Our Say youth magazine Issue 1

our

Building on Excellence

say “ Youth Magazine summer 2010 issue 1

A magazine by Brent Housing Partnership’s young people

My Home is a Peace

Planet

solar panel roofs

By Daisy Farci BHP has made homes on the Brenfield Estate more energy efficient. Not only does it look fantastic, it’s also environmentally friendly. This will save people money which they can spend on more important things.

I interviewed young resident Ella(aged 10) who lives in Brentifeld about her new home, the environment and how this will affect Brentfield Estate. This is what she has to say.

“I care about the environment; it affects animals, plants and trees. BHP is helping to save the environment as they are properly insulating the houses and putting in solar panels. I’m so happy with my new house it’s cleaner, pleasant to look at and nicely finished. I definitely think this will change the way people see Brentfield Estate.”

As you can see these homes have benefited not only adults but children as well, as now they are more proud of where they live and pleased with how much this is going to help the environment. Brentfield Estate looks much more attractive than it did before. It will also stop crime and graffiti because people will have more respect for where they live and how much it has changed.

Preston Manor Triumphs in Brent Youth Cup Final

By Tim Poole The Brent Youth Cup came to a pulsating conclusion when Preston Manor met Kingsbury High in April 2010 There were some memorable moments with questionable refereeing decisions but all created the recipe for the perfect final. The scoring was opened after 26 minutes as the Preston Manor strike force broke through with a scorcher from the edge of the box.

In the second half, poor defending from a corner allowed Kingsbury back into the match as they scored making it 2-1. With minutes to go, it was a tense affair before the game’s showpiece moment settled it. Preston Manor’s Osei Agyeman produced a stunning volley with his weaker foot, rifling the ball into the top corner.

The final score was 3-2 and Preston Manor lifted the trophy.

12 www.bhphousing.co.uk

Is Graffiti a Crime?

Meet the Team:

Tim Poole

My name is Tim and I’m 17, a big sports enthusiast, I enjoy football, basketball, tennis, snooker, table tennis, you name it. I also love History, and like English and Economics. I joined the project to get involved in some article writing away from the curriculum and the fact that it can go on my UCAS form doesn’t hurt!

By Peter Nugent It’s undeniable that graffiti is a problem in Brent and the rest of the country. The St Raphael’s Estate where I live has been targeted by graffiti on several occasions. BHP has a quick response to graffiti which is a good thing (4-24 hours) but it’s made me wonder if some graffiti should be allowed to remain?

Some people describe graffiti as a positive expression of their talent; it allows them to express themselves without any boundaries. It can be seen as art rather than a criminal offence. You could say that it adds culture and shows diversity in our community.

I spoke to a resident in Brent who said:

“Graffiti is a positive tool when dealing with local history; it can be traced as far back as the late 70s.

I think it benefits us because it exposes us to a different side of Brent.”

Peter Nugent

Others argue that graffiti is a crime. It is vandalism and encourages others to vandalise. Graffiti causes criminal damage and people who own these properties are having to spend a great deal of money to remove it, funds which could be positively channelled elsewhere. Another resident I spoke to said:

Jessica Perry

“Those who carry out graffiti should be channelling all this energy more efficiently towards education perhaps.”

My name is Peter James Nugent and I’m 17. I enjoy football, games and writing articles because it helps to provoke thoughts about controversial issues.

Hi my name is Jessica Perry and I’m 18. I am the Sports Editor for BHP’s youth magazine. I plan to go to university in September to study sports therapy.

Daisy Farci

My name is Daisy and I’m 13. I’m the Events Editor for the Youth magazine. I really like this job because I get to see what’s going on in my area

Michael Barrett

My name is Michael and I’m 16. I like watching TV, playing computer and hanging out with my mates. I want to work with children when I get older and maybe be a youth worker or community worker

At the moment in Brent there are limited places for expressionism and some alternatives in my point of view could be:

Funded clubs that allow graffiti on canvas Using graffiti art to tutor others Murals for artists in the local area Support for people who repeatedly offend Graffiti will remain a controversial issue for many years to come; while it may be illegal it does require some talent to produce some of the spectacles that embellish the underground and the local area.

So take a look in your area for what you can find, undoubtedly you’ll have an opinion on it. Voice your views by emailing it to:

nadia.khan@bhphousing.co.uk

Building on Excellence 13

How I Help My Community Jessica Perry (Youth Editorial Board Member) has been named a finalist in the National Federation of ALMOs Award as the

“Most Outstanding Young Person.”

Jessica was shortlisted because she is passionate about her community and is involved in a variety of projects on her estate. She helps with activities for older people such as card making and swimming sessions.

Jessica also runs a gentle keep fit session with older and disabled residents on the estate once a week. She has started a youth group on the estate and works well with young people.

Jessica gives a lowdown on what she does with her community on the Groves Estate, Kingsbury:

Q

What do you do on a day to day basis within the community at Brent Housing Partnership?

I have held Easter egg hunts with many of the children on the estate.

Also, I have organised several games on our green for children to play.

I have helped set up a football team which is to be called Groves United.

This is to help the young people off the streets.

I regularly attend swimming club for older people and help the ladies into the water and do some exercises to help their muscles. On a Monday and Wednesday the Groves community room is used for card making, flower arranging which I have regularly attended and helped out with. This also involves making tea and coffee.

describe the keep fit classes you Q Please do with the elderly residents At the Groves community room, I have organised a keep fit class. This is for the ladies to keep them motivated and to stay fit. I have incorporated using my personal wii fit machine which has become a huge success, as it is easy to use and fun for them. The Groves are looking into buying their own one, so that it is available whenever they want to use it.

Many have said it has been a benefit to their health already.

Skate with Your Skate With Mates Your Mates

By Daisy Farci The Bridge Park Leisure Centre holds a Roller Disco for young people (10-17yrs old) every last Friday of the month from 6pm-9pm.

I went along to see what it was like.

When I first put on my roller skates it was a shaky start but with the staff there to help, I was soon on my way to roller skating and only fell once.

I asked Shadidah Victor Sampson from Alperton who was there with friends if she found the disco enjoyable, she said:

“It is a good laugh and you meet lots of new people.”

I also spoke to Ilyeh Nahdi, aged 14, from Wembley and asked if she was enjoying herself, Ilyeh said:

“Roll with it Roller Disco is a fantastic opportunity for young people to meet up, roller skate and have fun, dance and most of all have fun! Young people today aren’t as active as they were when they were younger; this is a great way to get active plus healthy.”

Come down on the last Friday of every month and have loads of fun for only £6.

Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre, Brentfield Harrow Road, NW10 0RG, 020 8937 3730 www.brent.gov.uk/sports

Free Summer Fun

By Michael Barrett

With summer approaching, I wanted to find out what activities were available for young people in Brent.

I spoke with an officer at Brent Youth Service who told me about Brent Summer University.

What is Brent Summer University (BSU)?

“Woof Woof”

- Help Me!

BSU provides FREE activities and courses for children and young people for when they start their summer holidays. BSU courses give young people personal and social skills, and also promotes independence.

Who is running BSU?

Brent Youth Service organise the Brent Summer University.

The brochure can be downloaded from the website on:

www.bmyvoice.org.uk/bsu

Or you can contact Ricky or Chemeena on

020 8937 3755/3686

What courses our available for Brent Summer University?

There are many courses and activities on offer including sports, art, dance, singing, drama, IT, nail art, DJing, photography and much much more.

Where will Brent Summer University courses being held?

The summer university takes place at youth clubs and schools throughout Brent. There is bound to be a venue not far from where you live.

When does it all start?

BSU will start on 26 July and finish on 19 August.

The showcase takes place on 20 August.

Enrolment dates are: Friday 9 July, Saturday 10 July and Sunday 11 July at Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre. Remember all courses are absolutely FREE. For enrolment you will need to bring 2 passport size photos and the enrolment form with you (this is available on the website or in the brochure).

By Daisy Farci

The Mayhew Animal home, a home for stray animals and cats, held a sponsored walk and dog show on 25 April.

The Mayhew Animal Home holds regular fundraising events to bring animal lovers and their pets together and to raise money for the welfare of animals.

Many people came with and without animals to support the cause. Even though the weather was cold, it didn’t spoil the event and the Home raised plenty of money.

Even celebrities like Ricky Gervais, Robert Alleyne and Joanna Page from Gavin and Stacey attended.

For all you animal enthusiasts out there, see the Mayhew website for details on how you too can help animals in need.

www.mayhewanimalhome.org