Children First - Feb 2014

Westminster

childrenfirst Your magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s services

Win a family ticket to Wicked!

Become a foster carer Supporting young people into work

Issue 20, February 2014

Dear Parent or Carer,

Grow your own, at home Children love the outdoors and are endlessly fascinated by things that grow. Exploring living things stimulates children’s creative thinking and instils a sense of awe and wonder. And the best thing is that you don’t need a garden or much space to explore growing at home.

One of our Nursery Managers, Kyrstie, shares some of our favourite activities at our nurseries that you can try at home.

Sprouting beans

uple Give your child a co an be d oa br of pea or p po em th let d pods an t. ou s an be d an as the pe w ho t Talk to them abou peas the pods keep the d an fe sa and beans e ar ey th ilst warm wh w fe a ep Ke . growing one peas and beans to others side and cook the th to make a salad wi d an int some fresh m pty em an e lemon juice. Lin en ch kit e m so bottle with maining roll and push the re wn beans and peas do and t the sides. Keep mois d an s ot watch for new ro ar. pe shoots to ap

Flower pressing Visit your local Westminster park or hunt in your garden for some pretty flowers that are ok to pick. At home, place them between tissues and insert into a heavy book to press.

After a few weeks, open the book and look at how the flowers have changed whilst they’ve been in the dark.

Use the pressed flowers to make pretty greeting cards or bookmarks.

re

atu Make a grass cre

seed and soil. equal parts grass Fill an old sock with th an elastic wi n sed or faste clo p to e th w se r Eithe d keep moist, ck on a foil tray an so e th ep Ke . nd ba the grass starts over water. Once to t no re ca g kin ta d beads and es of the sock, ad growing out the sid ture. mplete your crea stick on eyes to co

Home grown green hair Take a close up photo of your child’s face, print it and stick onto the outside of a yogurt pot or butter tub. Scrunch up some tissue or cotton wool, moisten with water and put in the pot. Sprinkle on some cress seeds and watch as your child grows some wild green hair!

Once grown, they can snip it with scissors and add to a sandwich or salad as a snack.

Colouring live flowers

Add a few drops of food colouring to water in a vase before puttin ga few carnations in. Ch eck every day with your child to see what happen s when the flowers suc k up the water.

For more green fingered ideas and activities, join us at your local Family Fun Day. Details at www.leyf.org.uk The London Early Year’s Foundation (LEYF) is the UK’s most well-known and respected childcare social enterprise, providing day care and parenting support to a diverse mix of families in 25 community, workplace and Children’s Centre nurseries across six London boroughs.

We have 14 nurseries in Westminster, visit www.leyf.org.uk to find your local nursery.

It’s time for the next youth elections and I would encourage all young people to get involved and vote.

I am proud of what I have achieved in my time as a Youth MP and I feel I have raised the profile of the role of Youth MP. In November I addressed the Full Council meeting and talked about the opportunities that mentors can offer young people. After talking and working with decision makers at the council I feel that young people are now contributing more to decisions that affect their lives.

In the future I would like to see all young people, whatever their ability, achieve their full potential. All young people can contribute to society in a positive way. I feel that I have worked hard to challenge the negative perception that some of the media promotes about young people. The majority of young people work hard and contribute to their local community and volunteering is a great way to do this and it also gives young people skills that are essential for any career.

There are many opportunities for young people to do things in Westminster. We have fantastic sports facilities, parks and some of the best schools in the country. Children and parents are given the opportunity to take part in fun and educational sessions, as well as physical activities, to help children get healthy and active, such as the Westminster Mile happening this May. Blerta Berisha Youth MP Westminster

Contents outh MP 5 Y elections 6

8 10

Kickstart your

family’s healthy lifestyle

Become a

foster carer

What’s on

Offers, 12 discounts and competitions Develop your 14 skills through volunteering 16 17

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Registering to vote

Run the

Westminster Mile

Advice for

teenagers

If you know someone who would like to sign up to receive Children First, please ask them to send their address details to childrenfirst@ westminster.gov.uk

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014 3

ADVERT

The latest news from around Westminster

NEW

S

Work skills for school leavers After a successful pilot we’re rolling out our Employability Passport program across our schools. The programme prepares school leavers for the working environment through workshops and projects which help children in Years 7-11 develop skills that will make them more appealing to employers. The workshops complement traditional forms of learning and are part of a wider drive to reduce the number of school leavers who do not go into education, employment or training.

Space to start your own business Maida Hill Place is a new community space which is available to hire. Whether it’s for parties, events or meetings the space aims to support local enterprise and those looking to start their own business. It is a great place to run or test a business or concept idea without the overheads that a normal business set up would incur. For more information about the venue and hire costs visit maidahillplace.co.uk

Council’s new website Look out for our new look website. We are launching a new and improved website which helps you find the services and information you are looking for quickly and easy. There will be more transactions you can make online and we will be continuing to add more features over the next few months. Visit westminster.gov.uk

Bodyscience workshops BEANii, with support from the Welcome Trust, are offering Victorian drama bodyscience workshops to primary schools in Westminster. Aimed at Years 4 and 5, the 4

workshops give children the chance to take part in science demonstrations to increase their science knowledge and learn about the heart, as well as develop their confidence and skills

through drama workshops.

If you know of any school that might be interested in a subsidised workshop please contact wendy@beanii.org or for more information visit beanii.org.

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

A voice for young people

Vote by 16th March

Mahda Omer has been Deputy Youth MP for Westminster for over a year. With this year’s youth elections around the corner she tells us why she is passionate about getting young people involved in politics.

“I really want to raise awareness of politics among young people.

In my role as Deputy Youth MP I give talks, host discussions and encourage people to talk about issues faced by young people.

“Although I don’t want to have a career in politics I do want to take action on issues such as tuition fees and finding a job. I also want to change the perceptions of young people amongst older people and the media, which are often quite negative when actually we are involved in lots of positive things such as volunteering. I think all young people should get involved in politics, it affects you in every way so you need to get involved.”

Care about issues affecting young people in Westminster?

During February and March young people who live, study or work in Westminster and are aged 11 – 19 can vote in the Westminster youth elections. To read the candidate’s manifestos and vote online visit westminster.gov.uk/youthelections

GET YOUR OPINION HEARD Who will represent the views of young people if young people don’t vote? Only 44% of young people voted in the last general election and decisions about things that affect them will be influenced by others, don’t let them speak for you. Make sure the views of young people are heard, register to vote, visit changethingsnow.co.uk Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

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Helping families stay healthy Making sure your family stays healthy can be difficult.

KickStart is a free healthy lifestyle programme offering support around healthy eating and physical activity to families.

Sultana Ahmed and her son Mahir, 10, were referred to the KickStart programme after Mahir started to gain weight.

10 week nutrition and activity programme for 6-12 year olds who are over a healthy weight, and their parents or carers.

For children 2-6 year olds a six week programme, Mini KickStart is available.

To find out more visit

clch.nhs.uk/kidsdietetics, or call 020 7641 7471.

Sultana said: “I really liked the fact that KickStart was something Mahir and I could do together. During the sessions, we would spend time with a dietician learning about one topic – healthy food alternatives for example – and then we would all take part in an activity on what we had just learnt.

“I found the programme excellent. I thought I knew a lot about the right things to eat and what to feed my family but I learnt things I had never thought of before.

but now I know what everything means so I can make informed choices when I’m at the shops. I’ve used what I learnt from KickStart to make small changes, such as buying low sugar drinks.

“I found the programme excellent. I thought I knew a lot about the right things to eat and what to feed my family but I learnt things I had never thought of before.

Label reading was particularly fascinating.

I didn’t really know what to look for before

“For us, the programme was such a big help. Both of my children have lost weight and I’m more aware of what they are eating and what makes a healthy diet. I have already shared what I learnt with family and friends.”

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KickStart is a

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

Make a Smart Swap Can you sign up to swap one thing every day for a healthier option?

Visit Change4Life to register and find ideas, suggestions and support.

change4life.co.uk

This Easter you and your family can take part in KickStart Xpress, a weeklong KickStart programme Date: Monday 14th April – Thursday 17th April Time: 10am-1pm Venue: The Stowe Centre, 258 Harrow Road, W2 5ES To book on the course contact the KickStart team on 020 7641 7471.

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

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Become a foster carer

If you would like to talk to us about fostering or have any questions please contact us on: 0800 169 3497 email: fostering@rbkc.gov.uk or visit us at our next fostering events:

By becoming a foster carer you are providing a child with a stable and loving home at a time when they need it most.

We are looking for caring people to take on this important and rewarding role and help families.

Shaun Peare and his wife Pat have fostered 27 children in the last 13 years and were recently awarded the title of foster carers of the year in Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea.

them as part of the family but the time will come when another path will open up for them but the rewarding part is knowing you have been lucky enough to help each child to have a positive future.

“I feel lucky to be part of a child’s life.

To pass on whatever skills and advice I can along the way. I decided to foster as I was adopted when I was 18 months old and I understand the importance of stability in a child’s life. I also felt I’d got to a place in my life where I could help pass on the love I received as a child to help kids get from A to B. I see us as providing a stepping stone in their lives and during this transition we provide security and stability to point them on the right road.

“It’s a pleasure to watch them mature properly and see them achieving their goals. We have been doing it for so long it has become part of us. Many of our foster children have stayed in touch and let us know how they are doing, we receive so many cards on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the postman must find it a bit strange!”

25th February, 10am-12 noon Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU 26th March, 6-8pm Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP 9th April, 10am-12 noon Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU 24th April, 6-8pm Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP 7th May, 10am-12 noon Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU 29th May, 6-8pm Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX For more information visit westminster.gov.uk/fostering

“The main skills you need to be a foster carer is being organized and of course have a love of children, the love of the child is paramount. However, you do have to realise that fostering is basically a job, you can’t look at the child as if they are your own. It’s important you see

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Westminster City Council shares its fostering service with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

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Spring activities for children and young people

Monday To Friday Play Projects Time and date: 8.30am-6pm, 24th-28th February Age: 4-11 Venue: Sussex Street Play Project, 3-13 Sussex Street, SW1V 4RZ Bayswater Play Project, Shrewsbury Road, W2 5PW Wilberforce Play Project, Wilberforce Primary School, Beethoven Street (entrance on Kilburn Lane), W10 4LB Cost: £24 per day, £12 for each additional sibling.

Concessions may be available

020 7641 1107/1183

There are plenty of fun things to do in Westminster this half-term Multi-sensory and soft play Time: 9am-6pm Age: 0-5 Venue: Moberly Sports and Education Centre, Kilburn Lane, W10 4AH Cost: £2.10 with a Westminster City Save card, £2.50 without

020 7641 4807

Tuesday 18th February

Monday 17th February

Wednesday 19th February

Music and movement Time: 10-11am Age: 0-5 Venue: The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU Cost: £1.50

020 7222 0303

Girls Football (Chelsea Kickz) Time: 7-8pm Age: 12-18 Venue: : Bramwell, Churchill Gardens, SW1V 3DS Cost: Free

07894 937496

Boxing Time: 5.30-7.30pm Age: 11-14 Venue: All Stars Boxing Club, 576 Harrow Road, W10 4NJ Cost: Free 020 8960 7724 Jungle madness craft Time: 2.30pm Venue: Marylebone Library, 54 Beaumont Street, W1G 6DW Cost: Free

020 7641 6200

Thursday 20th February Children’s yoga Time: 11am-12noon Age: 2-16 Venue: The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU Cost: £5 per family 020 7222 0303

Friday 21st February Parkour/Freerunning Time: 6.45-8.45pm Age: 8-19 Venue: Academy Sport, Westminster Academy, Torquay Street, W2 5EZ Cost: Free

020 7121 0642 Multi Sports Time: 5-7pm Age: 14-19 Venue: Moreton Street Pitch, Moreton Street, SW1V Cost: Free

There are over 100 hours of free sport for young people aged 8-19 year olds every week westminster.gov.uk/active

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Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

Story time for young children Time: 3.45pm Venue: Marylebone Library, 54 Beaumont Street, W1G 6DW Cost: Free

020 7641 6200

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

For the latest updates visit westminster.gov.uk/ inthecity or call the Family Information Service on 020 7641 7929.

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A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE

offers and discounts for westm inster residents

Free Swimming Offer: Stay active this half term. With an ActiveWestminster card under 19s can enjoy free swimming at any of the council’s five swimming pools.

How to claim: Apply for a free ActiveWestminster card at westminster.gov. uk/activecard or apply at your local leisure centre Venue: Various, please contact your local leisure centre westminster.gov.uk/active

Offer: Experience a 2 ½ hour Harry Potter walking tour and river adventure into the magical world of wizardry in London.

How to claim: Download a voucher from westminster.gov.uk/citysave.

How to claim: Show your Westminster City Save card. Advanced booking required.

Book online using code: WESRES20 or call 0844 2471 007 quoting WESRES20.

Venue: In the ticket hall at Westminster tube station next to the lift by exit.

0844 2471 007 Britmovietours.co.uk

30% off Crazy Chimps soft play Offer: Let your children unleash their wild side at Crazy Chimps soft play suitable for children aged 3 months – 13 years. While your little monkey is busy, treat yourself to a drink in the café, haircut or even a manicure.

How to claim: Present your Westminster City Save card upon arrival, if booking in advance quote CitySave.

020 3583 4040 crazychimps.co.uk

DON’T HAVE A CITY SAVE CARD? DON’T MISS OUT – SIGN UP TODAY! Enjoy fantastic offers and great savings on Westminster’s leading attractions with our resident discount card. To apply, register online at westminster.gov.uk/ citysave or call 020 7641 6000 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm). Sign up to our e-newsletter and get offers straight to your inbox.

Terms and conditions apply. visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave for full details.

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Offer: Take a friend and your toddlers along to a classical music concert from Bach to Baby, the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, tots, and carers. Children go free.

How to claim: Quote ‘Westminster’ when booking, must present City Save card prior to payment.

Venue: Covent Garden, St. John’s Wood and Pimlico. Check online for full details of dates and locations.

Free cycle training

2 for 1 Harry Potter walking tour

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

WICKED

2 for 1 classical concerts for tots

Offer: Build your skills and confidence in your bicycle on this four day course. Training is all off road and complete beginners welcome.

Date and time: 14th-25th April, various times please check website.

How to claim: Places must be booked online at westminster.gov.uk/vfm.

Venue: Academy Sport, Westminster Academy, Torquay Street, W2 5EZ. 0845 373 0337

WIN four tickets to see Wicked in London’s West End. Wicked tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two girls and their extraordinary adventures in Oz. Packed with technical wizardry, dazzling costumes and an ingenious story, Wicked is not to be missed!

How to enter For a chance to win this prize email: childrenfirst@westminster.gov.uk stating WICKED along with your name, home address and telephone number. You can also send a postal entry to: Children First competition, Westminster City Hall, 18th Floor, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. Competition closes 31st March.

Terms and conditions: Tickets are subject to availability and are valid for a Monday–Thursday 7.30pm or Wednesday 2.30pm performance only. Valid from 2nd June-17th July, excluding 23rd June-3rd July. The recommended age is 7+. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged.

10% off ‘The Tiger who Came to Tea’ Offer: Based on the picture book written by Judith Kerr. This delightful family show is packed with oodles of magic, singalong songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of this classic tale of teatime mayhem.

How to claim: Quote ‘TEATIME’ when booking on 0844 412 4661, must be booked before 28th February.

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

Free group music workshop Offer: Free interactive family music workshop with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, inspired by the centenary of World War One. Open to all music abilities.

How to claim: Places must be booked in advance, call 020 7641 4263.

Date and time: 29th March, 10.15-11.15am (early years), 11.30am-1pm (primary age) Venue: Westminster Music Library, Victoria Library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9UD.

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g n i r e e t n u l o v h g u o r h t b o j F i nd a 31 NOMINATE BY

ST

Mentoring and support from Volunteer Centre Westminster can help young people find, and get, their dream job.

Many young people struggle to find work after finishing their education and volunteering is a great way to build up skills and gain experience in different places of work. Adam Sharif, 20 and Chaima, 21, have both seen the difference the support from volunteering programme VolEmploy has made and now have found full time employment.

Adam says, “Since I started volunteering I’ve become very confident and feel positive in finding a job in the retail sector with the help of my mentor. She has mentored me with my CV and cover letters, and in answering online application questions. I have had help to reach my fullest potential.”

Chaima says “I have developed the skills I need to find jobs.” I am now more confident and understand what employers are looking for. When volunteering at Westminster Volunteer Centre I’ve seen how my mentor, Samia, can interact with diverse age groups; I think this is a very import quality to have.

I definitely think that younger people should join the project, if I knew about it earlier I would have definitely joined.”

Youth VolEmploy scheme helps young people into volunteering and also provides support from a volunteer mentor, who can help with CV writing and interview skills, giving people the confidence they need to get working. To find out more visit volunteer.co.uk/youthvolemploy

NOMINATE MARCH YOUR LOCAL HERO

If you know someone who makes a difference in people’s lives or an organisation dedicated to helping the community, here’s your chance to say “Thank you”. Nominate them for a Westminster Community Award.

“The best thing about volunteering is seeing how it benefits others” Nellie Khossousi, 17, winner of the 2013 Westminster Community Award for Young Volunteer.

To find out more about the awards and categories visit volunteer.co.uk/awards The Westminster Community Awards are organised by Westminster City Council and Volunteer Centre Westminster. To nominate, visit volunteer.co.uk/awards or write to Volunteer Centre Westminster, 4 Sutherland Avenue, London W9 2HQ. Nominations are open now.

lunteering vo y n a d n e m m reco I would definitely ely rewarding. For me, the best em it because it is ex tr cing the impac ts ti o n is g n ri e te n ity lunteer at a char thing about volu Khossousi, 15, vo as d. ol ar ch aw Ni h rg bu le op s Duke of Edin has on other pe shop as part of hi 14

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

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Make your opinion heard Sara Batista, 19, is a spokesperson for Change Things Now, a new London wide campaign which encourages young people aged 17-24 to get their opinions heard, by registering to vote at changethingsnow.co.uk “None of the political parties represent who I am. Politicians either represent the super rich or the unemployed, not working class people like me.”

“As a young person leaving care, once you hit 18 the state doesn’t have to engage with you. You’re on your own. Most children aren’t kicked out of their biological parent’s homes when they’re 18, or they at least get some love and support from their parents. As a care leaver the state has been the only parent

I want the Government to think about children in care

I’ve known, so I don’t think it’s fair that I have to make my own way now.”

“No party represents young people in my situation. No one wants to hear my voice. So I’ve decided to register to vote to get heard.”

Only 44% of young people voted in the last general election, by registering to vote and taking part in elections, regardless of what you do with your vote, you are getting your opinion heard. Register today, visit changethingsnow.gov.uk

Westminster

Mile

Run the most famous mile in the world The Bupa Westminster Mile is back on Saturday 24th May. Register now to run, jog or walk the most famous mile in the world.

Last year, Christine Arkam, 44, ran the Bupa Westminster Mile with her son Red, 10, and daughter Anissa, 8.

“I was already training for a 5k charity run when one of my friends said

TELL US YOUR OPINION AND WIN AN iPAD Make sure the views of young people are heard, register to vote.

We’ve made it quicker and easier, visit changethingsnow.co.uk

BU PA WESTM I N STE R M I L E Saturday 24th May 2014 How to take part: There are race categories for all ages and abilities, just choose the one that’s best for you and your family.

Register to race, visit bupawestminstermile.co.uk Entry is £7 for Westminster adults, £5 for 17-9 year olds and free for under nines.

The Bupa Westminster Mile is organised by the London Marathon and Westminster City Council in partnership with Royal Parks

she’d signed her family up for the Westminster Mile and thought it might be a good bit of practice. Red plays football and Anissa plays netball so they were quite happy to join me.

“The whole event was fantastic. We went along and raced with friends then had a picnic in St. James’s Park afterwards. Having the race on our doorstep and a number of other facilities like the Queen Mother Sports Centre and Pimlico Academy makes it possible for us to do whatever sport and activities we choose. As long as we give it a go, that’s all that matters.

“We’re really proud of our medals and will definitely be taking part again, along with all our friends who heard what a great time we had last year.”

Got an opinion? Enter your opinion about what you want banned, legalised or the Government to do, at changethingsnow.co.uk by 28th February and you could win an iPad. Terms and conditions apply.

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Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

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Supporting children with disabilities Looking after a child with severe disabilities is challenging but to help families cope there is a range of support available for families with a child whose disability has a significant impact on their day-to-day lives.

Services available: amily support – assessments F and ongoing support for families enefits advice – information B and advice about applying for disability benefits ssessments, aids and equipment to A help children live more independently ehavioural support in the home for B families experiencing difficulties managing their child’s behaviour

Courts Law Public Courts of of Law Public Tour at the Tour at the Royal Royal Courts of Justice Courts of Justice Try the Judge’s chair yourself this half term

hort term breaks – care for a S disabled child to give parents a break from caring I nformation and advice to help parents access local and specialist play services irect payments advice to purchase D services and support yourselves.

These services are for children with severe disabilities and to access these services you must be referred by Children and Community services. For more information call 020 7266 7112 or visit wesminster.gov.uk/youngpeople

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Head to the Royal Courts of Justice for some hands-on family fun in this new and interactive public tour – perfect for curious minds of all ages!

Call 0207 947 7047 to book Visit www.nccl.org.uk/rcjtours Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

Advice for teenagers Getting young people into work From help with their interview skills to connecting young people to local employers, services across Westminster are supporting young people to move into employment.

When 17 year old Dareena Kasim left college she knew she wanted to work withRoyal children. But a long and frustrating Head to the jobJustice hunt left her feeling defeated.

Courts of for some hands-on “I wasn’t getting anywhere with my job family fun in this so in the end I just gave up. new and search interactive six months after college feeling public tourI spent – perfect bored for curiousreally minds of and doing nothing. Then all ages! I found out about Westminster Works through my local youth centre.

“Once I’d signed up, Westminster Works helped me with my job search,

Westminster Children First, Issue 20, February 2014

working through my applications with me and pointing out the bits in my CV that I could improve. In less than a month I had a job as a nursery nurse.

“I feel so much happier now and I’m learning so much. The days are quite busy but it’s worth it to see the children so happy. I enjoy it so much, I even miss it when I’m not there. It sounds crazy, but on the weekends I’d rather be working!”

For more information on jobs and training support for young people, as well as health, housing and other local services across Westminster download our handy guide, The Little Book of Westminster, visit westminster.gov.uk/findingwork

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