Exposure Magazine Issue 104 by Exposure

A HARINGEY YOUTH PUBLICATION

free July 2010

£0.00

issue 104

HARINGEY DOES IT BEST - NEWLY CROWNED TOP YOUTH MAG IN THE COUNTRY!

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Emily Claire Ca nnings reviewer

Liam McCarthy illustrator

Pedro De Freitas writer

Cherice Gosling writer

Amy Kabba writer

Natasha Minto writer/illustrator

-Harry Haydon Knight writer

The Bigger Shoe Box, Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfield Park, N10 3QJ Tel: 020 8883 0260 Fax: 020 8883 2906 Mob: 07947 884 282 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

Reanne H olland reviewer

Printed by TIP Limited 07590 850 532 Andreas Koumi: Manager Gary Flavell: Editor Luke Pantelidou: Designer Flo Codjoe: Development officer Mirella Issaias: Junior Exposure Max Sycamore: Video Editor & IT Enrico Tessarin: Video Manager

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.

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Issue 104

July 2010

Exposure is free and open to anyone aged 13 to 19 living in or around Haringey. If you want to get into journalism, design or film-making, get involved.

l u f th ng u o Y inki th

Best magazine produced by young people awarded by:

Editorial by Ogochukwu Okey-Udah

Here at Exposure, we hate to blow our own trumpet. We do. However, it’s difﬁcult to resist when you’ve just been crowned best youth magazine in the whole country. You can read that again if you like. We scooped the prize (the second time we’ve won it) for ‘the best magazine produced by young people, for young people’ at this year’s prestigious Positive Image Awards. This was despite the difﬁcult competition we faced from many other fantastic youth publications from all over the country. Not bad, eh? Gary Flavell, Editor of Exposure magazine, said, ‘It’s an amazing feeling to know that the hard work of the young people involved is being recognised

outside of Haringey. After fourteen years, Exposure magazine remains fresh and innovative; qualities that will be crucial if our project is to survive these difﬁcult times.’ The award organisers, Young People Now, acknowledged and appreciated the way we enable young people to learn new skills, and have a voice through this creative outlet. Sweet! To celebrate, the lovely people at the Cypriot Academy took us all out for a slap up meal at the Carob Tree in Highgate. We didn’t eat too much; we have to stay in shape for you, the readers of Exposure, the young people of Haringey, without whom none of this would have been possible.

Garﬁeld Weston Foundation

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Emily Cannings

reviews

DEATH AT A FUNERAL When a group of people reunite to mourn the passing of a loved one, a respectful funeral quickly turns into a huge mess with blackmail attempts and shocking revelations. Aaron (Chris Rock) stars as a loving husband and polite person, married to Michelle (Regina Hall). When his father dies, it is up to Aaron, the eldest, to organise the funeral. But things don’t go according to plan, and the whole day slowly turns into an unimaginable nightmare. ‘Death at a Funeral’ is a hilarious ﬁlm. I thought some of the characters were a little unrealistic, however, this was only a very minor issue and I still believe this is a wonderful, feel-good comedy. The storyline is really interesting and unexpected. The events in the ﬁlm are sure to make you giggle and the revelations are shocking. What are you waiting for? Go and watch this now and get ready to laugh... Pedro De Freitas 4 Exposure_issue_104_edit.indd 4

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Emily

Pedro

KARATE KID The Karate Kid is not just a film about kung fu and fighting, it also includes great acting, dancing and humorous performances from 12-year-old protagonist, Dre (Jaden Smith). Dre starts the film in America, but then moves to China after his mum gets a job there. When he first arrives he gets bullied at school. He also finds it hard to settle into the hectic, and confusing Chinese lifestyle. To combat the bullying, Dre gets Karate lessons from Mr Han (Jackie Chan), and begins to prepare for a tournament that he has little faith in winning. When it comes around, Dre finds himself up against opponents that he fears the most. The overall message of the Karate Kid is about being disciplined, respectful and to believe in yourself. It was one of the best films we’ve ever seen.

Muswell Hill Karate Academy

PERFECT GIRL The Perfect Girl is all about a girl who is going through life without a father. She tries to keep her things simple, but all the typical complications of being a teenager get in the way. She is infatuated with her best friend, Marcus Gold. But her plans to woo him come undone when ‘a perfect girl’ comes along and tries to steal him away. The Perfect Girl aims to educate us about the difﬁculties that teenage girls typically encounter, and to help them understand what is the right and wrong way to treat people. This book shows what life is really like, the fact that it isn’t perfect, that it can have its ups and downs, and that there is a reason that we were put on this earth. Overall it was a hard book to get into, but had a fantastic ending.

Emily Claire Cannings

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Amy

Amy Kabba has safe sex covered A year ago a friend of mine had sex with a guy who refused to wear a condom. He thought he was the master of everything, even withdrawal. Now she is pregnant. She doesn’t want to get rid of it, her mum doesn’t know and she’s not planning on telling her. What can my friend do? She can’t stay with him; he doesn’t even want the baby. This is a genuine example of how teenage pregnancy can be. Yet many teenagers refuse to use condoms to ensure they do not get pregnant, and stay free from STIs. Others strongly disagree with using contraception because of ethical

to a next ting.” Is this the way you want to be seen girls? This way of thinking doesn’t exactly go hand-in-hand with safe sex. Using a condom is about respect for yourself and your partner, so it’s not hard to see that when you hear boys talking about girls in such a way that teenage pregnancy remains an issue. What kind of girl stays with a man who refers to her as a ‘lash and dash’ anyway? Ask yourselves this girls, does he really love you like he says he does? Does he respect you enough to wear a condom? A quick ‘ting’ can turn into nine months of pregnancy and a little life to look after. A lack of education no doubt plays a part in some young people’s decision to not use protection. Before the election,

What kind of girl stays with a man who refers to her as a ‘lash and dash’ anyway? reasons. Catholics, for example, are not allowed to use condoms, and have to rely on the risky calendar method which tells you when a girl is the least fertile. There is the stereotypical view that lots of teenage girls who get pregnant are deliberately ‘planning’ to become mothers. They believe that a baby will improve the quality of their lives. This may be true for some, but most girls who get pregnant do so by mistake. I have a friend who was lured into the bedroom because she believed that her boyfriend loved her. By giving him her body she believed she was making her boyfriend happy. In reality it was just a quick trip upstairs that he wanted. I have been among males and heard the disgusting way they talk about girls and their description of sex: ‘lash and dash’ is the slang for a ‘quick and easy’ girl. “Mans not a sweet boy, innit, we’re not on no long ting, I just tell her what she wants to hear, get my ting den move

the Labour government was setting up schemes to educate kids both in and out of school – something that should have been done earlier – hopefully the new government will continue with these plans. I know young people who have gone through their entire school life without receiving a single sex education lesson. Schools should be determined to teach youngsters about the risks of unsafe sex. Uncomfortable as talking to teachers about sex is, we must be educated, every young person should know how to take responsibility for their actions. Are you ready to face the responsibility of parenthood? Can you give up raving, parties, your life as you know it, to provide and look after another human? I know I can’t. I really don’t think any teenager is ready to be a parent. Once you’re a mum or a dad you can’t go back. Be smart. Use a rubber.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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I AUT TOKNOW

Living with Asperger’s syndrome - Anon Autism is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate with others. I have Asperger’s syndrome, a type of autism. It’s on something called the Autistic Spectrum, which is a gauge for how severe a person’s symptoms of autism are. Those that have Asperger’s typically have high intelligence, more awareness and social skills compared to other autistic people on the lower parts of the spectrum. Despite this, people with Asperger’s syndrome can find social situations difficult compared to a typical member of the public. At first I was seen as just another ‘naughty’ little boy, who would be mischievous and get up to bad things in life. I never thought I’d have some sort of condition. I was diagnosed and spent the following primary school years (Year’s

4, 5 and partly Year 6), being taught at home and in special schools designed for autistic people. The work was very easy and so, at the beginning of Year 6, I went back to mainstream school. At first, that was okay. Most people were kind to me. But everything changed for the worse when I went to secondary school. I’ve been called so many names: ‘retard’, ‘spaz’ and even, ‘f*cking disabled b*stard!’ I was upset and tormented. Secondary school was just like that for the first two years, but when I hit Year 9, things got even worse. For autistic people things will always be tough, but to be 14 and autistic, when teenagers compete with each other when they smoke, drink, have sex, take drugs, vandalise, graffiti, shoplift, well that can be extremely difficult. I feel isolated from the rest of the world, at the bottom of a social hierarchy. It’s like being punished for a condition I can’t help having. I was born with it, or

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at least I think I was born with it. And I’ve tried to fit in, I wear hoodies, I’ve shoplifted, I drink (but I have not

me, not ever, I’m destined to spend a life on benefits, with no partner, no kids. the only thing that keeps me sane is the

For me, being autistic is a curse. I struggle every day. I am a lonely wanderer

done so in a while), I smoked once or twice, I’ve burnt things, I swear, I do all sorts of juvenile delinquent-type stuff, but still I don’t fit in. Everyone just seems to think I’m some sort of retard. I feel left out, unwanted, unloved, generally people are unkind to me, although some do understand my autism, and are nice. I only have one true friend, called Bruce, who is also autistic. He’s two years older than I am, but still, talking to him is like talking to a 5-year-old. I feel that everyone has this view of me, that I’m some freak of nature. I also feel and think that when I’m older no one will employ me. I’d like to go to Uni, and become a Zoologist, and an author of sci-fi novels, but no-one will employ

television, books and music. For me, being autistic is a curse. I struggle every day. I am a lonely wanderer. Is it not rude of me to exist when no one appreciates my existence? So I will spend my life indoors, watching TV, maybe the odd trip to Great Yarmouth. Plus I’m becoming seriously agoraphobic, as well as claustrophobic, and I don’t even feel safe in my own home: once the washing machine was on in the dark, so I turned the switch off, except I didn’t know it was the tumble dryer switch and that came on, so I screamed ‘THE WASHING MACHINE’S CURSED!’ Only someone as retarded and paranoid as me would think a washing machine was cursed. Wish me luck.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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Written and illustrated by Natasha Minto

I become easily stressed when given coursework from school. This affects my behaviour towards people around me as it puts me in a bad mood. It also stops me from making a positive contribution to my work because I feel so stressed out! Please help.

One minute I’m on top of the moon, the next, I’m feeling upset. Even when I have had a really good day, later on I will feel anxious about something, It’s frustrating because I can’t explain why this is happening. Why do I feel this way?

You need to ﬁnd out why you are feeling particularly stressed with respect to coursework. You can help reduce stress level by undertaking relaxation techniques: abdominal breathing, visualisation, have a look on the internet to ﬁnd out how. Also seek support from school; they should have learning mentors, homework clubs, and booster classes. They can help you to plan your work and break it down so that your workload feels reduced and manageable.

It’s important to ﬁnd out why you are feeling up and down. Lots of people feel the same way, and there could be a number of reasons why: hormonal, dietary factors, mild depression etc. Try and think about what was going through your mind when you felt low and what you were doing. This can help to monitor what is triggering your thoughts and feelings. Talk to friends and family about how you feel. If it continues and you are still concerned consult your GP who can help you ﬁnd the help you need.

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Natasha

The Haringey Young People’s Counselling Service provides the answers to the problems featured in Agony. You can call them on 020 8493 1019 or fill out a booking form at www.youthspace.haringey.gov.uk/health

I have always had a phobia of needles. When I was about to have my BCG vaccine in year 11, I felt like crying and running away. They terrify me. How can I face my fear? It is not uncommon to have this phobia; lots of people feel the same way. However, it can be very distressing. It’s a good thing that you want to address your phobia and deal with it because lots of people are fearful of confronting their fears. Seek professional support from school or outside agency i.e. referral for counselling.

Most of my friends who I hang around with smoke tobacco. I sometimes feel rejected as I don’t smoke and am worried that I might lose my friends because of this. Should I smoke too so that I can finally fit in? Well done in managing to resist peer pressure and refrain from smoking so far, it shows your true strength. Smoking is very bad for your health and can lead to various health issues. If they are your true friends they will respect your decision and what is best for you

Everyone’s got problems – see the Directory on page 27 for a list of support services. 11 Exposure_issue_104_edit.indd 11

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Gallery

Liam

Cool Photoshop illustration. Experiment with emo styles.

By Liam McCarthy

Send your artwork to: Exposure, The Bigger Shoe Box, Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfield Park N10 3QJ or email: luke@exposure.org.uk. 13 Exposure_issue_104_edit.indd 13

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Cherice Gosling – healthy, not heavy I’m 15, and I’m on a diet. Huge gasps from everyone I suppose: ‘you can’t diet!’, ‘It doesn’t work!’, ‘Why deprive your body?’, ‘You’ll make yourself sick!’, ‘You really don’t need to!’, ‘Do you want to be anorexic?’ I have been classed as clinically overweight since I was nine. My GP told me every time I went to see her (before I could even tell her what was wrong with me!) According to the NHS, the average

stick thin model (being underweight can be just as damaging to the body as being overweight.) I am going about this in a healthy way: smaller portions, but more often, an hour of exercise three to four times a week. Not quite as shocking as the beginning of the article made out is it? Trying to be a ‘size zero Barbie doll’ and losing weight to become a healthier person are two very different things. Your reasons for losing weight must be right. You can start by making sure you’re doing it for you, and not others. Because that’s where I went wrong the first time I tried. I was convinced that if I lose the

Being healthy now inﬂuences my lifestyle, not boys or stereotypical ideals of beauty life expectancy for females in Britain is around 80.4 years. The National Institute of Health says that being just ten pounds overweight will cut your life expectancy. That’s why I am dieting. It’s time to do something about my weight. I am not prepared to let my life slip away due to something as minor, for me at least, as not eating chocolate every day. Don’t worry, I’m not striving to be a

weight I could shop at all the clothing stores my friends do, boys would be more interested and I could silence those who cussed me. Totally wrong approach! But now I’m back on track I’ve learnt that it’s my body, my health and I’m the only one who can control it. Those other things are not as important as being a healthy person. And stop blaming the supermarkets

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Cherice

and fast food joints for making junk food so cheap and tasty. They don’t make you eat it. And magazines full of pictures of perfect, skinny, pretty people make money in our society, that won’t change. So you have to change if you want to be healthy. I don’t subscribe to clichés like ‘It’s about inner beauty’, ‘You are fine just as you are’, and, ‘Boys want something to hold on to’. Whatever! When did clogged arteries become beautiful? Being healthy now influences my lifestyle, not boys or stereotypical ideals of beauty. Food doesn’t have to be the enemy, but it just can’t be my best friend anymore. By the same token there will be no slimming pills, no laxatives, and no fad diets. Just healthy eating, self-control, discipline,

fat burning workouts and sport activities. It’s about cutting down and not snacking, especially when I’m not even hungry! That way I’ll be able to enjoy the food I like later, and my body will thank me for it by letting me live a full and healthy life. I will lose the correct amount of weight without dry or rough skin, or diz zy spels, or stoma ch cra mps, or constipation; I won’t miss a period or faint in lessons because I will exercise sensibly and eat healthily. I’m not saying that being overweight is ugly or wrong, just unhealthy, and I want to live a full and happy life.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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I was five when I was sexually abused for the first time. Anon Life has never been perfect. Mummy and daddy abused heroin. Mum was especially fond of drinking. Plus she was always moaning that “Someone’s taken my money”. Prescription pills littered the sideboards of the smoke-filled living room; us kids always hungry; the fridge always bare. We were restless, unhappy, but my escape was at my cousin Connor’s house. My dad would take me every weekend and in the school holidays. But even that escape turned into a nightmare… I remember the first time it happened.

to move, and after about ten minutes I wiped my face and went back to the bed. I was desperate to tell someone, but I was worried that I was to blame in some way. I felt I must have done something wrong. Plus I remembered the good things about him: the laughter; the water fights in the summer. He’s family. Despite everything, I still love him. My heart is broken. As I got into my early teens I tried to commit suicide many times: I tried to overdose, and I tried to drown and hang myself, but nothing worked. This made me realise that my life is for a reason. That one day I would be okay. I had no idea when this abuse would stop until my dad had a disagreement with my cousin’s family about money. I’ve never been back there again.

I was seven when he finally took my virginity I was ready to go to sleep. Then I felt a hand creep up my leg and follow through until he got to my knickers. He touched me for a while, and then stopped. Then he said, “If you tell anyone, I’ll slice your throat.” Then he turned around and went to sleep. I cried so much that night. The confusion was unbearable. I didn’t know what had happened, but I knew it wasn’t right. I never mentioned it to anyone. I thought it would be a one off, but the next weekend it happened again. The touching continued every time I stayed there over a two-year period, until things got even worse: I was seven when he finally took my virginity. We were lying there and instead of just touching, he got on top of me, and said, “don’t make any noise and prepare for bloodshed.” I stayed as still as I could. A knife against my throat, palms sweating, heart beating, but I didn’t let him see me cry. I couldn’t. He would never see me break down emotionally again. Minutes seemed like hours, then, like before, he turned around and went to sleep. I got up and went to the toilet and wiped myself. There was lots of blood. Tears stung my cheeks. I was too scared

Eventually I realised that what happened wasn’t my fault, and I needed to talk to someone. I opened up to my older sister and it felt so good to get it out. I went through countless police interviews and sexual check ups, but he didn’t get convicted. The case didn’t even get to court. There wasn’t enough evidence to charge him. But the people around me believed me and he isn’t a part of our lives any more. His image still haunts me to this day… I have nightmares and hide if I see anyone who looks like him in the street, but I am so much stronger now. Rape is never your fault, but don’t make the mistake I did and blame yourself and suffer in silence. Find someone you trust, and speak out as soon as you can. Remember to hold yourself with dignity; no one can take that from you…x Visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk further advice and guidance.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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for

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A WAY

Haydon

Haydon KnightHarry escapes the gang life for good

I was stuck. It was time for me to make my choice: either get out of this gang life or be stuck in it forever. I needed to make a change. Could I do it? I used to be a video game freak. I would spend all day with a control pad in my hands. I was beginning to spend too much time inside. I realised I had to get out and do something active. I

but every time I saw my gang friends I would get sucked back into it. I went to friends that weren’t involved to get advice, but I didn’t get the help I needed. I couldn’t bring myself to talk to my family because I knew they’d either shout at me or be ashamed. It took a long time to realise that the help I was looking for couldn’t be found with my friends, family or any other person, the answer was deep inside me. For a long time it felt like I was never getting out, that I was stuck in this gang lifestyle forever. The people around me put me down, and made me feel

I would spend all day thinking about reppin’ worthless. I felt a bit numb at first then, and fighting started going out to the park and playing football. It wasn’t long before I started to mix with the wrong crowd. We’d go to the park for a kick-around, but end up talking about gangs and who’s doing what to whom. People were becoming seriously interested in the gang lifestyle. I was one of them. I kept my gang life a secret because I didn’t want my family to get worried or upset. However, keeping things inside has a way of turning around on you. My mum and siblings saw how I was acting strange. I wouldn’t talk to anybody. I was eating little and sleeping less than I ate. I didn’t pay attention in school; I would spend all day thinking about reppin’ and fighting. But I noticed how bad things started to come back around on me. I would get into fights with people I had beaten up previously, or other people from other gangs would come and start on my friends just for knowing me. It was starting to get on top of me. I kept telling myself that I wanted to make a change; there were times when I even did change, 20

and eventually, I felt nothing at all. My brother, even though he didn’t know about the gangs, always told me to get involved in something positive, but I didn’t listen to him, nothing helped, and I couldn’t see how I was going to get myself out of gang life. My saviour, unexpectedly, came through religion. I decided to turn to Christianity because I found the advice and guidance at church helped me where other help had failed. I used the guidance from the Bible to help me become strong enough to leave the gang behind. There’s a way out of most difficult situations if you have the right guidance. Whether you’re a Christian, Buddhist, Sikh or have any other faith, you can always turn to your God because he always has the answer and he always helps you; it might not seem like it at the time, but the answer will come eventually. I’m glad I’ve finally been able to put gang life behind me and let it rest in the past. I’ve moved on, and I’m now only interested in good things and positivity.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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OUT...

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SHE AUT Reanne Holland finds genius in autism

A teacher in my primary school was the first person to notice that there was something ‘wrong’ with me. I didn’t talk to other students. I was generally quiet, and I had trouble making friends. Instead of communicating verbally, I would try to make myself understood physically. I would point at or touch things rather than saying what I wanted. It’s hard to explain, but it felt like I didn’t have the words inside my head to express myself. I was eleven when I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism. According to The National Autistic Society, ‘autism is a lifelong developmenta l disa bility th at affec ts th e wa y a person

communicates and relates to people around them. People with autism have difficulties with every day social interaction.’ There are four different types of autism: Classic or ‘Kanner’ Autism, Pervasive Development Disorder, High Functioning Autism, and Asperger’s syndrome. Autism often comes with other disabilities. It’s common for autistic people to have dyspraxia, which is a condition that affects coordination, something lots of people in society take for granted. In my case, dyspraxia affects how my brain plans a task before my body completes it – I find running upstairs difficult as my brain thinks I’ve reached the top of a staircase even though there is one step left. I fall over and hurt myself quite often. I’ve also been known to walk into doorframes and tables as well! I also have dyslexia, which most people know, is when a person finds reading, writing and spelling difficult. This affects me when it comes to reading exam papers. I don’t understand them, so

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2 KNOW Reanne

I have an adult assistant to read them for me, and to write my answers. I get extra time if I need it as well. Speech and language problems are also common for someone with autism. I can’t pronounce some words properly. I find it hard to say words like ‘swiss roll’, ‘worry’ and ‘cereal’. I used to get

second. I began to be able to think for myself with confidence. Being autistic can actually be a good thing. Through writing this article I found that it’s widely accepted that both Albert Einstein, who’s ‘e=mc2’ is perhaps the most famous mathematical equation ever written, and Isaac Newton, who

I made a lot of friends there. We were treated as people first and autistic second. depressed when I was younger because I was unable to communicate with other young people like everyone else. Lots of people with autism get bullied because of their difficulties communicating. However, autism isn’t the worst condition to deal with. I don’t tell people that I have autism when I meet them for the first time; they might assume that I am stupid and talk to me in a patronising way. I use to go to a youth club designed for children and young people with autism. This was meant to help me to relate with other people with this disability. It did help for a few years, but I outgrew it as some staff members continued to talk to me like they did when I first attended. I was also attending a summer school for teenagers with autism, which was more suited to dealing with my particular type of autism. The staff communicated with everyone as if we were ‘normal people’. I made a lot of friends there. We were treated as people first and autistic

discovered how gravity works, had either High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s. Both were geniuses that pushed the human race forward. So it’s with this in mind that I aim to be successful. It may be difficult for me to communicate sometimes, but I believe that the condition I have can be a gift rather than a curse, and that I can leave the world a better place than I found it.

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

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what’s by Natasha Minto

EXPOSE YOURSELF “Young people are voicing the issues that concern them, issues that adults find difficult to discuss. It’s not just sex, drugs and alcohol. There are moral questions, unique perceptions of global events, and challenges to the daily prejudices young people face. Young people won’t simply disappear or change their views to be more convenient. We have taken the first step. Now it’s your turn.” Ellen Davis-Walker, 16, Hornsey This summer, Exposure is giving you the opportunity to express yourself effectively using words, images and film. You can also take part in Exposure’s Media Award programme that is recognised by international award body, ASDAN. Exposure is open to all young people aged between 13 and 19 who live in and around Haringey. To get involved contact Flo or Gary on the information pictured above.

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Natasha

THE RIGHT COURSE TO TAKE Haringey Summer University is back and bigger than ever. It is packed full of hundreds of different courses for you to take part in. Summer Uni is all about providing participants with ‘taster workshops’ designed to encourage the development of new skills and interests. And there’s something for everyone – all the popular courses have been carried over from last year, and there are some new ones too! Each young person can choose up to four courses to attend (although each is subject to availability so book early). To ﬁnd out what’s available, visit:

www.youthspace.haringey.gov.uk

A SHED LOAD OF TALENT Aged 11 to 18? Are you interested in the performing arts? Want to learn what it takes to see a stage production through to its end? Want to be on stage in front of a live audience? Haringey Shed’s Summer Theatre is back, and is the perfect place for you! Haringey Shed’s Summer Theatre is a course of workshops that take place at Haringey Sixth Form Centre, and run from Monday 9 to Thursday 19 August. There are then two performances of the production on 21 August at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre. There are still places left so contact Lucy Clark ASAP on 020 8365 5454, or lucy@haringeyshed.org to avoid disappointment.

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Not so United Kingdom. Dami Atkinson

WHEN THE WIND BLOWS THE TOXIC WASTE IN THE STREET SHOWS WE SWING LOW IN THIS NOT SO UNITED KINGDOM WE LIMBO TO THE UNDERGROUND THAT THE FIENDS GO TO THE JUNKIES THAT LOVE THE DEEP SNOW UP AND DOWN DAYS LIKE A SEE-SAW A STABLE ECONOMY THAT WE WISH FOR AND DID WE ALL PRAY FOR PEACE WITH EACH DROP OF RAIN WE SEE BUT THE SUN SEEMS TO NEVER SEE US NOW WE LIVE COLD WITH A STONE ISLAND SLEEVE ON BUT WE KEEP STRONG THE MESS WE MADE IS BACK WITH A BIG STORM NOW TELL ME IF THIS IS A UNITED KINGDOM OF A DISEASED STEADY FLOW

If you would like to see your poem published, please send it to editor@exposure.org.uk or post it to the address on page 2

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