up doing some heal stuff. Stealing people’s cars, motorbike, pedal bike, mobile phone and anything was pleasing to my sight.
On the other hand if you believe and think you are wise, and you can fulfill your dreams and goals, and archive great things, you will. That is how my change came, by changing my thinking pattern. I stopped walking round with people who had a bad influence on me. Because if you walk with four fools before you realise, you will be the fifth one.
I wasn’t helped with my life and things were going downhill. But there was this lady who invited me to Bible study. I wanted and I liked it, so I keep attending I was learning a lot of things, such as ‘as man thinks so is he becomes‘. That helped me change my way of thinking. So I was able to change my way of living. I understood that the state of my mind reflected the state of life. Because if you think you’re a fool, you will act like one and become one.
So I started choosing my friends carefully and the places that I went and how I spent my time. I had great in interest in sport so joined a boxing club, and I found that I had great talent. I have been boxing now for years and the goal is to become the world champion. Eric Ochieng
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Questions about care D J Thomas talks us through some common questions from young people when they first go into care
What does being ‘In care’ mean? Sometimes children or young people are not able to live with their parents. This could be down to illness or family problems. If this happens to you then the local council will take responsibility for you.
Who can I talk to if I have a problem and what support is available to me? You can talk to your social worker, reviewing officer, foster carer or alternatively VOICE, which is an organisation helping get young people’s voices heard, providing an advocacy service to all children and young people looked after by Hackney. Please contact your social worker or your Corporate Parenting Support Officer, Sheema Meah on 020 8356 6327 for more information on VOICE.
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What is the difference between short term and long term care placements? Foster care placements are either short term, in which you stay for up to 2 years, or long term where you stay until you return to your family home or you are old enough to leave home. Sometimes you stay with a short term carer and end up living there for years or you may stay in a few different short term placements.
You will generally only go to a long term placement when your social worker assesses that you will not be living at your family home anymore. If you have any questions about this you can talk it through with your IRO (independent reviewing officer). Can I take my belongings with me when I move? Yes, you can take your personal belongings with you and sometimes even pets, although you will need to speak to your social worker to find out if your carers are happy to have an extra pet in the house.
If I’m not happy in my placement can I move? If you are unhappy with your placement you can make a request to your social worker or reviewing officer to move. You will have to give reasons why you want to move and you might be asked to give things another go if your carer offers to make changes. If the problem is serious you will be moved. How often will I see my family and friends? This varies from person to person and according to what has been agreed in your placement plan. If you have any questions about it speak to your social worker or foster carer. You may also be able to have your placement plan reviewed.
Members surgery
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Do you want to share your views on being looked after by Hackney and meet people who have had similar experiences ?
The next surgery is on Wednesday 21st November, from 4pm until 7 at 186 Homerton Hugh Street.
Come and talk to Councillor Rita Krishna, Lead Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, at members' surgeries. Surgeries help you become engaged in the political process and help you to feel valued and listened to.
The theme is "Staying Safe," it will include talks and demonstrations on how to stay safe. For more information call Sheema on 020 8356 6327
Sheema Meah - Hackney’s Corporate Parenting Support Officer She is there to listen to cared for young people, befriend them and advocate for them - making sure their views are heard and expressed in meetings and reviews where decisions are taken. Sheema is also there to support cared for young people. She organises workshops, trips and fun activities, and provides information about opportunities, rights and responsibilities. She is responsible for making sure that cared for young people’s views are taken into account with the planning of services in Hackney.
Sheema’s job is to help cared for young people to understand their rights and support them find their way around care.
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If you would like to get in touch with Sheema either call 020 8356 6327 or 07976 113 343, email Sheema.Meah@hackney.gov.uk or arrange a drop in.
Gallery
Send poetry or artwork to Contrast, Social Spider, Unit 3N Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London, N1 3QP Artwork by: Karess
Artwork by: Bana
Poetry Introduction
The sky is the limit by - Ricardo Montaque
I grew up in Hackney, all my life. For me poetry is a way of expressing myself; it helps me express my views and feelings to other people.
The sky is the limit, Haven’t we all heard that before?
Just by looking around and analysing life in Hackney and in London. This influenced me to write poetry expressing my views and opinions on issues which affect me and you. My belief is young people my age and younger should be able to go around freely without the fear out watching over their shoulders. To see more of Rico’s poems visit www.myspace.com/were_im_from
It’s a place of mystery with an enormous open door Time is limited so we need to hurry up and get by, and make a lasting impact before we say are final goodbye. We want to achieve the unachievable, believe the unbelievable. We want to glow like a shining star, wizz across the sky like a formula 1 racing car. We will achieve our goal and jus know you will never see us fall. We want to emulate dizzy rascal and stand up tall, We want to be a great success; unique and different from all of the rest We are on the road to success and the sky is the limit, that why we can’t settle for nothing less not even 2nd best. The sky is my limit and we will always stay focuses Soaring with the birds is my ambition, And I will achieve And so can you if you only believe
Bisi, 17: “My favorite place in Hackney is Hackney Central. They hold the best shows there!“
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What’s all the HYPe? Lindsey Jones reports on her time with Hackney Youth Parliament
personal safety, postcode conflicts, environmental issues, sexual and mental health.
Hackney Youth Parliament (HYP) is supported by Hackney Youth Services to enable young people to come together as one group to discuss and affect local issues. HYP acts as the voice of young people in Hackney, enabling young people to have a say in decision making and effect change. HYP comes up with ideas that motivate Hackney's young people or try and help them in whatever way they can, showing them alternative ways to live their lives - showing them people and organisations that you can go to for help, advice, or just to chat. We have come up with lots of ways to show the community what is happening and how people are affected by important local issues such as; crime,
Some of the ways we have looked at these issues are via events, publications, peer led training, residentials and consultations. We feed local issues through to the UK Youth Parliament where we meet with other young people from other boroughs all over London and campaign on common issues. Some members of the Hackney Youth Parliament also meet together to assess applications made by other young people to the Youth Opportunity Fund, this fund enables young people to design and develop their own projects. For further information contact Hackney Youth Participation Team on: Nathan Cato 07976 342 244. Helen Greaves 07968 028 311or visit www.thehype.info
Zen in the city CityZen tell us what they are up to and how you can get involved CityZEN is a peer-led youth empowerment group, run by young people from Hackney and neighbouring boroughs of belonging through ‘gang membership’. It specialises in a range of peer-led initiatives that encourage and motivate young people to take on an active role in their communities. CityZEN undertakes: Peer Education work: Running fun and interactive workshops for young people, staff and organisations. Training courses include teambuilding, understanding team dynamics, conflict resolution, diversity, disability, peer research, active participation, child protection, train the trainers etc. Cheryl, 17: “My favourite place is Hackney is either the library or Dalston Kingsland Shopping Centre because I love books and shopping!”
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Peer Mentoring: which involves mentoring and advice work for young people on topics such as stop and search, sexual health or careers. Peer Research and Consultation: recruiting, training and supporting young people to carry out consultations with other young people to find out and ensure that their issues and concerns are understood. This may involve street-based interviews for a research project or organising youth conferences and residentials.
Capacity Building: CityZEN helps young people set up their own projects to address their local concerns and ideas Here are just a few projects CityZEN are currently involved in: Clued Up; is a sexual health organisation formed by CityZEN and SKY partnership. It is a peer-led project that focuses on delivering sexual health and relationship education workshops.. Youth Involvement Project, this delivers a youth involvement project on eight estates in Hackney training young people in youth work skills and playwork. If you would like further information on CityZEN and our services please contact us on 020 8986 3882 or email us at cityzengroup@hotmail.com
Hackney Children and Young People’s Services
The best start in life for every young person
Connexions Access Shop 27b Dalston Lane Hackney E8 3DF Tel: 020 7275 0346 Fax: 020 7254 8602
New Connexions One Stop Shop Shoreditch Library 80 Hoxton Street Hackney N1 6CP Tel: 020 8356 3371
Are you 13 - 19 (up to 25 if you have special educational needs)? Get information, advice and support on subjects below and more:
DO YOU NEED HELP OR SUPPORT WITH ANY OF THESE ISSUES? • School Exclusions, Bullying or Peer Pressure • Education Training and Employment • Job Clubs and help writing CVs • Homelessness and Benefits • Personal Development Opportunities and Volunteering • Pregnancy, Parenting and how to access Care To Learn • Support around Sexuality and Relationships • Domestic Violence or Family Breakdowns • Accessing free Condoms and Sexual Health Advice • Counselling Services, also accessing skilled Drug and Alcohol workers. • Offending Behaviour or you feel at Risk of becoming involved in Gang Culture
Come into our Centres and speak to a Connexions Personal Adviser Late night opening at Dalston Lane Shop till 7pm on Mondays & Wednesdays.
School Smart Cheryl O Garro’s back-to-school guide
Tip Number 1: Always pack your school bag the night before If you wake up with 45 minutes to get to school, having your bag packed already saves time you’d spend trying to find that pen you left on your floor or worrying about whether your P.E kit is clean.
Tip 6: Check all your equipment regularly and make sure it’s all in working order. I know this one from experience. Your worst nightmare is to go to an exam and find that your pens are not working. Argh!!
Tip Number 2: Keep all your work for different subjects separate Whether you use one folder and take advantage of dividers or use separate folders, keep the work separate and then you won’t get confused, making life that little bit easier.
Tip 7: If you’re starting a new school, try to get to know the general layout or ask somebody to show you around. It‘s nerve-wracking enough starting a new school without getting lost. Hopefully there will be people who will tell you everything before hand, but sometimes it pays to be proactive.
Tip 3: Do your homework on time This one seems like common sense, but we’ve all been guilty of not doing homework to deadline at least once and it adds to the hassles of everyday life.
Tip 8: If you have problems, ask your teachers for help or extended deadlines. They won’t eat you for it and they appreciate it more if you ask them before the deadline so that they know you need help. Let them feel wanted!!!
Tip 4: Plan your time wisely There’s no point doing homework that not due in for two weeks before the one that due in a few days time. Know what I mean? Tip 5: If it is relevant to your subject- ask for a reading list. That way you don’t spend valuable time trawling through the library looking for book. As a bonus, your tutors will know that you are interested. Sorted!
Tip 9: Coursework: Pays to start early Picture this. A mad teenager running around two weeks before deadline, getting no sleep and hardly eating for fear of not having time to finish their coursework. Sound pretty? I didn’t think so. Tip 10: Get a good night’s sleep. Otherwise you will wake up looking and feeling like Frankenstein, you will be tired and you won’t be able to concentrate.
Da street dictionary Do you know the word on the streets? Test yourself with our Hackney slang dictionary Air - Ignore ("Why you airin me?") Lash - Get hit A L Lean - Drunk Barlin - Crying Loose - Something pointless B Beast - Ugly Bash - Boy Mash up - Tired M Battling - Dancing Mucky - Good Class - Good Cherps - To chat up opposite sex C Corrosive - Good looking Drum - House Dim - OK D Dutty Bungle - Dirty person Egg - Acting or being foolish Extra - Over the top E Endz - Your area Fat / Phat - It’s /You’re Looking Good Freezed - Angry/Vexed (“Don't get me F freezed”) Fraff - Chatting rubbish Flossing - Showing expensive taste through clothes or jewellery Gritty / Dutty - Looks bad Grimey - Too Good G Garms - Clothes Hyped - Over excited Hooby Dooby - A crowed around a fight H Hood Rat – Someone who hangs around the street. Hatin' - Jealousy Jonnies - Idiots Jacked - To take from someone without J permission
N O
Nang – Great One - Bye
Perch - House P Pebble - Tired Ronkin - Stinking R Rank - Nasty Rooster - Man Sick - *See nang (“That tune was sick”) S Smell me - Do you understand? Shrapnel - Small change Skank - Dance style Tax Man - A Thief T Tuff - Looks nice Treds - Trainers Twisted - Mixed up or confused Wa'gwan - Hello / What’s going on? W Wack - Rubbish Wasteman - A person who hangs around the streets Whine - Dancing close Y
Yout - Young Child
Zinging - Gone Z Zogged - Ugly Put together by Bana, Karess, Selin & Merve.
Kelix - Trainers Knob - Stupid K
Lara, 17: “I like Ocean because of their shows, raves and Battle of the Boroughs. It has a good vibe.”
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Look: Film reviews
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Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer Premiere Contrast was invited to the premiere of the Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Hairspray is feelgood fun and you will leave feeling as if your two Surfer in Leicester Square. We walked down the blue hours were spent wisely. carpet and mingled with a From the outset you feel the warmth and energy of Nikki Blonsky number of celebrities, including the super sexy as Tracy and will be rooting for her all the way to the end. The songs are catchy and easy for the audience to sing along to (if Jessica Alba, one of the stars of the film. necessary!) and John Travolta is spectacularly convincing as Tracy’s We received some special treatment; we were given free popcorn mum Edna. courtesy of the cinema. The subplot about racial integration on the Corny Collins show gives the film enough bite to keep us thinking, whilst the comings and The movie itself was action-packed, with many scenes of the goings of her relationship with Link will keep many romantics Fantastic Four showing off their superhuman powers, as well as a very convincing debut for the Silver Surfer. happy. Hairspray Hairspray is about the efforts of Tracy Turnblad as she follows her dream to be on the Corny Collins TV Show. She manages it but once she gets there, she discovers that being different in 1960s Baltimore is not easy.
All in all, Hairspray is a definite for those who haven’t already seen The movie even had a scene familiar to everyone in Central London it and those who have will want to again. This is going to be a with the Fantastic Four coming to the capital’s rescue. There was also a lot of humour in the movie for all of the family to enjoy. definite addition to my DVD collection. Cheryl O’Garro
Steve Liburd/Rosheena Harding
Read: Book reviews Blood – Alan Durant ‘Blood’ is a story of betrayal, secrets and conspiracies, in which the prematurely orphaned Robert seeks revenge for the murder of his parents and will stop at nothing to bring those responsible to justice. He travels from his home in England as far as France in order to try and unearth the culprits, exposing some home truths along the way. The book takes you on a captivating journey through the life of a young man destroyed by his loss as he tries to solve a mystery in which there are many unexpected twists and turns, with nothing as straightforward as it may seem. I really enjoyed reading this book and found it impossible to put down until the identity of the murderer, something that caught me by surprise, was revealed.
Vampire Beach (Bloodlust) - Alex Duval Jason has just moved to Malibu, home to rich kids and fabulous parties. He is pleased he is fitting in and extremely pleased that he has caught the eye of Sienna, a stunning, popular lady. Unfortunately for Jason, Sienna is already taken by Brad - a good friend of his - and, because of this, he tries to deny his feelings for Sienna. Jason soon realises his new friends are hiding a very deep secret and that the Malibu parties in his neighbourhood involve a little more than the usual alcohol and music - meanwhile a murder has taken place during a party he has gone to and it doesn’t take long for him to realise his friends’ secret had something to do with it. It takes Jason a while to realise Sienna wants to be more than friends and then, because of their connection, she reveals the truth about her and Jason’s friends‘ secret. What would seem to be a normal American teenage story becomes a dangerous, supernatural book. I feel the book was enjoyable to read and I would definitely recommend this book to young teenagers.
Steve Liburd Karess Laidley
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