Exposure 116(web)

Autism supplement inside - it’s all in the mind

Contents & contributors P 4-5 What’s happening

P 6-7 Game Plan

P 8-9 Agony

Tyler

Samir

Soumia

Naomi

Aisha

Lauletta

Patel

Ouaar

Shoretire

Hossain

P 10-11 Sound of success

P 12-13 Gallery

P 14-15 Work to do

Dylan

Nick

Joelle

Beckford

Milligan

Selt

P 8-9 Wreckless behaviour

P 18-19 Bi the way

Shannon

Ejow

George

Jordan

Ono

Edwards

P 20-21 Around the world

P 22 Where are they now?

Soumia

Mattia

Leona

Quincey

Ouaar

Headrick

Frater

Williams

The Bigger Shoe Box, Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfield Park N10 3QJ Tel: 020 8883 0260 Fax: 020 8883 2906 Mob: 07715 642 918 Email: info@exposure.org.uk Website: www.exposure.org.uk Regrettably our office is inaccessible to wheelchair users but we will nevertheless make every effort to include your contributions

The Exposure team: Andreas Koumi - Manager Gary Flavell - Editor Luke Pantelidou - Designer Flo Codjoe - Development Officer Fran O’ Connell - Media Trainer Victoria May - Media Trainer Max Sycamore - Video Editor Stephen Gardiner - Business Development

Disclaimer Exposure aims to give young people an independent voice which can contribute to the democratic process.

While Exposure has done its best to check material contained within this publication, we cannot accept responsibility for inaccurate information provided by outside organisations. Organisations mentioned are not necessarily connected with nor endorsed by Exposure.

Permission has been sought, wherever possible, for the use of copyright material. Where contact has not been possible we hope that, as a voluntary organisation helping to educate and inform young people, it is acceptable for Exposure to use such material for the benefit of young people.

Exposure is a registered trademark of Exposure Organisation Limited, registered in England no. 03455480, registered charity no. 1073922. The views expressed by young people in Exposure do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its funders. (c) 2014. All rights reserved. ISSN 1362-8585

Issue 116 Winter 2014 If you’re serious about not wanting to serve milk at the check-out for the rest of your life call Exposure:

020 8883 0260

Editorial Soumia

Youthful thinking Don’t forget to ‘Like’ ExposureOrg on Facebook and follow @ExposureOrg on twitter

Ouaar The relationship between young people and the police has been strained for a long time, especially in Haringey. So when it was decided by a jury that the shooting of Mark Duggan was ‘lawful’ everyone expected the worst. Fortunately there were no repeats of the riots of Summer 2011. The tension remains though.

We want a better and a more cohesive society for everybody. Young people want to be able to walk the streets unaccosted. The police want to be able to do their job without being abused and accused of racial profiling. And at the moment there is little love lost between the two groups.

The first step in repairing this relationship is to create trust. And how exactly does society achieve this seemingly impossible task? By engaging youth media, like Exposure, to encourage the

message that young people are a part of the solution rather than the problem.

The front cover of Exposure features our new film ‘Fed Up’. It explains how to do deal with police when you are stopped and searched. It also highlights your rights in such a situation. The film also gives advice to police in how to interact with young people.

It’s a start. The journey is long, and we may not reach the end. But we’re walking in the right direction. We’re just hoping we won’t be stopped along the way.

Watch and share the Fed Up film now on our new website www.exposure.org.uk “A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece” – Ludwig Erhard - Former Chancellor of Germany

Hornsey Parochial

what’s

FED UP Last summer the BBC stated that approximately 71% of the public agree with the police’s use of ‘stop and search’. I understand this sentiment, but if the police are going to have the right to stop me on the corner and frisk me, they must respect my rights in the process.

Currently, that is not how the majority of stops take place; 67% of young people who were stopped and searched were not made aware of their rights during the encounter.

You could argue there is civil unrest in London. There is a tension, often left unspoken, between the police and sections of the community, especially young people. At points this tension has boiled over, most notably in the summer of 2011 after the death of Mark Duggan in Tottenham. While the riots are long gone, memories remain and still influence young people’s thoughts and feelings with regard to the police in London.

4

Tyler

I do not trust the police for many reasons, but above all because I believe that many abuse their ‘stop and search’ powers. We can be harassed for no reason, and the police seemingly don’t have to treat us with respect. This creates a fractious relationship between the youth and those who have been charged to protect us.

At Exposure, we wanted to help ensure that any young person

stopped

by

the

police know their rights so they can know when those rights are being infringed upon. We’ve done so by creating ‘Fed Up’, a short film that serves as a crash course on how both the police

and

the

youth

should act during a stop and search.

When you’re stopped, an officer must first inform you of their name, the police station they work from, and why you have been detained. Additionally, after the search, the officer must give you a ‘yellow slip’ as a record of when, where, and why the search happened.

Hopefully,

with

better-informed

a youth,

unnecessary searches can happen

less

often

and

necessary searches can run more smoothly.

Something needed to be made in order to let people know what is happening and what can be done to change it.

We were Fed Up.

By Tyler Lauletta Watch Fed Up now on our new website www.exposure.org.uk

5

Samir Patel finds football all work and no play I play for Senrab Football Club, the most famous Sunday League team in the country. We win trophies and take league titles. Last season the U15s, my age group, went undefeated all season.

Senrab is mostly known for the high number of professional footballers that have come through their ranks – 32 in total have played top-flight football.

These include England internationals John Terry, Jermain Defoe, Sol Campbell, Ledley King, and Lee Bowyer.

I’ve been at Senrab for a couple of seasons so I can only comment for this period. But in my experience there is an attention to detail in the way we are trained that is different from other Sunday League teams. It’s not just about playing football as a team; it’s about developing individual players who can go onto to a higher level.

Even though the players are young - Senrab’s oldest team are U17s - the coaches are always ensuring our fitness levels are on point; they feel this is crucial to ensuring a good performance. We work on elements of the game that are important for team play. Closing players down and creating space for teammates, and this helps to improve our passing skills. If our coach feels we’ve been outplayed in some areas of a previous game, we spend time working on what we failed to do during the match. This is a massive difference from other teams I’ve played for, because at Senrab we learn from defeats, and other teams that do things better than us.

select the players who have performed the best in training. Being a potentially brilliant footballer isn’t enough. Some of the most technically gifted don’t get in the side because they don’t show the right attitude or work rate. So training is

Some of the most technically gifted don’t get in the side because they don’t show the right attitude incentivised because you know that if or work rate you work hard you’ll get a chance.

Senrab U15s have a squad of 21 players, and we’re all hungry for a place in the starting line up. But it’s not easy to get in the first eleven. The coaches 6

A big problem in other Sunday League teams is the work ethic of their players, especially the more gifted ones. I’ve known some young players to not even

Samir

turn up for training, but because they are naturally gifted footballers they get to start. What kind of message does that send to the other players and the footballer in question? That you don’t need to work hard for a chance. It’s not like that at Senrab FC. I used to think I was lucky to be at a club like Senrab. But it’s a bit more than just an unknown universal force tilting events in my favour. I have a passion for learning about the game, I have a drive to improve as a player, and I want to listen to the coaches. I respect what they have to teach me. These are also the reasons why I make the team most weeks. Any young player can add these elements to their game. They just have to be willing.

Many want the life of a footballer, but

few achieve it. In fact, a recent BBC documentary about mental health in football players stated that only 1% of players who enter football academies make it as professionals. That’s not even taking into account that most kids who play football are not good enough to enter academies.

This is why it’s important for young boys and girls to shine at school and progress academically as well as standing out on the pitch.

You have to keep your options open.

I’m studying to get into the field of sports science if I don’t make it as a footballer.

It’s important to achieve your dreams and always believe in yourself. Just don’t let that dream shatter so all you’re left with is scanning milk cartons at the checkout.

To read articles like this and more go to our new website: www.exposure.org.uk

7

Compiled by Soumia Ouaar and Illustrated by Naomi Shoretire and Aisha Hossain.

I’m struggling to cope recently. Our family is moving to Manchester. I’m in the middle of my GCSEs, which is hard enough, without moving and losing all my friends. Everyone else in the family seems to be okay, why am I so stressed?

A big change, especially in the middle of your GCSEs is stressful, and your reaction seems entirely appropriate in the circumstances. Breakdown what is worrying you and identify what you are most stressed about - this may make things feel a little less overwhelming.

Ending friendships and different phases of your life is always painful, but change can also bring new experiences that can be good. Talking to others in the family might help as you may find that, although everyone seems to be ‘okay’, they may have similar worries and you will be able to support each other through this challenging time.

8

A friend of mine recently started mixing with a group of friends who drink heavily and are smoking weed. She’s turning up late at school, and some days she doesn’t come in at all. Her mum keeps asking me to help her, but I don’t know how to.

You might need to consider your friendship. Decide if you want to be involved in her difficulties and her worrying activities. If you want to help her it is important that she can feel that you are supporting her, and remain a caring friend, but you cannot be responsible for changing her behaviour.

Helping someone with drug or drink problems can be complicated. Your friend can refer herself to InsightHaringey or Open Door. Her mum can seek help from Open Door’s Parenting Teenagers Project or look at www.talktofrank.com for more information.

Soumia

Naomi

Aisha

Open Door counselling service provides the answers to the problems featured in Agony.

Call them on 020 8348 5947, email enquiries@opendooronline.org or visit www.opendooronline.org

I’ve found myself caught up with a group of ‘friends’ who are in a gang. I didn’t know this when I met them, and I just sort of fell into it. I want to get out, but I know what happens to people who leave. It isn’t good.

You have already taken the most difficult first step, which is to decide to change your behaviour. It is also a sign that you are becoming more mature. Instead of just following or ‘falling into things’ you are making a decision to be true to your own beliefs and values. You may have joined the gang just to feel protected or to belong. Counselling could help you to understand your reasons and avoid these types of relationships in the future. It is understandable that you are scared to leave so you need to seek help as soon as possible, perhaps talk to an adult that you trust. There are special organisations which help with this issue – www.childline.co.uk has more information.

A girl I know at school tried to commit suicide because of online bullying. I want to help her to recover. I want to be her friend, but I don’t want to get bullied for it either.

Your friend has tried to commit suicide which means that she needs professional support from her GP, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) or from an organisation such as Open Door. If this has not already happened you should support her to tell a trusted adult and if she will not and continues to be at risk you may have to do this yourself. This is clearly a frightening experience for both of you. You want to support her and at the same time protect yourself. She will probably also understand your worries.

You should talk to her, at school or outside, whichever feels comfortable for you.

At another level, online bullying is a criminal offence and should be reported to an adult, the school or to the police.

You do not have to deal with it alone.

There’s lots more info online.

9

Dylan Beckford says hard work is music to his ears I’m a teenager. I have had family issues throughout my life. When I was a small child my mum was a victim of domestic violence. My dad was sent to prison for it.

As I grew up not being able to contact my dad really hurt. I never really understood the full details of why he went to prison.

I missed him, but I bottled it up. I never spoke to my mum about it.

My granddad – mum’s dad – died from cancer in 2010. We had a great relationship, but since we lived in Edmonton, north London and he lived in Norwood, south London we rarely saw each other.

You never realise what you have until it’s gone… I guess my mum would talk to my granddad about her problems, because life for me was easier at home when he was alive.

Soon after his passing I started having problems at school. I got in trouble, arguing with teachers, I became defiant,

family to turn to. I stole from home, I got mixed into the wrong crowds and I’d get arrested a lot. Being bad was a distraction from reality.

Everytime I did something wrong the sadness on my mum’s face made me instantly regretful. It wasn’t long before I realised that the route I was taking was unhealthy. I knew I was destroying my future, but I was also being a bad role model to my younger sister and making my mum’s life worse. I started to wish I was still in school and doing my GCSEs but I felt I’d done too much, gone too far to get back to where I was. I stopped going out. I felt depressed all the time.

I’ve always written music, ever since I can remember. And it was at this time that I realised I could find answers to my problems through writing. Instead of lying in bed doing nothing I would be putting down lyrics and studying the

I knew I was destroying my future, but I was also being a bad role model to my younger sister and making my mum’s life worse and eventually I stopped going to school altogether. It just seemed easier not to attend. I would spend my days doing very little. And the more school I missed the less I wanted to go back.

After the shock of losing granddad, my relationship with my mum completely deteriorated. Everything was more difficult to handle than it probably should have been. We could never speak about anything. We couldn’t even say, “how was your day?” without getting into an argument. That was the worst time in my life. I had no one in my

10

music I was listening to. I also did a lot of thinking about where I was then and where I would end up. That’s why music is now my life. It’s what I want to do.

Despite all the time I was out of school, the teachers didn’t give up on me. They knew that I was interested in music, and they enrolled me on a media course that gave me confidence in myself.

Dylan

After that they paid for me to join a course called RAISE, where I get to learn core subjects – the first time since I started truanting. All the other students were in a similar situation to me so I didn’t stand out.

My mum and I get on much better. We can speak without any sort of problems.

We have left the past behind us.

There are no issues. There may be a few differences of opinion but nothing more.

My social life and self-confidence are much healthier and my self-belief has increased. I’m determined to succeed now… finally.

To read articles like this and more go to our new website: www.exposure.org.uk

11

Gallery

Nick

Lemon Nick Milligan Digital photograph

Rust Nick Milligan Digital photograph

Send your artwork to: Exposure, The Bigger Shoe Box, Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfield Park N10 3QJ 12 or email: luke@exposure.org.uk.

Gallery

Nick

Paint drop Nick Milligan Digital photograph

Mushrooms Nick Milligan Digital photograph

Send your artwork to: Exposure, The Bigger Shoe Box, Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfield Park N10 3QJ or email: luke@exposure.org.uk.

13

More like Jobcentre Minus says Joelle Selt Once I’d completed my college course, I immediately wanted to get a job.

I’d had trouble finding work. I was told about Jobcentre Plus, a government agency that aims to help people into work. So I headed to the one local to me.

With a strong feeling of confidence and excitement, I stepped into the building.

I was ‘greeted’ by a worker handing out leaflets. Before I could even say “hello”, she brushed me off with a leaflet and pointed towards the computers – there was not a single word spoken or even a moment of eye contact.

Despite feeling slightly insulted by the silent treatment, I went over to the computers. I had to simply click buttons, responding to the options of the ‘type of job’ and ‘location’ I wanted.

As I scanned the prospective jobs and printed out information, I couldn’t help but notice the gloomy atmosphere in the room. There was very few staff around 14

to talk to, and being stuck with only a computer to help me felt like I was using one of the self-checkout tills in M&S. There was nothing inspiring about being at the job centre. It was dull and insipid.

I felt let down. I felt like the likelihood of getting a job was non-existent. In fact I felt less positive about finding employment than I did before I went to Jobcentre Plus!

I was kind of angry, a bit sad and massively disappointed.

And the question I’m left with is: why would anyone bother to use this service, when the service doesn’t seem to bother with us?

It’s no wonder that so many young people are having a hard time finding work. I think Jobcentre Plus is missing key ingredients that young people need: enthusiasm and motivation.

These are vital aspects to push young people forward, giving them the drive they need to want to achieve and accomplish things. Without these, young people can quickly find themselves overcome with depression and lack of confidence.

Joelle

I should know. Back in 2012 I was desperate to get on with my life after finishing college, but I just couldn’t find work no matter how hard I looked.

I arrived at the job centre and had the experience that I did. After that things got so bad; I was even on the verge of

run. Instead of having computers, let’s have actual people there to talk to. I understand humanity relies a lot on technology, but this is ridiculous. Why even bother attempting to go to these places to use a computer when you could simply do it at home? Humans can give

The Jobcentre is missing key ingredients that young people need: enthusiasm and motivation committing suicide. I felt helpless.

It actually wasn’t until I found Exposure that I began to feel some positivity. There were people in charge who wanted to help me. After just a few weeks of joining, I already felt confident and excited about my future.

I don’t know whether to be amazed or furious that a small, charitable organisation can give far better help than the Jobcentre.

With youth unemployment such a massive issue, I feel there needs to be a huge shift in the way this service is

advice specific to the needs of the person in front of them, a computer cannot do that.

I can only hope that writing this article will not only give the people in charge of Jobcentre Plus a wake up call, but also help prevent depression and suicide caused by lack of employment opportunity.

This is clearly a damning indictment of Jobcentre Plus. Read their reply to Joelle on www.exposure.org.uk and search for “job centre”.

To read articles like this and more go to our new website: www.exposure.org.uk

15

Caricature by Ejow Ono

16

Shannon Ejow

Shannon Jordan says ‘I Adore You’ Miley Cyrus, but woman, who uses her skill to excel, rather you ‘Can’t Stop’ being bad than her sexuality.

Miley Cyrus. We all know her. Perhaps from her previous hit TV show, Hannah Montana, or more likely because of the non-stop controversy she creates; her face – and bum – is everywhere. She’s constantly being talked about, so it could be argued that Miley is making a success of her career. But – when her audience is much younger than she is – at what cost?

Miley Cyrus is a singer. But a lot of what is notable about her has nothing to do with her songs. Recently she was seen openly smoking a cannabis joint on stage at the EMAs. My first thought was, “Oh Lord. She’s done it again. She’s made an embarrassment of herself on live television.” This followed the grinding and twerking, which saw the new Cyrus arrive in earnest. But then you have to think why exactly does she act the way she does? She clearly knows what she’s doing and the effect it will have, but what is the motive?

But perhaps we’re being too harsh on Miley. She’s making her mark in an entertainment industry where artists either adapt their act and personality or fizzle out. These current antics are Miley’s niche, making her marketable and guaranteeing money in her bank.

Meanwhile there doesn’t seem to be a lack of support from her fans; in fact they’re probably increasing in number.

She recently hosted one of the most popular shows in the US, Saturday Night Live, and reaffirmed the need for entertainers to adapt: “Hannah Montana is dead. I’m never going back to acting again. My whole life… it was never about having control.”

That said, I’m dubious about how much control she actually has now, and perhaps we’re looking at a puppet. It’s entirely possible that she is coerced to act the way she does. Pop music, more so than other genre, isn’t so much about

They look up to Miley as someone whom they can grow up to be like. And act like I still love her songs, however I don’t feel the way she is carrying herself is acceptable. I understand she’s an adult, and can make her own decisions.

However, her fan base is filled with pre-teens and teenagers, all aspiring to be like her. Yes, she may not want to be a role model, as she stated back in 2010, but as a pop star, you are chosen by your fans to be one. They look up to Miley as someone whom they can grow up to be like. And act like.

Everyone is watching her and making comments about her recent choices, and her young fans are included in that. It’s only a matter of time before they copy her. They’ll believe that this is the only way to be successful. And that isn’t true.

Look at our very own Adele. She is an amazing artist as well. She doesn’t use her body as a way to get to the top. She is an amazing, gorgeous, talented young

the music itself, it’s more about what sells. Looks, age and publicity are all part of pushing sales. Miley fits all those categories perfectly, and she, like any other pop artist, has somebody advising her on what she should and shouldn’t do.

And in our society, Miley is selling a whole lot. She’s definitely not the first.

People like Rihanna, Britney Spears and Madonna were, and still are, using their sexuality to promote themselves.

Rihanna is one of the most provocative stars on the planet. But that’s how she makes her money. And unfortunately, in the music industry, sex sells.

But Miley could be known for her memorable lyrics, unique voice, and her passion for giving, rather than her body and her latest publicity stunt.

To read articles like this and more go to our new website: www.exposure.org.uk

17

Bi the

way

18

y

George

George Edwards gets it from all angles “So, do you like boys or girls?” This is a question I get asked all the time. When I say I like both, I get two responses: • respect and interest • disdain and scorn Yes, I am an openly bisexual male, and I hate being asked that because I see it as a distraction from my personal character.

I want to be seen as someone other than the ‘male bisexual’, but to be anything other than straight is to invite curiosity and criticism. It’s unfortunate, but it comes with the territory. To be bi is to be in the grey area between heterosexual and homosexual.

This allows for fluidity in sexual and romantic relationships with both women and men. Nevertheless, bisexuality comes with an unfortunate stigma. For every person I meet who is supportive or interested in my bisexuality, there is another who claims I’m ‘indecisive’ or ‘lying to myself’.

they hated bi guys and how we were a bunch of indecisive liars.

Bi-phobia in the gay community would require a tediously long, sociological explanation, which would be better suited for a documentary on Channel 4. In all seriousness, it’s a sad reality: for every gay person who supports bi people, there is another who is spouting bi-phobic jabs.

Personal tales aside, the question remains: what does bisexuality actually mean? Is it solely sexual in nature, or does it include romantic and emotional connections? In my experience, to be bisexual includes both sexual and romantic relationships with both genders. Since I am not a girl, I can only speak on the topic of male bisexuality. We’re equated with a ‘bi-curious’ (a sexual curiosity in both sexes) phase, or a time when men have sex with both men and women out of curiosity, boredom, or drunken fun.

Sexual experimentation is perfectly fine and healthy; my philosophy is that one cannot be sure of their sexuality until they have tried both sides. Many people will choose one sex or the other. I’ve

Surprisingly, the most vicious bi-phobia (an irrational fear and hatred of bisexuals) came from been with men and women and found I the gay community I came out as bi to my mum and dad at 19. Dad said, “I’m so proud of you! You double your chances that way!” Similarly, when I told my best mates about my bisexuality, they were all supportive. The occasion was pleasantly anticlimactic.

When I entered the club scene, I realised being bi came with a whole new set of irritations. Most straight people I met were genuinely curious about my sexuality. Some saw me as a secret closet case who wouldn’t admit to being gay.

Every time I heard something along those lines, I would tune them out.

Surprisingly, the most vicious bi-phobia (an irrational fear and hatred of bisexuals) came from the gay community. While several of my queer friends were nonplussed by my sexuality, many other gay men openly discussed how much

like both.

However, bisexual experimentation is not the same as bisexuality. Snogging your best mate and his girlfriend does not automatically make you bisexual.

The beauty about bisexuality is there are numerous ways to interpret it; my definition may not represent another person’s views.

In the simplest terms, to be bi is to acknowledge one’s position in the grey area. It can be a nerve-racking experience, but I wouldn’t give it up for anything. For me, to be a bisexual male is to love (and loathe) both genders, and I couldn’t be happier.

To read articles like this and more go to our new website: www.exposure.org.uk

19

what’s orld

Around the w

Belgium

USA

Country divided on euthanasia for children

Belgium legalised the right to euthanasia for adults in 2002. Now the Senate there has voted to extend the law to children who are terminally ill, and suffering unbearable physical pain.

Opponents say it is “insanity”. In the Netherlands, Belgium’s northern neighbour, euthanasia is legal for children over the age of 12, if they have the consent of their parents. But if the bill is passed in the lower house of parliament, Belgium will be the first nation in the world to lift all age restrictions. A senator who voted against the bill, Christian Democrat Els Van Hoof says, “In the beginning they presented a law that included mentally ill children,” she says. “During the debate, supporters of euthanasia talked about children with anorexia, children who are tired of life - so how far does it go?” The death of a child is a tragedy, but should Belgian children have the right to ask to end their lives? Parliament is expected to decide early this year.

USA Radioactive tuna found

USA

In January 2014, Tuna that swam from Japan to California tested positive for radiation from the Fukushima disaster. So should we be concerned with the contamination of seafood? According to Ken Buesseler, a renowned oceanographer, we shouldn’t be. Buesseler and his crew has examined the spread of contamination from Fukushima into the Pacific, has said, “Because of the dilution that occurs even a short distance from Fukushima, we do not have a concern.”

However, some claim that migratory species of top predators such as Pacific Bluefin tuna might be especially at risk, but Buesseler rejects this, saying that, “The radioactive elements the fish might have absorbed will be diluted from swimming in less-affected waters.” He goes on to say, “Levels of any Fukushima contaminants in the ocean will be thousands of times lower after they mix across the Pacific, and arrive on the West Coast of north America. There should still be a concern in case the level of radiation increases, but at its current level it’s safe for boating and swimming.

20

South Sudan Newest country

USA

in civil war

At the time of writing South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, is on the brink of Civil War. Government forces, along with Ugandan troops, are currently in conflict with rebel forces after fighting spread across the country following the first shots on 15 December 2013.

The town of Bor, which is 200km from capital Juda, is seen as a key tactical vantage point by both forces.

Since the fighting began it has changed hands three times. Tens of thousands of people have crossed the Nile to escape the fighting. Once across there is little to do but wait the fighting out. If they are lucky, they find one of the few trees left that are not ‘occupied’, to shelter beneath. However due to the sheer volume of displaced people there are few trees left.

Soumia

Mattia

Leona

China Toxic smog off USAthe scale

In January, Beijing experienced the first wave of extremely dangerous pollution this year.

The China capital suffered a smog cloud 24 times worse than the level considered safe, with the concentration of toxic particles so high that the citizens had to wear industrial strength face masks when walking around.

In fact the World Health Organisation put out a statement that the pollution levels were “Beyond Index”, which is above the scale of the current method of measuring pollution levels.

The city’s air quality is often poor; especially in the winter as the increase of coal burning raises the amount of pollution released into the air.

a

Thailand Snap elections

USA

cause protest

In Bangkok thousands of anti-government protestors gathered as part of their plan to remove Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from power.

This is as a result of a ‘snap election’, which usually means that the current government has brought a planned election forward to take advantage of a political opportunity. It is widely believed by the people that Shinawatra is merely a proxy for her brother and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted by military action in 2006. Ms Yingluck has urged the protesters to disperse and use the snap elections on 2nd Feb to vote for who they want in power. The protesters however are demanding she step down immediately. Major roads have been barricaded with thousands of people determined to stay put.

Tensions are rising as fears grow that the protests may become violent.

21

where QUINCEY WILLIAMS Quincey Williams runs Stööki, an independent jewellery and apparel label, with his two colleagues. Despite only being in operation for three years the organisation has already placed a jewellery line in Topman, and is planning an assault on the global jewellery and apparel market.

The Stööki name comes from a nickname that I had when I was little. We started to research it and it turns out it had different meanings around the world. In Jamaica it’s a dance, in Glasgow it means to head-butt someone, and the list goes on. We thought it would be a fun name to apply to a brand that speaks to many different genres.

Running Stööki has been challenging, but without those challenges we would not have be able to learn from what we have done.

We believe in trial and error and learning on the fly, otherwise you spend too much time procrastinating.

It may sound harsh but young people need to understand that in your career tool-kit you will need to have self-motivation, confidence and be knowledgeable in the area you want to thrive in. Being confident comes with time and experience so it’s a natural thing. But you can become more confident by having knowledge. Having information puts you in a position where you feel comfortable in any situation. And don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard. Lots of opportunities come about because of being open and vocal and knowledgeable.

We map out a year in advance where we want to be. This encourages us to be strict with ourselves, to ensure that we get things done on time. Typically we will meet 70% our goals. And 30% of the time the plan changes because other opportunities have taken over.

To learn about creativity young people should go to a project like Exposure. For me it was a good insight into how a creative studio is run. It gave me a good idea of how things would be if I applied for work in a similar company. It taught me how to work in a team and articulate my ideas.

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Haringey

Waltham Forest

020 8496 1530 www.walthamforest.gov.uk

GLBT

020 8489 0000 www.youthspace.haringey.gov. uk/

Barnet

Camden Youth Support www.camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444

4YP Haringey Young people’s sexual health services including dedicated clinic, drop-in sessions and the 4YP bus

www.shharingey.gov.uk Tel: 020 8442 6536 4YP Plus Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic Women Only Clinic - under 20s A confidential walk in service Thursdays 3:30pm-6:30pm Lordship Lane Primary Care Health Centre, 239 Lordship Lane, London N17 6AA 020 8365 5910 4YP Clinic St Ann’s Hospital St Ann’s Road, Tottenham N15 3TH (Walk in clinic) Tuesday 3:30pm-6:30pm 020 8442 6536 Maternity services YPT Midwives Whittington Hospital 0778 532 6444/0778 533 5513 North Middlesex Hospital 020 8887 4055 For both hospitals: book early – it’s better for you and your baby Support for Teenage Mother/to be Family nurse partnership Tymouth Road Health Centre 24 Tynemouth N15 4Rh 020 8275 4035

DRUGS & ALCOHOL DISABILITIES

Camden

CRIME/ABUSE

Islington

Pace For lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or people who think they might be. Under 19s 020 7700 1323

MENTAL HEALTH

020 8359 2000 www.barnet.gov.uk

VOLUNTEERING

www.enfield.gov.uk/youth/

020 7527 2000 www.islington.gov.uk

SEXUAL HEALTH &RELATIONSHIPS

Teenage parents Drop in Triangle Children, young people community centre 91 – 93 St Ann’s Road N15 6NU Every Friday 1:00pm-4:00pm

Markfield Project Inclusive services for disabled and non-disabled young people Markfield Road, Tottenham 020 8800 4134 Insight For young people with drug or alcohol issues 020 8493 8525 Cosmic For the families of people with drug or alcohol issues 0800 38905257 www.haga. co.uk/children_and_family.htm Hearthstone For people experiencing domestic violence 020 8888 5362 Victim Support Haringey Working for victims of crime 020 8888 9878 www.vslondon.org

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

Enfield 020 8379 3432

HOUSING

YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICES

Directory Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme of personal development 020 8826 9393

KIS Training Helping young people into employment, education & enterprise 020 8275 4230 Harington Scheme Preparing young people with learning difficulties or disabilities for work 55a Cholmeley Park, Highgate www.harington.org.uk First Rung Training, support and opportunities for young people 020 8803 4764 www.firstrung.org.uk Urban Futures Apprenticeships in Business Administration, Customer Services, and Retail 020 8352 5900 www.urbanfutures.org.uk /Apprenticeships

Enfield Early Interventions Lucas House 305-9 Fore Street Edmonton N9 0PD Tel: 020 8702 3100 IAPT Help in overcoming anxiety and depression 1A Lansdowne Road Health Centre Lansdowne Road N17 0LL 020 8808 5833/ 0790 814 7656 Open Door counselling and psychotherapy for young people aged 12-25 12 Middle lane, N8 020 8348 5947 Shelterline Shelter’s free housing advice line 0808 800 4444

If your organisation would like to be included on this page please call 020 8883 0260

Exposure is a registered trademark of Exposure Organisation Limited, registered in England no. 3455480, registered charity no. 1073922.

The views expressed by young people in Exposure do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its funders. (c) 2013. All rights reserved. ISSN 1362-8585

! p o e. o c i l w o , p Woop e sound of the th s ’ t a h T

Watch Fed Up, a short film about police stop & search.

Available now on the brand new www.exposure.org.uk