VXM Magazine Issue 12: Saying Goodbye by Darren Mann

Aug. / Sept. 2014 - Issue 12

Villa Cross Media:

Saying Goodbye! Plus:

ISSUE

Perfection, Bulling and The Importance of Music

Issue 12

Contents

Recently going rou normal p out as a their fan wait for teraction Of Glitte Tube Cult

This has idol is, a as our id

Aug. / Sept. 2014 Issue 12

Contributors VXM Project Coordinator Darren Mann

Project Officer Justina Raistrick

Youth Engagement Officers Ashley Rose Sharna Michael

Bullyi ’t make you feel any better! What is it good for? It won

I’m a Dance . ce is her life and personality Steph talks about how dan

sion for skateboarding. Joe Bourne shares his pas

Contentsteboarding! This is Ska

Why I Enjoy Playing Sport

love of the game! Joe Warwick talks about his

Certainty Escapism and certainties he has in life; Ben speaks about his two Expression.

The Impo l! onal and soothing to the sou How music can be inspirati

Designer / Editor Shannon Noy

Writers

Kristina Zubaviciute Ben Driver Steph Martin Angel Joe Bourne Hannah Peck Joe Warwick Melanie Ashton Clare Parker Eva Avrillon Shannon Noy Sharna Michael Louise Woulfe-Flanagon Mel McGinniss Chloe Naylor Louis Dell Siobhan Barrett Benji Sadler Ed Barnes Darren Mann

VXM promotes media education, wisdom, participation, production and dissemination initiatives targeted at 16 to 25 year olds, focusing particularly on cultural identity.

Thank You!

rtance of Music

My CSV Experience

nt Here at CSV.

ions from a 2 Week Placeme

First Week & First Impress

d day! Photo collage of the fun-fille

MayDay 2014 Perfection

developing oticed signals and triggers A Disease of a Nation? Unn S. NES ARE AW G SIN Eating Disorders: RAI

influence. How today’s celebrities can

into

What is an Idol?

Going Home from her life India from England differs How Angel’s move home to in the UK.

Goodbye

On the Cover Saying Goodbye

ji Sadler and from Siobhan Barrett, Ben A collection of Good-byes Shannon Noy.

Saying Goodbye ss and Tonia from Nargiz FM, Mel McGinni A collection of Good-byes Wilson.

ries VxM: One of My Best Met mo . to Eva’s life and experience

What the VxM Project brough

Aug. / Sept. 2014 - Issue 12

Villa Cross Media:

Saying Goodbye!

odbye

Saying Go nes. from Ashley Rose and Ed Bar A collection of Good-byes

Perfection, Bulling and The Importatntance of Music

VxM: Memories in Photos the years.

ugh A photo collage of VxM thro

Rekingdling the Passione Editor and Graphic Designer Shannon

How VxM Rekindled Magazin Design. Noy’s Love and Passion of

y to the Future How VxM was My JourneVxM future. prepared her for a brighter

Sharna Michael’s story of how

VxM Closing Event

of VxM Event. The highlights of the closure

Saying Goodbye

lfe-Flanagon, Chloe Naylor

Louise Wou A collection of Good-byes from and Louis Dell.

Saying Goodbye e to his staff, Darren Mann, says goodby VxM Project Coordinator, . ject Pro VxM to the volunteers, beneficiaries and

e to VxM!

U ISS E

Plus:

Magazine we say In this last issue of VxM Project that had VxM the to l wel fare l a fina ich community. Ipsw the to h brought so muc the VxM team , cles Along with regular arti the past 3 from s orie mem r thei relives l messages wel fare e som years, along with s. tner par and rs ntee volu from

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Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

Saying Goodbye.... As volunteering coordinator at CSV I manage to meet and greet all or most of our volunteers. At the onset of VxM we were beautifully placed to engage with young people 16-25 year olds. Schools were seeking work experience placements and this project ticked all the boxes. Young people who were struggling with school were introduced to the media based experience VxM had to offer and very often they excelled. I met amazing young men and women and those that were shy, more inhibited came out of themselves and it was a joy and pleasure to see the transformation. Many have moved on while others are progressing in the area of their choice. Siobhan Barrett Volunteering Coordinator

VxM was an inspirational project to be involved with. It opened a lot of doors for the CSV community, and without all of their help we would not have been able to build IO Radio to where it is now. Thank you so much and good luck with future projects. :) Benji Sadler IO Radio

VxM has been a major stepping stone in so many young peoples lives. Many of those who took part in this amazing project have gone ahead and entered the world of Media as their professional choice with the confidence that the knowledge gained from VxM will lead them to success! I want to thank VxM, first to Claudia who took it upon herself to take me on board of VxM the first day I signed up to volunteer at CSV. Many thanks to Darren for welcoming me into this amazing project and letting me put my American graphic designers touch on the VxM Magazine. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a pleasure to have been a part of this wonderful group of people and project. I am sad to see it go as it has brought so many great opportunities to so many, including myself. Shannon Noy Volunteer VxM Magazine Graphic Designer / Editor

Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

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Bullying! Kristina Zubaviciute

What is it Good For!?

I’m a 15 year old girl. I came to England for a better education and a better way of life. I thought this until I started to go to school. I hated school so much because of the other students would talk about me; laugh at me because I’m not English. When I started to go to school there were loads of students trying to be ‘Cool’ to show me up and to let everyone know not to mess with them. Students were getting bullied by those ‘Cool’ students. I actually think ‘what’s the point in bullying someone, when you would be sorry about it if you were treated the same. That’s what I believe is going to happen in the future. Do you really want to bully someone just to be ‘Cool’? I don’t think so, because you’re going to mess up your own life. In my school, loads of students were racist towards me because I came from another country, I have a different accent, I like to eat different things from them and I listen to different music than them. In every country there is different music, it’s just a different language but the meaning is the same. Obviously, it is going to be different because you came from different country. People

think that you because you come from a different country you won’t know anything. Well Excuse You! I know more than you realize. I had never bullied anyone. I was bullied more until I found friends, who are amazing to me. They treat me nicely, fairly and they are wonderful people. No matter if I am on my own or with my friends, the racist bullying continues every day. There is this one particular boy that continues to say rude comments such as, “You’re Russian! Go back to your country. No one likes you here!” There are other rude comments that I will not mention. These words hurt me. They make me feel sad. I sometimes I don’t want to go to school as I just get hurt. I take everything in. People think I can ignore it or don’t think about what is being said. I can’t! I don’t want people to talk about me. They really don’t know me, they know nothing about me! For that, they shouldn’t talk about me! I came here to study, not to be bullied! Those who bully and being racist are affecting their grades, attitudes toward others and their grades! There is no point in being racist to anyone. It won’t make you feel any better!

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Saying Goodbye.... My Involvement with VXM was through articles and workshops for young people. I enjoy writing and especially writing advice and sharing my passions. The latest project with VXM I ran was on colour in fashion, this is what my company- Looploop does- we are all about colour- we believe everyone should know what colours to wear and what ones to avoid. With VXM we ran a workshop on that with young women, as well as filmed it for ICTV and published an article in the magazine that sadly we are saying goodbye to You will still be able to hear from me on LoopLoop in IORadio, or follow us on Twitter @looploopc Nargiz FM LoopLoop ltd, MD

VxM through IO Radio has given me the chance to be a part of a creative and super friendly environment while also providing incrediable opportunities for not only me but everyone we can expand our skills and knowledge and find support from any one within VxM. Thank you and Goodbye! Mel McGinniss IO Radio

The magazine was a wonderful opportunity for young people to talk about the things that matter for them It was refreshing to read their stories, view their art work and have the privilege to have a window into their world. It will be greatly missed and should be a reminder of just how amazing young people truely areShannon Noys’ dedication to design and edit the magazine was also fantastic- her commitment to provide this diverse platform will be missed. Sadly I didn’t get a chance for a cameo section in the magazine as I’m really old laugh out Loud Tonia xx Tonia Wilson Respect Project

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I’m a Dancer! Steph Martin

Identity Whenever I’m asked to describe myself, the first thought that pops into my head is, “I’m a dancer”. In a way, I’d say it’s part of my identity. I dance 5 days a week and for at least 9 hours a week both inside and outside of school. My dream in life is to become a professional dancer, but everyone is constantly telling me that this is completely unrealistic and an unstable career choice. I know what they’re saying is true, but I just don’t want to believe them. The thing I love about dancing, is that however many things you may be stressing about, as soon as you go to class or start performing, you can completely forget them. Dance teaches you to trust yourself, have confidence throughout everything you do, and to respect those who are more experienced. In the same way that dance is part of my identity, my dance school is part of my family. I spend so much time with my fellow dancers that they are almost like sisters to me. We are proud of each other whenever we achieve and are supportive of each other if we don’t. Our dance teachers look out for us and have taught us right and wrong since we were small children, just like our parents. Being competitive Having taken part in many dance competitions, I know I’m definitely a competitive dancer. I think being

competitive makes dancing a whole lot more fun, just as it would in a football match for example. In the dance industry, you have to be extremely competitive to succeed, and wherever I go people are always warning me about this. It’s such a hard career to break into that I have doubts in my mind on whether it is worth attempting. I’ve always loved films that have the cheesy “follow your dreams” because it makes my dreams seem possible. The worst part of competitive dance is that as soon as you even slightly fail or let yourself down, you feel like there is no point trying anymore, but this also turns out to be the best thing about dancing, because it teaches you to persevere in order to see the results you want. Experiences People say that what sets you apart from others is your experience and this is exactly the same within dance. I have been extremely lucky to have had the chance to take part in workshops, performances with dance companies, and master classes but not everyone is fortunate enough. What happens if someone has the talent but simply doesn’t have the funds to nurture it? Welcome to the often unfair world of dance! Commitment If you really love to dance, you’ll be 100% committed to every aspect of it, which means dedicating more time to dance than simply going to classes. You need to stretch daily to maintain enough flexibility, and rehearse to keep up with everything you’re learning. Being part of a dance team means the rest of the group needs to trust that I’m going to commit and will always turn up and do my best. There are so many things that dance can teach you if you stick at it and I’d love to encourage more and more people to give it a go.

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Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

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Join Joe on his show, The Crazy Joe Show on IO Radio Tuesdays 9 - 10 pm ioradio.co.uk

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Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

VxM: One of My Best Memories I’m Eva Avrillon, I was at CSV from Sept. 2012 to Feb. 2013. I devoted articles to geopolitics and politics. Since, I’ve created 3 blogs – a serious one, Easy World Portfolio and 2 others under a pen name, R. Bl.-Mt.Cl. I about sci-fi, fantasy and supernatural universes, and R. Bl. Mt.Cl. II devoted to my personal creations.

I remember my first day at the VXM-Office almost two years ago. After my arrival from France I started volunteering as a writer, an illustrator and sometimes as a photographer. I wrote about politics, literature and history for young people. It was challenging and fulfilling! I also participated to several activities at CSV, and I met Belgian students during their time in Ipswich in November 2012! As far as I can remember, my involvement in VXMProject is one of my best memories. I loved feeling challenged. I also got a lot out of people participating in VXM-Project. I spent several months surrounded by remarkable individuals – deeply involved managers, young volunteers from different backgrounds and desirous of developing their talents. Their self-confidence and creativity impressed me, and inspired me a lot. For the very first time in my life, I felt encouraged to express my personality and my opinions without the fear of being judged by other people, to make suggestions. I felt integrated, like a part of something bigger. I could talk freely on several issues and share interests. I really got the impression my work was acknowledged and appreciated. In addition, I finally had the opportunity to do what I really enjoy in life: writing and creating. There are a few things I regret. Firstly I was really shy at the beginning of the experience. I needed to get used to the language and to gain in self-confidence. So it took me some time to enjoy myself completely! Secondly: in France my time at CSV participating in VXMProject is not considered to be an experience! Every time I applied for writing positions, I was told

Illustration for poem “Why”, Issue 4.

I had no experience. Indeed, volunteering is quite different in France. Most of time it’s seen as a hobby, and not as something serious developing competences. Anyway, this experience made me rediscover my creativity, my desire of sharing and my passion of storytelling. Back to France, I wrote a novel in

Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

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Illustration for story “The Illuminati”, Issue 4.

French – a kind of supernatural thriller taking place in central Europe, with some kind of romance and humour. I am currently posting it as a blog, and I am writing the sequel. In addition, I am writing a creative blog in English where I am posting my artworks, and a famous artistic stationery website devoted an article to it last November. It didn’t boost my statistics but it made me think about my conception of creativity, what was a kind of logical continuation of my time at CSV. This experience gave me more self-confidence and the will to fight for what I really want. I changed my state of mind when I realized that nowadays the prestige of my schools and my qualifications didn’t allow me to find an interesting job with decent salary. I made the conclusion that being happy and fulfilled is far more important than prestige. So I decided to value my creativity with practical skills. I got a job under my qualification (a pleasant experience, by the way!) into paying myself a distance learning in graphic and web design. I am just starting it. I would have been

whatever their qualification and social background, and many people are beginning to understand what difficulties young people have to face in terms of unemployment, lack of self-confidence, development of experience and competences. They’re beginning to change slowly their perception of younger generation and are more receptive to what they say. In such a context, I think VXM did more than impacting the perception of young people by society. In my opinion, its greatest achievement is to change on a positive way the perception that teens and young adults have of themselves and of their capacities. To conclude, I’d like to tell you all at CSV, volunteers and managers, that I am very proud I took part in VXMProject, proud I met you. Because you did a really great job. And I was sad I couldn’t come to closing event to see you again. Because more than one year after my return to France I still miss you all!

glad to send some of my creations as contributions to CSV, if the project wouldn’t end soon! Although I am already 27 I also plan to look for an internship in this area into gaining more experience, and filling out my portfolio. I’ll fight for it, and I am more determined than ever! And seriously, I owe it to VXM-Project. I know that one purpose of this project was to improve perception of young people by society. I remember once an elderly lady spoke to me as I was sitting at the bus station in Ipswich. I told her what I was doing at CSV and she replied: “This is good. Nowadays young people need support.” So I think VXM was launched at the right time. Indeed, current crisis hit young people hardly, Graphic Illustration for story “Modern Britian Slavery”, Issue 4.

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Why

Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

I Enjoy Playing Sport Joe Warwick

I enjoy playing sport because it will keep me more fit and help me with my playing skills. Sport will also give me a healthy active lifestyle which will improve my health and give me a better life. The main reason I like sport is because there are loads of different individuals of different sports which I like to be inspired by because it makes me want to be as successful as them. My favourite sport: My favourite sport is football because my favourite sports personality is a guy who is an art for the game, ever since I started watching him he has made me want to be as good as him so I started to play football from an early age as 5 to an age as 15 and still going to carry on throughout my career, because it has proven how successful some people can get. I also like to get involved with football because I play for a football team called Kirton Kestrels. Kirton Kestrels have brought me up a gear in a level of fitness and sustainability, it’s a lot better for me because it has improved my fitness which is what needs to happen a lot more. Because before I started playing

for a team my stamina and running levels were very short, but now I can run a lot better thanks to the fitness. Football inspires me because it involves co-operation and communicating which is what I’m good at doing according to my manager. My ability in the game as well is that I’m tall so I usually win a lot of aerial battles for the headers that’s another advantage, but a disadvantage would be that most other players are a lot quicker than me so they have more of an advantage of getting towards the ball a lot quicker than me, that’s why the fitness levels need to get a lot more higher for me personally.

Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

Saying Goodbye.... What can I say… Its been a great journey and so much fun, Its been amazing and at times its been complete chaos! Overall I believe it has been a complete success, everyone has loved getting involved and taking part on all courses, activities, trips and just coming down to the building to see who’s about. I feel that through VxM we have created something special… What that ‘special’ something is, I will let you all decide! :) Ashley Rose VxM Youth Engagement Officer

We bid farewell to Mothership VXM with a tear in our eye and a happy smile across our face. I launched the IO Radio project with VXM just 12 short months ago and the effects that it has had in that short time have been quite staggering. A brand new modern radio station that, for the first time in Ipswich, met young people halfway with their actual media needs for both consumption and creation. It has become a pulsating hub for those with a passion, compulsion or drive to make things happen. It has drawn links throughout the community by linking people from around the globe to come together to produce an incredible product that truly represents the diversity of our town. As well as helping kick start many young peoples careers in the media (two of our DJs have been selected for apprenticeships with the BBC already, one is now a paid film maker), it has created opportunities for the unemployed, people with learning disabilities, those who are learning English as a first language and for people who needed something positive in their lives. The station is now leaving VXM and standing on its own two feet and the future is full of promise. It will continue to push boundaries and open up the world of radio for those who were previously excluded. The VXM projects ethos will live on strong in the form of IO Radio Thank you VXM Ed Barnes Station Manager IO Radio

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard .” ― A.A. Milne , Winnie-the-Pooh

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Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

a t r Ce I’m Ben Driver. I write mostly about art/culture in its broadest sense, expressing my own views and ideas where I can. I think the expression of ideas is incredibly important as they enable us all to understand the world or space in which we live. If we understand something fully and genuinely we can then develop it.

There are two certainties I have in life, two ideas that are fundamental to my being; Escapism and Expression. We all have things we try and escape from, I am no different. At some point we will all have the courage to stand up to those “things” or understand that there is no need to escape and that may be a major step to take in our lives. But for now, right now, escape is beautiful. That ability to forget yourself and momentarily lose grip of your physical surroundings is truly sublime. Entering another space where you can completely separate yourself from your thoughts and where no one can reach you can be nothing but beneficial. Personally it has encouraged some of my most creative moments, and formed coherent ideas about how I see the world. I remove my-

self from particular situations in order to fully and genuinely understand them. And for me this escape happens through music. Some days all I want to do is lie on my bed and listen to album after album. For those moments of distress or worry that’s when the speakers turn on, along with an agonising wait for my 2GB MP3 Player to turn on (it has to load…). Jazz, House, Soul, RnB and the many formations of Alternative music all have a different mood and effect on a person and it is as if by coupling your mood to a type of music you counter it, escape it and become calm. Expression is something I find through writing. I gain a confidence in being able to construct a passage of text in my own way, having the time to be particular and get across the exact idea I want to. A finished piece is incredibly satisfying. It means that I have achieved expression, that I have managed to find the words to portray how I feel about something or describe coherently and genuinely an idea about the world I experience. If I start writing something

y t ain Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

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ISSUE

and find I am unable to get anywhere with it, unable to mark a page with ink, then it is not the right time to be expressing that feeling. I haven’t given enough time for that idea to form and be understood. It is a sometimes frustrating process but in trying to understand how your mind works and why you feel a certain way you have to make sure that you are being genuine to yourself, otherwise what is the point? You just will not move forward. And something I have learned is that you must not fight how something is expressed. I would love to be able to sit down with someone and explain in straightforward terms exactly how I feel and why I feel that way but it just does not happen like that. When I write it falls into abstraction and metaphor. But within this abstraction clarity and understanding is formed. How we escape from and express the difficulties we face in life manifests itself in different ways. That is what makes us individually unique and collectively forms specific cultures and communities. A balance

between escape and expression is essential and for me they work together. They interact and feed off each other in a way that I know will create more certainties in the future.

Albums I escape with: Bonobo – Black Sands Hot Since 82 – Little Black Book Cecile Mclorin Salvant – Womanchild Saint Records (Various Arists) - Saint Heron Janelle Monae – The Electric Lady Elli Ingram – The Doghouse EP and Sober EP

Sasha Keable – Black Book EP and Lemongrass and Limeleaves EP

My Writing:

www.greycloudbluesea.wordpress.com

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My name is Shannon Noy and I moved to England from the States in October 2010. I have been the Graphic Designer and Editor of VxM Magazine since March 2012. Along with running my own graphic design business, SLW Design in Framlingham, I am also a full time mom and wife.

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When I joined VxM, my main focus was honing my skills for employment. My work would be used more for the magazine and obviously geared toward young people. Something I was quite nervous about as my main experience was more conservative.

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When I joined, I honestly didn’t think of the impact it was going to make on my life, both personally and professionally. I have made some wonderful friends / associates that have gone above and beyond the call to make me feel welcome into the UK workplace and say they appreciate myTtime They even he Sand orrskill. yYear Proinjec2013, nominated me for Volunteer of the t which I received Runner Up!

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l Americ pretty much gained full control of design and layout a of the magazine, which has gained popularity since my start, especially online with thousands of readers per issue! I feel, I hope that my role as editor and graphic designer had a small part in that.

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VxM has given so much to Ipswich’s young people. It’s sad to see it go. But who would have thought that it would have helped so much to a thirty something like me? VxM has brought back the pride, creativity and confidence 1 into 0 my life! How do you say goodbye to something so positive!? All I can say is thank you for allowing me to be a part of this great group of people and for giving me the opportunity that has given back my love of design.

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these past 2 years, my confidence in myself and my work has sky rocked! I had a small design business back home in the States. Just last year, I had decided to open it here. I don’t think I could have done that on my own with out my team here to back me up or the confidence to it!

y t in aMusic Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

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The

Importance

Kristina Zubaviciute

Do you sing of top of your lungs while walking or while taking a shower? Music is someone else’s life and profession. Music is a worldwide language that we can all share and enjoy. I have guitar, piano and singing lessons that I am involved in. Not many people realize, but did you know how important music is in education and communication? Children at a very young age, are involved in music programmes, as it improves a child’s early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities. Music as a separate and thorough curriculum can have dramatic positive changes in the learning process of young people. They call it “musical math,” in which the teacher incorporates rhythm with counting and gaining a grasp on the fundamentals of math. With the rhythm, they are able to learn basic elements of math like fraction and multiplication.

In my school there are a lot of students who want to take piano lessons, but the school doesn’t offer them. This doesn’t make sense as the school possesses many keyboards. My thinking is, why do they have so many keyboards if they do not offer the lessons? I just don’t get schools. Music is also good for your health. For example, if your listen to music while doing your homework, it helps you too learn and it helps you to be more active in a physical way (going for a jog, or the gym, etc.). Every day, while walking to school, I listen to music. My favorite is k-pop music (Korean music). When I listen loudly people tend to look at me awkwardly because it’s not English. It doesn’t matter if it isn’t English, it’s still music; it’s still a song. I listen to k-pop music because I like it! To me, it doesn’t matter if I don’t understand the words. If you watch the music video, listen to the melody or study the music you can learn to understand.

I believe that successful students tend to possess the qualities and skills that are generally considered essential to employers in No matter what country, music is identical, business, education and service organizations. just like everywhere else. Music has been shown to raise self-esteem and makes society more confident in their abilities. Music holds no language barriers.

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Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

Journey How VxM was My

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Sharna Michael

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When Tonia left VxM Darren Mann (VxM project manager) offered me a job as a youth engagement officer, and I then took the lead on the Black Forum. Without a doubt this project has offered me so many opportunities and has broadened my skills in Youth Work/Engagement. I want to thank Darren and everyone involved in VxM for making it such a fun and wonderful experience. I look forward to the future!!

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The Black Forum developed from a discussion which took place at CSV; the discussion was about Mark Duggan and the riots which then formed. It just happened to be that everyone involved in the discussion was of the same race, so from then we formed. We still meet once every couple of weeks to discuss topics that tend to affect us and our generation; whether it is discrimination, stop & search, gun & knife crime, relationships or just somewhere to vent in a safe environment. We also have our own magazine called ‘AMARI’, which we put in local shops around Ipswich. The AMARI magazine is the first black magazine to be produced in Suffolk.

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Dram

I was a model at the VxM launch party and from then went on to be a part of the young woman’s group which was set up by Tonia. We had weekly meetings were we discussed topics that we felt passionate about; we got the chance to ask young men what they find attractive in young women and what they don’t through ‘hot seating’. When it came to the end of our young woman’s group we put on our own art exhibition which we named ‘Bare Un-powdered Truth’. We were all photographed without make up which was a big deal for most of us as these photos were blown up and put on show at the exhibition; there were also discussions and debates.

If yo u of ou are inte Word re r 0147 group di sted to co 3 41 sc 8035 ussions ming al / 4180 contac ong to one t us: 34

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My CSV

Experience

First Week & First Impressions from a 2 Week Placement Here at CSV By Clare Parker

June. This was the highlight of my time at CSV as I enjoy being creative as I enjoy exWhen we arrived at CSV on Monday, 16 June, pressing my ideas and thoughts through art. we didn’t really know what we had let our- I hope that CSV will get noticed by more people at Music in the Park this year will continue selves in for! to keep running and inspiring young minds to My first impression of the new building was get involved and try new things. messy, but with our help and the help of volunteers and staff, nearly by the end of our At first this placement for was not really what two weeks, you could already see a huge im- I wanted to do but having worked here, I provement and commitment from staff while don’t want to return to school as I am starting to enjoy CSV as there is more opportuniin a better working environment. ties and jobs. The first week there wasn’t much to do as we mainly had the job of being a receptionist During my time here I have learned a lot about and sorting through boxes, etc. This we didn’t what CSV can offer and their plans for the fumind, however we would have liked to have ture. I like the idea that there will be stages and music studios that people can come and gotten a better feel what it’s like to work. play in free of charge if and when they wish! Duirng the second week we were kept busy There is also a room especially for children to with helping various people, doing reception play in which is very welcoming and friendly, duties and being creative while painting lan- with a great range of toys, books and games terns and the signs for Music in the Park, 6 that can be borrowed for a short time.

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Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

VxM Closing Event July 11th 2014, CSV Media, Ipswich I’m Ben Driver. I write mostly about art/culture in its broadest sense, expressing my own views and ideas where I can. I think the expression of ideas is incredibly important as they enable us all to understand the world or space in which we live. If we understand something fully and genuinely we can then develop it.

The Villa Cross Media project, engaging youth via media is in its final stages. Always a 3 year long project it has helped and interacted with a huge amount of young people who have developed many skills and developed themselves as people. And it will continue to do so until the very end. In light of this CSV Media Clubhouse, Ipswich hosted a closing festival in its new home The Old Crown Court. Even though it had only been a couple of weeks since the move the amazing staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to make sure the building was up to scratch and organised a busy schedule of activities and workshops for everyone to get involved with. As well as this we welcomed back our Belgian friends. Linking up with a number of projects over there members of H30, Het Entrepot and the Thomas Moore University came to get involved with the event, even helping set up in the moments before officially opening. Darren Mann, Project Co-ordinator for VxM, made the opening speech, praising all the people who had been involved in the project so far. The value of the people around him was clear as he continued with his emotional thanks. Later Darren was presented with a VxM cake to celebrate his achievement in making the project a massive success whilst being serenaded by Tommee, a fantastic local musician. To the side a mass of tasty VxM and European styled cupcakes, made by Pack A Bake, find on Facebook - @pack-a-bake. There was a huge range of activities and workshops available from viewing an ongoing reel of films made by young people in the makeshift cinema to sexual health interactive games. Some activities were encouraged by the goodie bags everyone collected upon entry; create a stop motion film with your own potato person, make a badge or loom band. As well as this CSV created its very own Minecraft suite, which was hugely popular. IO Radio was on hand to welcome the public into their radio shows also providing taster sessions and DJ workshops, Dorkbot provided alternative evening

entertainment, talks with ‘People doing strange things with electricity’. You could be pampered in the feel good room, as well as a Youth At Risk workshop and learning how to beatbox! If that wasn’t enough there was some amazing food made by Keralam and live music and DJs all day! The whole day was a great success and there were smiles all round! It was incredible to see how a new space could be transformed into a festival with a little hard work and determination. If anything it has proved that although the VxM project may be coming to an end, the new home of CSV is an inspirational one which will continue to engage young people to develop and achieve how they wish to. There were of course some highlights, witnessing Rayon Nelson, Cherise Phillips and Coneyl Taylor, Rachel Helena and Beth Durrant harmonising Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ in a post-festival jam. The use of chairs to dance to beats featuring Dan and Gavin, the free popcorn and ice cream in the film room, and well the celebration of diversity which the VxM project has come to represent and praise. Shout out to everyone who worked towards the closing event, to our Belgian friends, everyone who came to CSV on the day. Thanks as well to all the performers and DJs; Tom Hogdson (who also presented The Funk Shack After-party in town), Benji Sadler, Daniel-Lee Harvey, and live acts Tommee, Rayon Nelson, and Cherise Phillips.

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Saying Goodbye.... Thank you for including my son in your project. It has given him opportunities which have boosted his condfidence and made him feel accepted, which otherwise, may not have been possible. He learned a lot in Media and has chosen for this subject to be included in his career path. I’m really sorry to hear that your not being funded to continue this project as it has been so beneficial. Goodbye :( Louise Woulfe-Flanagon Parent

I haven’t been a part of IO Radio / CSV for long but in the near three months that I have, VxM has been fundamental for what I have achieved. Without the help of Darren and Tanzy, I would not have been put forward for the CSV trip to Aspet, France, in which I gained experience in European youth exchange and had two of the best weeks of my life! I have also enjoyed writing articles for the VxM Blog and Magazine, thanks to the efforts of Justina, the perfect Journalism experience has been given to me. Throughout my work with IO Radio Ashley has also been a great asset as he has always been on hand whenever any of us need help musically within the studio, like a cool teacher. Above all, not only will we miss the hard work and dedication of all VxM employees but also we will miss their friendships and support system. Without them all that are new to the CSV family would not feel as welcome or as settled in. I only wish I could have volunteered sooner as to have had the pleasure of witnessing even more of the great work VxM has done in it’s three years. Chloe Naylor Volunteer IO Radio

If it wasn’t for VxM I’d be bored at home with no motivation what so ever! It has given me the chance to be creative and open up a lot of opportunities... with IO Radio available through VxM, I feel like I have a goal to reach in radio. With the help of the VxM staff, volunteers, I am well on my way! Louis Dell IO Radio

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o e s a e s i AD

in g n i p o l e v e d s r e g g i r t d n a s l a gn

Unnoticed si Hannah Peck

I am writing this article as myself, a recovering patient from Anorexia Nervosa. I feel I can give a large amount of knowledge, factual, honest and personal, with also a real insider view and opinion on living with an Eating Disorder. Firstly, I know that there is not always a spark to set off any Eating Disorder. They are characterised by an abnormal attitude towards food that causes someone to change their eating habits and behaviour. The three types of most common Eating Disorders are; Bulimia (when weight is controlled by binge eating and then deliberately being sick to empty the stomach), Anorexia Nervosa (when weight is controlled by starving themselves or excessive exercise) and Binge Eating (when someone feels compelled to overeat). Many contributing factors towards an Eating Disorder can be: a family history of depression or Eating Disorders, stressful situations such as work/University, sexual or emotional abuse, the death of a loved one, hard relationships with family/friends, being criticised on personal appearance, an overally concerned pressure to

be slim (the media) and certain characteristics to the person; anxiety issues, perfectionist, low self-esteem and obsessive personality. Eating Disorders affect people socially, physically and physiologically. I feel this is where many members of the public view it as not a mental illness; however they could not be more wrong. Young people as low as seven and all the way up to sixty and over can be diagnosed and can affect the Male and Female sex. Spotting an Eating Disorder as early on as possible is a very positive step, questions to think to yourself if you are concerned a friend/family member may be struggling with their eating or even yourself are: Does food dominate my life? When others say I’m too thin I feel fat? Have I lost a stone over a 3 month period of time? Do I worry I have lost control in how much I’m eating? Do I make myself sick when I feel uncontrollably full? I feel spotting an Eating Disorder can be ridiculously difficult, from my own experience having struggled for many years in silence. Big warning signs to look out for are; missing meals, the use of ‘Pro-Anorexia’ websites online, complaining of being fat when un-

? n o i t a N of a . S S E N E R A W A ers: RAISING

d r o s i D g n ti a nto E

derweight or at a healthy weight, continually looking at themselves in the mirror, continually weighing themselves, claims of ‘I’ve already eaten’ or ‘I’m going to eat something later on’, refusing or feeling very un rs but eating none or little themselves. To me and many other patients I have met, my Eating Disorder feels like a complete ‘other head’. I feel in my mind it is a constant battle mentally eating wise. From myself nearly losing my life to Anorexia Nervosa I then eventually went onto living in a Physciatric Eating Disorder Clinic for a number of months. The amount of information I learnt there was incredible and I know that without them and their help I would not be here today. I am quite early on in my recovery but now know that asking for help that very first time and admitting to myself that I had a problem was the best thing I ever did. Eating Disorders can completely take over your life, as it did mine and like me also, nearly be fatal. My Sister Charlotte Peck quotes; ‘’It all starts off with cutting out certain foods, such as bread/white starchy foods/only drinking water/never sitting down/walking everywhere/mood swings/ cutting down portions/cutting out meat and many more.. It all adds up and gradually gets worse and worse.. It’s difficult to ever confront someone with whom you think has an Eating Disorder or even con-

sider, is it as bad as ‘Anorexia’? Food and exercise is the only thing you can control yourself and exercise is seen as a positive way to react to negative things that may be going on in your life to relieve stress. However it can become as what I’ve witnessed as excessive hidden amounts to feel you are in control of something yourself. The ill part of the mind of the patient is very manipulative and will tell you what you want to hear. I’ve found the media has become a big part of why girls/boys are obsessed with the way they look such as tumblr/instagram/twitter and it’s definitely not a good place to be looking at if you feel you are struggling with weight issues. Living with someone who has Anorexia is very difficult and if you are noticing problems with anyone in your family, I’d go to a Doctor ASAP, it could be a life changing matter. As my Sister discovered, very nearly passing away from the illness, that life is so much more important than worrying about food and worrying about feeling perfect. It controls your whole life. No one is perfect. Perfect is not real and never will be.’’ I’d like to thank from the bottom of my heart ‘The Priory’ in Chelmsford for all of their help and personal care. I now can live my life and know that I will keep fighting and be a fully recovered patient from Anorexia Nervosa. Every day is a step closer to being free and I’d like to raise this awareness to help others like myself out there. I now choose life.

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Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

t h s A e i n a l e M Recently on YouTube there has been a discussion going round about YouTube culture and how the normal people making videos, which just started out as a hobby, are now seen as celebrities. When their fans meet them they scream at them and wait for hours and hours in line for a 30 second interaction with them. This was started by ‘Sprinkle Of Glitter’ (Louise) and the video was titled ‘YouTube Culture’. This has started to make me think about what an idol is, and what makes us select certain people as our idols. Louise mentioned that she gets com-

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ton

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She pushes boundaries and will give her heart and soul into what she wants until she achieves it. I admire her because that is the reason she got where she is, it wasn’t handed to her on a silver plate. But on the other hand there will be things that she does that I don’t agree with but that does not mean I admire her any less. This is the same with a friend or relative, you love them but there are always going to be qualities that you don’t like in them, as they will not like certain qualities you have. ments saying she’s ‘perfect’ and people ‘wish they could be like her’. But we only see a certain side of her that she wants us to see. This is the same with celebrities that are actors or singers. Apart from the odd paparazzi photo of them coming out of the gym, we only know what they let us see through their work or what a gossip magazine tells us which may not always be 100% true.

I think you should have lots of idols with qualities you admire and feel inspired by. You pick out these qualities and think ‘I should be more like this’, an idol changes your outlook and mentality for the better. However, even people you know should not be totally idolised. Nobody is perfect. To be consumed by someone you think you know and you think is incredible is not healthy. So in my opinion your idol should be the version of yourself that you want to be, using qualities from people you admire: your mum’s emotional strength, your favourite singer’s work ethic, and your best friend’s positivity. Anything you see in

I am not saying we shouldn’t look up to these people, I’m sure everyone has at least one celebrity that they look up to for one reason or another! But you should never believe they are perfect because you do not know their private self, you only see the persona they have on the internet, the television or the radio. In my case, I look up to Beyoncé. This does not mean I think she could never do anything wrong and I want to be her, I don’t. There are certain qualities Beyoncé has that I admire and try to take on into my life and my personality. For example she is incredibly hard working and wants to make herself the best she can at her craft. I think this is something everyone should try and do, she isn’t someone who will settle for a 9-5 job where she turns up every day, does the same thing and goes home. She is constantly looking at herself and her music and thinking ‘Where can I take this next?’.

Miley Cyrus

someone and think ‘Wow I would love to be like that’ should be put towards your overall ‘sculpture’ of your idol. It is better to do this than wish you were someone else because you can never be anyone different from who you are so you may as well make yourself into someone you can admire.

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Augutst / September 2014 - Issue 12

Going Home My Life Journey Home After a Yearly Stay In The UK

The UK was a wonderful experience of a lifetime, though it was my second time in UK due to my husband’s project. I had my good and sad times, as you know life is full of ups and downs. You never know what is going to be your future in the next few days but still over all I had maximum of fun and my husband’s full support in everything I did. He made my stay more beautiful and lovely and I love him for this reason a lot. Now I am back to my own country of India. In the beginning, I was glad as my parents and my in-laws are here and of course meeting all of them was a great feeling. A whole month has passed and now finally I am at my own house, no more rent to pay for an apartment! Though it was a great journey to finally reach my own house now is the time to tell how it was like to be back to my own country??? Well After coming back, I had lot of experiences ....met my family, friends, relatives and I even lost a close relative and I was with heavy heart at that moment. Life is never the same; it keeps on changing each day and keeps on giving you plenty of experiences. Daily life can never be on the same track and this is how life is. Though India is a religious country, still my mind was more peaceful in the UK. I still feel I have left something behind and want to go back to my previous state of peace. I seriously don’t know what exactly but I honestly feel I was happier there and as if I definitely have left a bit of my heart there. I loved almost everything about the UK: Freedom, Me being more close to my husband and all the happiness that I felt. These were all a part of my life in UK, but now nothing is same at all. Maybe it’s the work pressure here or the environment and the tight lifestyle of India. I really miss my friends from UK, especially those who really helped me and presenting a show on IO Radio was the best thing that happened to me. Everything was lovely over there. At the end of it all, I want to say everything happens for a reason and I am sure God must have kept something good for my destiny and I continue to hope for all the good in my future. Now I want to say there’s always a meaning of each time in life, enjoy each day and that special time in your life because you’ll never know when you will get that time again so guy’s “Stay Happy Stay Healthy & Stay positive”. That is how I felt coming back to India. With Love,

Angel

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Saying Goodbye.... Around five years ago I remember (quite vividly) sitting in Meeting Room 1 at the old Clubhouse and being introduced to Wannes, the Radio Coordinator at Het Entrepot. With a sense of humour which was quintessentially British, the enthusiasm Wannes displayed when talking about youth engagement mirrored that of CSV staff and it quickly became apparent that this was the start of a beautiful friendship. It was my point of entry for a plan which would evolve into VxM, a project which would go on to engage five hundred people in the region and thousands more across Europe. Within Suffolk, VxM has produced over a hundred digital stories, a dozen magazines, thousands of hours of radio, a score of events, empowered emerging communities, and delivered training courses ranging from film theory to interview techniques. We have exchanged young people, techniques and ideas with Mechelen and Bruges. We have stood in the sun and the rain and the snow promoting the project, shouted at the printer as it jammed for the nineteenth time while printing our publications, and smiled blankly at Flemish speakers because our own language skills fall way below the ideal. We have laughed, we have cried, we have formed new international friendships which will last for years. Without wanting to sound like a tired trope, the closure of VxM is not the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning. We have all learned and developed. Young people have gone off to university and college, found employment, developed their own ideas and concepts, become self-employed, focused on supporting their peers, selflessly given their time to volunteer for their communitiesâ&#x20AC;Ś The list goes on. I cannot truly show my appreciation, without shedding a tear or two, for all the hundreds of thousands of hours all beneficiaries, volunteers and staff have contributed to VxM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I have never worked with such an enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate team. You are wonderful and never let anyone tell you otherwise. Darren Shaun Mann VxM Project Coordinator CSV Media - Ipswich

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Thank you!