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WELCOME Welcome to Xplode Magazine. Xplode is published by Youth Leads UK - the charity that gives young people like you the opportunities, information and guidance to better your chances in life. We have trained young people in media and business skills and have given them the opportunity to showcase their writing, photography and management skills in this magazine. We’re not just a magazine either - we train young people across the UK in how to get jobs. From searching for a job to smashing the interview, we’re there every step of the way. Because of this, we’re a registered charity helping thousands of young people across the UK. All of our volunteers take pride in what they do and we are so proud to have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen who gave us an award for what we do! To learn more, join the team and donate, check out our website youthleads.uk

VOLUNTEER VOICE Izzy - “I have really enjoyed the volunteer programme, it has helped me to develop my writing skills and has also given me insight into various careers that I didn’t know much about”. Maia - “I really enjoy volunteering with Youth Leads - they have taught me things that will help me in the future”.

DISCLAIMER Youth Leads UK, registered charity 1155789 strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information. If you have seen any mistakes or anything that you are not happy with then please email us: info@youthleads.uk All information is correct at the time of print and any unauthorised copying or reproducing of Youth Leads UK’s content will constitute an infringement of copyright. Youth Leads UK and Xplode Magazine 2020-21. All rights reserved. CONTACT DETAILS Youth Leads UK Miller House, 47-49 Market Street Bolton BL4 7NS E: info@youthleads.uk T: 0330 1200 619 Search ‘Youth Leads UK’ on Socials

Enjoy the magazine!

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SINCE LAST TIME... FREE MASKS

SELF-ISOLATION 12 SCHOOLING

To help tackle covid, our team handed out over 1,000 free face masks to young people who couldn’t afford their own

FEATURED FASHION

PICK OF THE PODS

RECIPE FOR OAT MILK

CHILDREN IN NEED

One of our funders is BBC Children in Need and as part of Children in Need week, our volunteers appeared on BBC News sharing our story

PLANTING TREES

We think it is important to contribute to the environment. Our team planted 100 trees as part of the Climate Fightback at the Young People’s Forrest.

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT BLOSSOMS By Abigail Derbyshire

We’ve all seen the posts. From Ellen DeGeneres crying in a house most of us could only dream of affording, to Vanessa Hudgens making insensitive remarks over an Instagram Live to endless covers of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’. Many celebrities seem to be doing everything to convince us we’re all in the same boat – and not a lot to help people cope with the crisis.

While ‘Blossoms in Isolation’ shows an understanding of the situation, it also proves something more: regular life isn’t impossible. Music can still be made, art can always be created and, most importantly, celebrities can do more. We can only hope that more stars catch on to the trend. Until then, listen to ‘Blossoms in Isolation’. I can confirm you won’t regret it.

Blossoms, an indie quintet from Stockport, have done what most other celebrities are treating as impossible and continued to make music during isolation. With a live album already recorded and released in July, they have taken to releasing it by a song per week, creating a consistent stream of new music for fans and making isolation that little bit less boring. On top of this, they’ve also begun work on a new EP released in the same way titled ‘Blossoms in Isolation’. ‘Blossoms in Isolation’ is a collection of the songs and covers that Blossoms have recorded whilst separated in isolation. Each member records their section of the song alone before they are edited together to create the full song. There’s no ‘Imagine’ here – while the members are all self-confessed fans of the Beatles and John Lennon, they instead opted for a cover of ‘Paperback Writer’, a relief for anyone who’s spent more than five minutes on social media over these last six weeks. Accompanying ‘Paperback Writer’ is a version of Blossoms’ song, ‘My Swimming Brain’, a cover of Tame Impala’s ‘The Less I Know the Better’ with Miles Kane and a cover of ‘Lost’, originally by Frank Ocean.

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MENTAL HEALTH THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC PEOPLE AREN’T TALKING ABOUT By Maia Cobain

Too many people tread lightly around the topic of mental health like it is a taboo subject. But your emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing is just as important as your physical wellbeing. All aspects of your well-being go hand in hand and everybody across the globe, no matter our background, is affected by them. It can be tough to maintain a positive physical and mental health in these current times due to the Coronavirus and its negative impact on our daily routines. Here are some of the ways I’ve helped put my mental health first: ● Spending less time on social media ● Talking with friends and family more ● Reading a book ● Talking to a helpline ● Maintaining exercise

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Mental health can leave us feeling depressed and anxious. Sometimes, we feel isolated, and you may struggle to want to move out of bed. We need to highlight the importance of good mental health and do more to make sure ourselves and the people we care about are coping throughout such an uncertain time. There are many ways to talk to somebody about feeling down, and there are many different online websites and helplines that you can talk to. Here’s one: Young Minds- this website allows you to call if you need someone to talk to, and they also have online workshops to help yourself and the others around you. If you are feeling down, speak out.

WAYS TO EXERCISE, EXPLORE AND ENJOY YOUR LOCAL AREA

It’s easy to forget the world we have on our doorstep. Thanks to social media, we can easily see images and stories from all over the world: beautiful places with gorgeous weather and stunning scenery. But unfortunately, we don’t all live on the Norwegian fjords or the Caribbean coast. But with a little work, it’s possible to find some beauty (or at least some green space) in your local area! By Jack Murden

1. Get good with Google maps For me, Google maps has been a vital tool indiscovering my local area. It’s a great way to be able to see large areas of land quickly, and it can show you where there are patches of green for you to explore. Zoom out from your home, and I bet you’ll be surprised at the amount of green you can see! Zoom in and look for paths – Google marks out some, others are visible using satellite view.

2. Get a bike - or dig that old one out of the shed

A bike is an amazing way to get out and about. When walking, you can cover about 3-4 miles in an hour, without stopping. In contrast, I can cover 7-8 miles on a bike in the same time – a huge difference that opens up a whole new range of places. For me, a bike has made the difference from going to the same three or four areas just out of town to being able to get almost anywhere I want without worrying about how long it’ll take!

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3. Appreciate your surroundings

Nature is beautiful, whether that’s a small strip of trees between some houses or a wide expanse of rolling hills under a summer sky. Rather than concentrating on your larger surroundings, think about where you are right now. Appreciate it all – from the shapes and patterns of the trees to how the sunlight plays across the ground. Take a moment to stop and listen for birdsong. Watch for insects or birds. If you can fully appreciate everything that’s around you, you will get so much more out of your local area.

5. Engage with nature

While you’re out and about, you can step into the world of other species. Learn to identify the different animals and plants around you. Take photos or draw pictures of what you have seen. Watching other animals go about their daily lives, is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, as well as providing huge mental health benefits. If you can get to know the animals that call your local area home, you’ll be able to enjoy it even more!

4. Don’t be afraid

Before going out to explore; I often spend a long time searching for routes and paths to take. But sometimes I find myself worrying “what if this path isn’t there anymore?” (trust me, it’s happened before) or “what if I get lost?”. With google maps available almost everywhere, getting lost is quite difficult, there is always a way around! It’s always important to stay safe. It’s this philosophy that has helped me get out and about recently – if I mess up, I’m not exactly in the middle of nowhere.

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WAYS TO BE PRODUCTIVE DURING LOCKDOWN

2020 has been a crazy year! At a time where uncertainty is at an all-time high, it is often difficult to muster even an ounce of ‘get up and go’, at least that’s been my experience so far! With GCSE’s cancelled last summer and constant changes in restrictions, I struggled to motivate myself and put a positive spin on the current climate. I needed a change! Here are five ways to be productive during lockdown, which will hopefully help you put a positive spin on life under lockdown! By Megan Valentine

1. ROUTINE.ROUTINE.ROUTINE

One of the first steps to making life feel a little more normal is routine. Add in some time for self-care – want to read that book? Want to watch that movie? Make time to appreciate the small things. Make time to enjoy yourself! Whether it’s getting all your work done, so you have time to relax at night or making an effort to eat healthily, make a change – no matter how big or small!

2. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

This is easier than it sounds. Over the last few weeks, I have been tutoring students who are struggling to cope with the lockdown—giving someone a hand when you can, will go a long way in times like these. Call a loved one. Check-in on that friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Go for a socially distanced walk with a relative. Make time for others - it will be appreciated!

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3. TIME = £££

I have had a small business selling things that I made like hand-painted bottles and tealights for two years now, but only ever really dedicated time to it at Christmas. Well, it’s now or never! Setting up a Facebook page and putting aside time to help my business grow has been worth my while and honestly, I couldn’t recommend it enough. It doesn’t have to be a business either! Sell those clothes or books you have been meaning to get rid of. Have a go at some online surveys, or even perfect your CV. Time dedicated to your future will be worth it in the long run.

4. GET CREATIVE

5. HAVE SOME FUN

Last but not least – DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN. Do what you love. Read that book. Watch that film. Bake that cake. Host that dance party in your room. Laughter is seriously the best medicine. Whatever you want to do to fill the time, do it while you can. Enjoy it! I hope this helps you all to put a positive spin on your experience in lockdown. Maybe in 50 years, you will look at the role we have played in history and smile at the opportunities it has given us. Community. Family. Friends. Togetherness. Stay positive!

Being creative has so many benefits. It reduces stress, releases happy hormones, and you can keep whatever you create. Have a go at painting, drawing, planting flowers or making a collage. Just try! Anything you fancy could help waste a few hours in lockdown. It’s great to get family members involved, encourage your siblings to join in. This all helps to make it more enjoyable, and it can be productive as well!

@YouthLeadsUK

APPS TO KICKSTART YOUR ETHICAL LIFESTYLE

Global Warming is rising, and young people are fighting back. With climate school strikes and more, many of us are just beginning to realise how our current habits are hurting the earth. Shopping ethically is a great way to start, and below are some of the best apps on the market to help you! By Rosaleen Tite Ahern

Good On You

Many of us like the idea of shopping ethically, but we have no idea which brands are good or bad. Well, rest easy with the Good On You app! Good On You rates all popular fashion brands based on their treatment of people, plants and animals, and compiles lists of smaller ethical brands. So, you can shop familiar or try something new with all the right knowledge at your fingertips..

Tree App

Ethical Businesses? Discounts? Trees? Sign me up! The Tree App is involved in hundreds of tree planting projects across the world. You choose a location to plant a tree, and a small ethical business covers the cost, and in return, you are shown their advert, which comes with a discount code. Itâ€™s a win-win situation!

Too Good To Go

Every year in Britain 100,000 tonnes of unsold food is wasted. Too Good To Go has set about solving this, whilst treating you to tasty bargains. Thousands of Supermarkets, Restaurants and Cafes have signed up across the UK. They will offer any extra food at a significantly reduced price to anyone who has the app and gets there in time. Save the environment, eat well, and help local businesses - all at a low price! 10

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Faer

Faer is a must-have for fashion lovers. They have collected all the best looks and brands from the internet into one place. You can search for a brand, a look, or a specific item such as a blue top or grey leggings. You can also take pictures or screenshot a thing you love, and Faer will show you something identical from an ethical store. It’s super easy to use and guarantees sustainability in all featured brands, so you can do good and look great!

These apps show just how easy it is to shop more ethically. So whether you’re starting from scratch or are a bona fide eco-warrior, give them a download and kickstart your ethical shopping experience!

Tree Clicks

Sometimes ethical brands just aren’t for you! Maybe they cost too much, or there’s one item you just LOVE from a fast-fashion brand. This is where Tree Clicks comes in. Tree Clicks is partnered with over 50 thousand businesses online. It’s an extension add-on which you download to your browser, and when you visit partner stores, it uses the money they’ve been given from ad revenue to plant a tree. Essentially, you can plant a tree just by shopping online! Partners include Amazon, Asos, eBay and Topshop. Search online for a link to download.

@YouthLeadsUK

SELF-ISOLATION SCHOOLING We’re all getting to grips living with ever-changing tier rules and lockdowns, but one thing has been made clear - schools and colleges are staying open! Here are some ways to help improve your communication to make the most out of schooling in self-isolation. By Taha Khan

Pay attention during class

Most people ignore this advice and don’t realise that you might be switching off part-way through a lesson! Think about it; if you pay attention to the teacher and engage in your classes and, when the class is over, you will have a clearer understanding and will have better exam revision tools ready for your mocks and exams. How to help concentration: ● Drink plenty of water

Ask someone for help

If you have trouble understanding the topic or need help with anything else, ask your teachers or your classmates. Teachers and classmates will be more than happy to help you, as it will also help your classmates solidify their learning. During lockdown, you can email your teachers which is a great and helpful resource for students with low confidence levels as you won’t feel pressured or anxious about speaking up in front of a group of pupils.

● Get a good night’s sleep ● Do a short amount of exercise in the morning

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Stay organised and focused

When you go to study or revise, make sure you have all your materials and notes with you to minimise disruptions in your studying time, helping you focus your mind on the work in front of you rather than what you forgot or canâ€™t find and try and plan your week aligned to your school timetable.

Donâ€™t cram information or multitask

Remember sitting down and cramming in lastminute revision notes will not help you in the long term. It can cause burnout and lowers your productivity levels! Similarly, being too lenient and using your phone or watching tv while revising will take your focus away. Doing this can potentially make you recall something unhelpful during an exam, e.g. music lyrics. Put that phone down, switch off that TV and put effort into your education.

Practice Past Paper Questions

At the time of writing this piece, exams in England were still going ahead. Past paper questions allow you to see what the real exam will be like and provides a clearer understanding of the content. Doing the questions timed will be even more effective, as it will allow you to improve your exam techniques. If you ask your teacher to mark it or use a mark scheme, it will provide you with what you need to do to improve so that you can smash your real exams!

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BLACK IS BEAUTY. BLACK IS POWERFUL.

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For almost half a millennium, black people have faced oppression, taken away from their homeland and been forced into slavery, leading to their identity and everything in which they carried themselves in was stripped away. They were seen as nothing, their beauty and power physically and mentally were gone, but I’m here to tell you about the beauty and power of being black. Black people have been ridiculed for the way they look and the way they perceive themselves. Our hair has been a huge part of our heritage and has played a massive role in black history because back then hairstyles could indicate a person’s family background, tribe and social status and also during slavery it was used as a way to transport and hide food. So, the saying goes “it’s not just hair to us” because our defined curls, beautiful afros, dreadlocks, and the ability to style our hair in several ways tells one big story of black power. And if you are reading this do not feel pressured to straighten or pour chemicals that could be damaging to your hair, leave it, let it be and express your authentic blackness.

to have big lips, and also people now love being tanned, this just goes to show that we set the trend naturally, but it is only accepted when it is not from black people, but it is us that are the roots. The melanin Kings and Queens of this world beauty of being black not only comes from our looks but from our heritage and even though it is hard to look back hundreds of years and see black people being dehumanised and mistreated like a piece of nothing we gain strength and hold our head up high and never take what we have for granted because it wants for eminent figures of the past who fought for our rights and expressed black is beauty so that people like me can tell the importance and the remarkable history of black power. By Tumi Jaji

Another thing black people have been ridiculed for is having darker skin and the fact that being a lighter shade would be seen as desirable since history has shown and proven itself time and time again but let me tell you something: our skin LITERALLY GLOWS no matter where we are but especially in the sun, and I am so grateful that the melanin Kings and Queens in this world see their skin as authentic thanks to black is beauty. Black people have also been targeted from having big lips and noses, but at the end of the day, we can’t help the way we are made and our genes. It’s so ironic how black people were made fun of having big lips, and now lip fillers have become a thing. Everyone desires

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TRENDING: BLACK CULTUREBLOSSOMS

How much do you know about some of the items of clothing and jewellery that you wear day-to-day? Many modern-day fashion trends originated from or were made famous by black culture. How many are you aware of? By Izzy Brennand

Hoop earrings

Hoop earrings originated in Africa, dating back to the fourth century in what is now Sudan, making them one of the oldest fashion trends alive. They were popularised in the 1900s and played a part in the black power movement of the 60s as a symbol of self-love for their Afrocentric beauty. Nowadays, it is worn as an everyday fashion accessory by many.

Bucket hats

Oversized clothing

Oversized or baggy clothes first featured in the 1920s after the First World War. However, the style was adopted amongst skaters and hip-hop artists in the 1990’s. This fashion trend became a symbol amongst the minority ethnicities regarding cultural awareness and freedom. Oversized clothing has recently become more popular globally due to its comfort and has developed into a modern-day fashion trend.

Bucket hats became popular in the 1900s as a functional item for fishermen. However, in the late ’70s, they developed into a fashion statement surrounding hip-hop. This item challenged the ideas of what was appropriate for the young black community, but later developed into a ‘ravers’ hat and is now recognised as a popular fashion item.

Nails

Modern acrylic nails are less than 70 years old, and while they are not a black invention, black women played a large role in the growth and popularisation of them. For a long time, black women with acrylic nails were mocked and seen as ‘trashy’ and ‘ghetto’, as understated nails were a marker of privilege and wealth. However, stars such as Lil’ Kim popularised these and for many, they are now an everyday staple.

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Lettuce hem

African American designer Stephen Burrows invented the lettuce hem in the ’70s. He loved exaggerated stitching and early on in his career was recognised for his signature zigzag stitching. Burrows used more black models than any other designer in the ’70s and often showcased his lettuce hem. Today, a lettuce hem is a trendy finish for tops and skirts.

Trainers

Whilst trainers were not a black invention; trainers made the transition from sportswear to a form of cultural expression for black people. They then became an established trend in the ’80s during the rise of hip-hop culture, which was closely followed by Michael Jordan’s ‘Air Jordan’ shoe line in 1985. By the start of the 2000s, trainers were a worldwide fashion item and have been popular ever since. Take a look in your wardrobes. Do you own any of the items on the list? Researching fashion trends can be eye-opening – you might learn something new!

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FEATURED FASHION

Team Credits: •

Fashion Editors: Zahra Khan and Maia Cobain

•

Photographer: Leah Peploe

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Makeup artist: Tasnimah Taiyba

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Models: Isabel Brennand and Christian Omotayo

Christmas morning is so exciting, and you can perfect your Christmas morning candid’s wearing these patterned pyjamas! Pyjama Set Boux Avenue - £25

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We contrasted Red and Blue pyjamas to show any colour can be Christmassy as long as there are some Christmas patterns! White T-Shirt – ASOS £7 Pyjama Trousers – Next - £16

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Red is the classic Christmas colour and we think it goes great with any look! Red Check Shirt – River Island - £28 White T-Shirt – ASOS - £7 Black Jeans River Island - £30

Tweed Dress – I Saw It First - £22 Black Tights New Look - £4.99 Red Ankle Boots New Look - £29.99

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Red is the colour of attraction, and it definitely shows here with this check shirt that commands the Christmas cheer in the room. Paired with a white Tee and black jeans to complete the smart casual vibes - a smart casual look thatâ€™s on point!

Make a statement with these red boots. They are the perfect fit for an elegant and festive outfit. Here they are paired with black tights and a tweed dress which make for the stylish look. These could also be paired with some snazzy jeans for a warmer feel.

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Keep the warmth in and the cold out in these cosy winter outfits. Teddy coats not only look good but are super warm. Pair with chunky boots to complete the winter vibe! Camel Teddy Coat – New Look - £39.99 Black Jeans - Topshop - £39.99 Hat - Pretty Little Thing - £12 Boots - Asos - £35

A puffer coat and a pop of khaki will keep you looking cool and stylish this winter whilst staying warm. Khaki Fleece – New Look - £19.99 Black Jeans - River Island - £30 Black Puffer Coat - ASOS - £60

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Tasnimah has generously volunteered her time as our make-up artist for over two years now. She’s worked her magic on the Xplode Magazine fashion shoots and really made our models glow! We talked with Tasnimah who spilt the tea on what it’s like working as an MUA!

What interested you to get started as a make-up artist? When I was 13, I was FINALLY allowed to wear a bit of eyeliner and mascara to school… I loved it! That’s when I realised, I wanted to work on my make-up skills and progress further. When I went to college, I took the plunge and started doing make-up for my friends and family. My passion for being a makeup artist grew from there! What’s your favourite make-up look to do? As much as I love using colours and being creative with makeup, my favourite makeup look is a soft glam. You have the ability to enhance someone’s beauty from within – it’s such a fulfilling feeling! What’s your favourite make-up product? It constantly changes as make-up is always evolving! My current top three is: the Huda Beauty Loose Setting Powder, the Ordinary Full Coverage Foundation, and the Tarte Shape Concealer (a long-time favourite of mine!). @YouthLeadsUK

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? I typically go with the flow. I hope that within the next five years, I’m in a position to open my own salon and provide other budding make-up artists and stylists with the opportunities to showcase their work! What 3 tips would you give to someone who wants to get started in the make-up industry? Be patient! Things might not always go to plan. Continue to work hard and you’ll see the results. Do your research when it comes to building your kit, you’ll save yourself a lot of pennies! Investing in make-up and building your kit will be very expensive and will take time, so make sure you know what products you’re purchasing. Lastly - enjoy yourself! There aren’t enough words to describe how it feels to have your hobby turn into a career path, and there’s nothing to stop you from achieving it!

GEORGIA-RAE, THE OWNER OF BARE. Their products are all vegan, all natural and all loving to the skin and hair. We spoke with Georgia about her very inspiring journey with BARE and what she has accomplished! Edited by Zahra Khan

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What was your inspiration / the story behind Bare? BARE began five years ago… I just didn’t know it. In the midst of battling with severe hormonal acne, I began creating my own blends of all natural ingredients to help ease the inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Within the space of 3 months I was acne and scar free. Fast-forwards to 2020, a time that has made everyone rethink the pathway of their life, I decided to make BARE a reality, our first product being Face Skin Hair (the magic blend of ingredients that saved my skin). Nine months on and BARE has become a brand cornering a niche in the Natural Skincare Market. Tell me a bit about the products you have launched so far and which is your favourite product. We have an array of Face Scrubs, Face Masks, Lip Products, Serums, Cleansers, Shampoos, Conditioners, Moisturisers, Body Scrubs and Body Washes. Having a favourite product is like having a favourite child! I couldn’t possibly choose, however, what I will say is that not a day goes by where I don’t use Dewy Drop Serum, it is a product I just simply couldn’t live without. I use it in replace of a moisturiser twice a day. It keeps my skin supple and hydrated, glowy not greasy and intensely nourished. It is definitely a BARE Essential. I also LOVE the Body Buffer, it leaves my skin feeling unbelievably soft and it smells simply divine. Who doesn’t adore the scent of organic strawberries? What is unique about Bare? BARE is the only Skin and Hair care brand with only FIVE ingredients in every product. It is currently the cleanest brand in the Natural Skincare Market.

What challenges have you faced when setting up Bare? Setting up a new business always poses challenges, whether it is financial, administrative, promotional or just teething problems. I have encountered them all, what is important is how you push through and demonstrate perseverance and resilience. Most new businesses dissolve within the first two years of trading, it is important to remember nothing worth having ever comes easy and quitting is never an option. What empowers you as a young black female with your own business? Knowing that I am inspiring other young females, particularly Black females is one of the driving forces behind BARE. I am honoured to be providing the younger generation with insight into what is possible when you believe in yourself and apply dedication and determination. Paving the way for people of colour is something that will never feel like a task, rather a duty. Where do you see Bare in 5 years’ time? My goal for BARE is simply to provide high quality, clean beauty to the masses, in turn becoming a market leader amongst other successful Natural Skincare Companies. I hope to have a chain of BARE stores across the UK in particular, advancing into other locations as the company scales. Finally, if you have one piece of advice for young people wanting to start their own business – what would it be. Conduct yourself and your business with integrity always – The clean hearted always come out on top.

What successes have you had so far on your journey with Bare? I believe the most rewarding feeling is selling products and getting returning customers. Knowing that customers trust and love my brand is the biggest success and encourages me to keep pushing forwards.

@YouthLeadsUK

CORO-NO VIRUS? Coronavirus (COVID-19) has swept the globe and changed all of our lives in less than a year. The virus has devastated societies around the world and has seen billions of people following their countries’ government lockdown rules. Unfortunately, our circumstances will remain the same if people continue to ignore vital advice, for example: failing to isolate from others when showing symptoms and not wearing face masks in public areas. Simply put – I think that there is a lack of seriousness towards the severity of the pandemic. Here are three ways in which YOU can deal contribute a positive change, get help and change lives. By Abdul Hadi Faruqui

1. Cover your face in a public place!

Wear your face mask in public places to show that you not only care for your well-being but those around you. Many people are wearing cloth masks in attempts to stand out or look ‘cool’. Cloth masks have proven to have the highest infection rate compared to other masks, especially medically approved masks which have a whopping 95% chance of viral protection. Tell your friends and family to swap the recommended surgical masks to prevent the spread of the virus this winter! Once you’re done with your mask please be responsible and throw your mask in a bin and not on the floor to help reduce risk to our environment.

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2. Dealing with loss

Many of us have sadly lost someone close to our hearts since the pandemic began - something which can be extremely difficult to come to terms with. Kooth.com is a great support network which provides you with helpful articles and tips from young people. Kooth has other great resources, including a daily journal that you can track your feelings or emotions, an excellent method towards moving forward and getting back to your daily routine. I’ve benefited massively from using Kooth’s website throughout my own experiences, and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s suffering loss throughout this uncertain time to try it out.

3. Use your voice!

Some of the time, Government guidance has been confusing, and it hasn’t been easy for us to understand what we should (or shouldn’t) be doing throughout the pandemic. You can make a difference with your voice in a socially distant and safe way. You can join the thousands of people who want to see positive change across the UK by signing petitions towards a cause that you feel passionate about at Gov.UK. The pandemic has shone the light on poverty in our country something that Marcus Rashford tackled with his campaign. Maybe you could set up a campaign on something that you are passionate about. This pandemic is far from over, especially if we don’t follow our local guidelines. We’ll try and keep you up-to-date with the latest rules on our socials, @YouthLeadsUK. Let’s use all our might and fight for what’s right!

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HIGHLIGHTING YOUTH SUCCESS Monty The British Citizen Youth Awards is a national recognition of extraordinary, everyday young people for doing exceptional work. ‘For the Good of the Country’ is written on each medal of honour and it is only presented to a small number of exceptional young individuals annually. One of the recipients of this prestigious award is Montgomery Lord, a pupil at St Joseph’s RC High School in Bolton. Known as Monty, he is recognised for his voluntary work within the community and has helped raise awareness surrounding current national and international issues. Monty was a vital part of setting up the UK charity Young Active Minds. As an ambassador, he shares new and effective learning techniques with other young people! He received the award in a surprising manner, to explain he said ‘I was totally shocked. The messages were very heartwarming. It was as much as a surprise as the award was itself.” As well as this amazing work, he wrote a 55,000-word thesis around the impact of using technology before bedtime and this year he conducted another fascinating piece of research into the effects of Coronavirus isolation on the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families. The findings were shared with the University of Manchester and presented during an NHS England Webinar.

Helena Another young star to give recognition to is fifteen-year-old Helena Flanagan, recognised for her outstanding voluntary efforts by GM Moving. The avid tennis player, who picked up a racket at the tender age of just 5- years-old went on to play for her region by the age of 10. Unfortunately, the expenses associated with the sport resulted in a short-lived career for Helena. However, she was determined to transfer her skills from one sport to another, which is when she found her calling in netball. Upon noticing her natural talent, coaches promoted Flanagan to competing against 16-year-olds, whilst she was only 12! It’s fantastic to recognise Helena for her sporting prowess, however, this article recognises the young talent for her contributions on the sidelines, to helping others have as much fun as she does in playing sport. “I decided I really wanted to help others when I got to high school” Helena explains, and went on to say how her teachers at St Joseph’s RC High School identified her athleticism as an advantage towards aiding other pupils in getting the most out of their PE lessons by passing on her knowledge and wisdom. The teen has recognised the challenges and difficulties brought on by Covid-19. As a result, she has made sure, her siblings and friends have all been coping the best they can by hosting Zoom sessions to take part in fitness and coaching classes in an effort to encourage positive physical activity and mental health. “Sport makes me happy, but helping others find their passion for activity makes me even happier… I think it’s really important to do what makes you happy.”

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BLM FOR A REASON By Mohammad Faizan Shareif

We are always faced with arguments surrounding topics such as racism, religion, and gender. Racism has become more politicised after the death of George Floyd, and as a result, has shone a brighter light on the Black Lives Matter movement. The movement has spread across the globe and made history in the US as one of the largest protests. Racism in a lot of ways is like a pandemic: it can spread from one individual to another quickly. There is currently another ongoing global pandemic – COVID-19. Unlike racism, COVID-19 can affect anyone, regardless of the colour of your skin and comes with a range of symptoms, whereas racial discrimination is spread through peoples negative opinions and perceptions leaving people with symptoms of uncertainty about their self-worth. It’s tragic to see that people are willing to risk theirs, and others’ lives through protesting in large numbers when a global health pandemic is circulating. However, it’s fully understandable that minority communities want equality for themselves and for future generations. There are many ways in which we can stop the spread of coronavirus whilst also annihilating racism. Firstly, you must follow the instructions @YouthLeadsUK

of the government. They are listening to scientific experts who want to keep our country as safe as possible. If you are unsure of which restrictions are specific to your local area, go to www.gov.uk where you can find all the necessary information. There are also many ways in which we can make a positive change to the Black Lives Matter movement from the safety of your home. Firstly, you can write to your local MP to raise awareness about the issues you see within your community. Secondly, another important solution towards raising awareness from home is to sign petitions regarding the Black Lives Matter movement. This is a safe and effective way in which you can introduce positive change! Finally, you can donate to charities like Youth Leads UK who help young people from all communities step up, get their voice heard and influence change in the community. Be the change in your local community to make the world a better place. Be thoughtful in your attempts to create positive change. Follow the guidelines in your area and protest peacefully from the comfort of your home. Black Lives Matter, and now is the time to let the world know!

INSPIRATIONAL BLACK WOMEN WHO MADE HISTORY

Mae C. Jenkins Credit: Time Magazine

In healthcare, entertainment, politics and more, black women throughout history and around the world have made remarkable contributions to society. Here are just a few incredible black women to be inspired by. By Miriam Oronsaye

Wilma Rudolph: The worlds fastest woman 1940-1994 In her early years, Wilma Rudolph was paralysed by polio and contracted both scarlet fever and double pneumonia. However, by the time she was 12 years old, she became able to walk again and took an interest in athletics. Wilma was the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field team aged 16, winning a bronze medal in the 400 x 100-metre relay in 1956. Four years on, she competed again at the 1960 Olympic Games, where she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field at a single Olympics, earning herself the title “the fastest woman in the world”. Mae C. Jemison: The first black woman to go to space 1956-

Marsai Martin: The youngest executive producer in history 2004- Marsai Martin had an early start to her career at the age of 10 as an actress, playing the role of Diane Johnson on the popular TV comedy ‘Black-ish’ in 2014. Since then, she has starred in productions such as “Little” by Universal Pictures. Martin then became an executive producer at the young age of 13, making her the youngest executive producer in history. Martin has also received numerous awards and nominations, including three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Mae C. Jemison is an African American astronaut who, on September 12 th , 1992, flew into space aboard the Endeavour on mission STS47 and became the first African American woman in space. Mae Jemison is not only an astronaut: she is also a teacher, engineer, physician and the founder, and president of two technology companies. She has also written numerous books and appeared on many television programs, including an episode of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. 30

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CORONAVIRUS

GOT SYMPTOMS?

GET TESTED HIGH TEMPERATURE OR NEW CONTINUOUS COUGH OR LOSS OF TASTE OR SMELL? No one in your household should leave home if any one person has symptoms. Find out how to get a test, and how long to isolate, at nhs.uk/coronavirus

PICK OF THE PODS By Charlotte Fletcher

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Now more than ever, it’s vital that black voices are not just heard, but listened to. So, here are some of my favourite educational, yet entertaining podcasts which shine a spotlight on black stories. The Hurricane Tapes The story of Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter – the boxing champion falsely convicted of a 1966 triple murder has been told countless times before. Bob Dylan immortalised it in his song: Hurricane. Hollywood transformed this tragedy into a blockbuster movie. Now, the BBC World Service are trying to piece together the full story together of the Hurricane in this compelling new podcast: The Hurricane Tapes. Bringing together interviews from those involved in the case and recently unearthed recordings of Carter himself, The Hurricane Tapes recount not just the events of that fateful evening in 1966, but also the racial attitudes which led an all-white jury to condemn Carter for a crime he didn’t commit.

Have You Heard George’s Podcast? Have You Heard George’s Podcast? was the definitive winner of the 2019 British Podcast awards, bagging five gold gongs and two silvers. When you hear it, you’ll understand why his podcast has commanded the attention of so many. With its innovative blend of music, poetry, drama and current affairs, “Have You Heard” offers a unique insight into the mind of its creator: a spoken-word artist called George the Poet and the world around him. Taking on topics such as slavery, blaxploitation and the fraught relationship between the black community and the police, George’s Podcast tells the stories that few dare to speak, with a panache only a few podcasters possess. The powerful twoparter about the Grenfell tragedy is a mustlisten.

About Race In her 2017 book: *Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, journalist Reni EddoLodge critically examines Britain’s complicated relationship with race. She takes the conversation further by utilising her 2018 podcast: About Race. In the nine-part series, Lodge dissects culturally significant moments in recent British history with input from critical voices surrounding anti-racism activism. The death of George Floyd propelled “Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race” to number one in the UK book charts – making Lodge the first-ever black British author to top the chart. If you’re looking out for great material to become better educated surrounding Black Lives, the About Race podcast is a great place to start.

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DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ! DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Dylan Martinez Credit: Reuters

Whilst the Black Lives Matter protests have attracted a lot of positive actions, like educating ourselves more, signing petitions or sharing our stories on social media. It’s also essential we recognise another vital lesson: not to trust everything we see online. It’s easy to believe that what some media might publish to be accurate because it wouldn’t be allowed to be published… right? As we have seen during the Black Lives Matter protests, many photos made the front pages of newspapers. Unfortunately, some tabloid newspapers tried to use this as a means of attracting more viewers by creating shock and disbelief. Every story has two sides, and unfortunately, some newspapers choose only to tell one side and add fuel to an already burning fire of racism and discrimination. However, we must educate ourselves on the other side of each story by doing further

research. For example, a newspaper used an image of a violent encounter between a black man and a white man, giving no context to the situation of why this was happening. On first look, it is easy to be influenced by this. However, what was not shown in this newspaper was the image above, demonstrating a black man was helping a counter-protester to safety. Considering both these sources, it indicates the negative, onesided message some newspapers wish to send out. A lesson we all must learn from this is to take the time to educate ourselves with reliable sources Just because it’s on the internet, it does not mean that it’s legitimate. By Megan Valentine

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FASCINATING THINGS ABOUT AFRICAN CULTURE African culture is truly mesmerising. It can be expressed through art, music, fashion, food and much more!

The Cuisine

The continent of Africa is home to a variety of delicious, mouth-watering foods. There is a significant number of well known dishes that are eaten in Africa, a notable recipe being Jollof Rice. Jollof Rice is a spicy African dish that originated in West Africa in countries such as Nigeria and Ghana, and it includes a range of vegetables, herbs and rice. Plantain – a fruit belonging to the banana family are also hugely popular across Africa.

The Hair Styles

Have you ever wondered how black women have such soft, luscious natural hair? There are different types of hair. Most black women have type four hair which is coiled hair, forming very tight curls. Other black women prefer to wear protective hairstyles to prevent shedding and breakage. Protective hairstyles include Box-braids, Bantu knots, cornrows and many more. The origin of box braids can be traced back hundreds of years. Box braids weren’t just considered a style, but a form of art. Many African tribes used unique, braided hairstyles as an identification method amongst tribes. Braid patterns and hairstyles were also used as an indication of a person’s age, marital status and religion.

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African Fashion

A wide variety of African clothing is made to stand out from the crowd, making use of bright colours and striking patterns. A famous piece of clothing is the Dashiki; this is a colourful loose-fitting garment. Head Wraps are also very popular amongst women in African countries and have been worn for many years as a fashion statement. They are also used for religious reasons, and older married women traditionally wear them.

The Music

Music in Africa is seen as very important as it connects the people within the community. Drumming is used in traditional African music as drums hold much more significance. In western culture, drumming is just seen as a part of the entertainment. However, drums in West Africa were even used as a form of communication between different tribes.

INTRODUCTION TO:

ACTION FOR CONSERVATION

Earlier this year, we collaborated with volunteers from Action for Conservation on a writing workshop. The topic of the workshop was food waste and sustainability. Action for Conservation’s vision is a long-term belief in the wonder of the natural world amongst young people, which will shape their dreams and actions however their life turns out. UK Wildlife has suffered significant damage over the past 40 years with over 50% of species now in decline. Surprisingly, 52% of the UK population are unaware of the threat to biodiversity in the UK. The mission is to bring the magic of nature into young people’s lives, inspiring a youth movement committed to conservation and the earth.

These included audience, headlines, style, tone of writing and our CEO’s 10 top tips for writing. The workshop ended with a great opportunity, to send in their articles and be in with the chance of being featured in this magazine! We received some remarkable articles, and we picked the following pieces as the winners, not only are they fantastic, but they can help us live more sustainably starting with the smallest change!

With our motivated group of young people and a few productive hours in the workshop, some great writing pieces were created. We provided the most useful advice from our experienced young people and went through some key points. 36

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SWAPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE SNACK

Palm oil has been and continues to be a major driver of deforestation of some of the world’s most biodiverse forests, destroying the habitat of already endangered species like the Orangutan, pygmy elephant and Sumatran rhino. By Yasmin Morgan

None of us wants to be part of a food chain responsible for destroying rainforests, but how do we replace it? It’s easier than it seems - with far more sustainable items hiding behind big brands. It’s competition time!

Meridian Magic

Nutella has finally met its match: Merdian. With a variety of spreads and kinds of butter, including chocolate, Meridan’s the stuff to spread on your toast!

Battle of the Breads

Us Brits adore bread, 99.8% of us buy it! Iceland appears the top dog, having removed palm oil from their own-brand foods. But Iceland’s statistically one of the least visited supermarkets, so Warburtons wins this race; almost all of their products are palm-oil free.

Koyo’s Convenience

Nestle’s Negotiation

There’s a multitude of palm-oil free chocolate out there, but it’s always expensive and never in shops. The next best thing is an affordable brand that you can easily find in most shops, and they are committed to the RSPO (The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil aims to transform markets, making sustainable palm oil the norm). Nestle is that brand which fits perfectly!

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We all have instant noodles in our cupboards, the simple snack everyone loves. Palm oil is roughly 20% of the weight of one pack, by Koyo have got it covered. Affordable, free-from palm oil, noodles found in the ethical aisle, or on Amazon!

Marvellows Mornflakes

Whether its breakfast or a quick snack, cornflakes are a muchcraved item. With big brands like Kelloggs using palm oil, Mornflakes are found hiding at the back of the shelves, but these oats and cornflakes are the final swaps for sustainable snacks!

Take Action: Save Millions of Tonnes of Food Going to Waste By Hemlata Pant Britain is a country famous for food - we host the exceptional ‘Great British Bake Off’, we have perfect pies and fantastic fish and chips - all diverse culinary treats. But is there anything ‘Great’ about the 4.5 million tonnes of food that we as a Nation throw away? You simply cannot think that the pressing issue of food insecurity, coupled with grotesque levels of food waste, will not affect you. 1 in 8 people will go hungry today! How far away are you or your family members from experiencing food poverty? We see the consequences of this around us every day, from education performance levels to acts of shoplifting to feed innocent children.

Intertwined with food poverty is the systemic failure from us and our duty towards children who have nothing. Plenty of people blame a combination of the government and spikes in austerity, which results in grocery shoplifting. However, the power of the people, specifically young people is undeniable. It can’t be ignored any longer. We can all take something from Malala Yousafzi and Great Thunberg - the need to act!

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Join me in supporting FareShareâ€™s #feedpeoplefirst campaign. Without donating, you can share their campaign on social media, organise edible food waste collection and redistribution in your community or challenge yourself to go food waste-free!

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Take bold action to make a real difference - even whilst sitting at home. I urge you to donate to FareShareâ€™s coronavirus crisis response and let your money go to increasing the efficiency of their services and creating a positive change we would like to see in the world.

Recipe for Oat Milk: The Cow’s Milk Substitute We Should All Be Drinking I can almost guarantee you’ve heard of oat milk, the dairy milk substitute sweeping the nation. If you haven’t, it’s simple. This “magical” mixture of rolled oats and water seems to be offering a way out of our dairy environmental catastrophe. By Dom McWilliams

Dairy farming is the largest part of the agricultural sector in the UK, worth 3.8 billion pounds. Cow’s milk helps make a great cuppa or bowl of cereal; I do admit. But most of us aren’t aware of the cataclysmic environmental effects of our morning coffees!

According to BBC’s Climate Change Food Calculator, drinking a single glass of milk every day for a year contributes to 229kg of your greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to heating a house for 36 days. As well as this, you are using 45,733 litres of water. To think this is what the majority of the population is consuming, if not more; it is pretty shocking. As a nation, we must change to an alternative, and there are many to choose from. You have soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, almond milk, and many more. However, none of these beat oat milk. It uses three times fewer resources than cow’s milk does. Additionally, oats can be grown in the UK with minimal space and contain few allergens. But the best advantage, in my opinion: it tastes incredible along with its thick and silky consistency, which brands like Oatly profit from.

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There is, however, a drawback. Oat milk can be EXPENSIVE. This is why people are put off; they don’t need an “expensive vegan alternative” when they could just have cheap, yummy cow’s milk. Well, I have a solution: oat milk is incredibly easy to make at home. I have never even baked a successful cake before, yet I manage to make oat milk. For the price of usual rolled oats, water, a fine strainer, and some other optional sweeteners, you can have a bottle for yourself. It’s almost suspiciously easy, which we all need right now. Try it yourself using the recipe below.

Soak 1 cup of rolled oats in ice water for half an hour.

Strain and pour the oats into a blender, along with 4 cups of ice water

If you don’t like unsweetened milk, for natural sweetening, you can add a date or maple syrup.

Blend for 45 seconds (don’t worry if it isn’t fully smooth).

Strain the mixture, leaving the pulp behind using a very fine mesh. A “nut milk bag” is most commonly used, which you can buy in shops or online. Alternatively, you can experiment with a cheesecloth/old t-shirt or towel.

That’s it; you’re done! There are lots of tutorials online, but I found this method super easy and doable. Enjoy your home-made oat milk!

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YOUTH LEADS’ GUIDE TO GETTING INVOLVED! You’ve read a tonne of fantastic, compelling and engaging articles all about the Black Lives Matter movement written by our outstanding young volunteers. Now, it’s your turn to contribute to the positive changes happening every day in our society! Here is a list of places you show your support through donations, petitions and/or taking part in events:

STOP HATE UK

BLACK GIRLS BRUNCH UK

Stop Hate UK is a charity providing independent support to those affected by hate crime. This charity was founded in direct response to the murder of the teenager Stephen Lawrence. The charity also delivers support projects.

This is an events organisation which devotes its time to empowering professional black women towards feeling less alone in their industry. The money raised goes towards hosting more events made up of guest speakers, workshops and much more!

Website: https://fnb.cc/stophate

Website: https://fnb.cc/bgbrunc

STOPWATCH UK StopWatch UK is a national research organisation which aims to promote fair and effective policing. Created in response to the rise in stopsearches, the charity works to inform the public about the use of stop and search and provide essential legal support. Website: https://fnb.cc/sw

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SUSPEND UK EXPORT OF TEAR GAS, RUBBER BULLETS AND RIOT SHIELDS TO THE USA This is a petition to freeze all policing and security equipment export licenses to the US. This petition was created in response to the shocking images of police brutality and excessive force used against the Black Lives Matter protesters in Minneapolis.support projects. Website: https://fnb.cc/export

ANTI-RACISM EDUCATION TO BE COMPULSORY IN UK SCHOOLS This petition came to light after #blackouttuesday after Liv Parker, the creator of the petition realised that much of what we’ve learnt about racism in the UK had not been taught at school. Liv believes that all people should be taught to respect one another from an early age, the history of racism and why it should be altogether intolerable. Website: https://fnb.cc/racism

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BATTLE RACISM BY UPDATING GCSE READING LISTS Focusing on the UK education system, the creators of this petition want The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla and Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni EddoLodge added to the GCSE reading list. The creators argue for the importance of these being added to the curriculum, saying “Education is where it starts… school is where minds are opened and where we should grasp the opportunity to teach students about diversity”. Website: https://fnb.cc/education

ARE YOU 14-24 YEARS OLD?! Joining Youth Leads gives you the chance to develop your skills, realise your potential and create positive change in your community!

Across three months, youâ€™ll create a magazine, write articles, and plan the delivery of a social action project to make things better in your area. Find out when weâ€™re recruiting on Twitter or Instagram @YouthLeadsUK @YouthLeadsUK