From the day of birth to the day of death it is always one step at a time. The next journey. Every day is different for everybody every minute brings you a step closer to your next story. How many people say that they can remember the day they where born or the day of their first words I mean I can barely remember what I had for dinner 2 nights ago. I know however that these things happened each one a new journey for me an obstacle in life to overcome, obstacles that helped shape me into the man I am today. But when you or I grow older the challenges start to become harder the journeys become longer the truth about the world that’s waiting out there becomes clearer. At the age 4 I was diagnosed with hearing loss and received a hearing aid (despite being born with normal hearing). Of course to me though I can’t remember a time with normal hearing. I sometimes I get asked am I sad to have lost my hearing to know that I’ll probably never get it back to which I answer “No”, I mean how can I be sad for something I don’t remember how can I miss something I never even knew, hearing loss played a big part of who I am today and without it I may not be as compassionate or as friendly as I am today. Of course having hearing loss had its down sides, for every class I attended I sat in the front row silently or I would miss what the teacher said, for every time I went swimming I had to take out my hearing aids unable to hear anything or to have a conversation with my friends or family, but life goes on and a new journey came after the last, making the previous challenge dwarf in comparison. One of the biggest journeys you can take is GCSE’s the test to see if everything you have ever learnt you remember to see if all your life spent in school hasn’t been for nothing. For me doing the GCSE’s was fine even the wait afterwards was fine in fact I welcomed the wait hoping it would go on forever. But alas that was not possible and the dreaded day came when I had to go in on that day and pick up that envelope an envelope that controls my future, an envelope that can either be the best or worst thing in my life. Was I worried of failure or disappointing my family to put it short and simple yes. I have never considered myself to be great in school in fact I have never excelled in any subjects and I was fine with that I never cared enough to try harder. My parents often told me my hearing stops me from doing as well as I could do. I never believed that of course even if I only had around 50% hearing in one ear, my action defines who I am and how I did in my GCSE’s not my hearing. And when preparation for GCSE’s came I knew the time for mucking about was over it was time for me to do one of my hardest journey yet. This was a time for me to prove to myself that I could do well and that my disability couldn’t stop me from achieving my dreams. To my surprise I got the results I had wanted and so concluded another journey and a started to another, one in the form of A levels. Now I am half way through my A levels and I realise I look forward to finishing this journey and on to the next, for it was a philanthropist by the name of Anthony Robbins that said “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin” By Jake Tewson #Journey

Teenage years are hard, exams become important, friendships come and go, and every adult suddenly wants to know what you want to be doing when your 25. On top of all of this, most teenagers have the added stress of feeling judged by others. We worry that our bodies aren’t in the ‘perfect’ shape, that our clothes don’t suit us and that if we don’t get a boyfriend/girlfriend within a year we will be single for the rest of our lives. It all mounts up and makes us unhappy. Up until the age of 15 I didn’t take any notice of my weight and I didn’t really care for makeup or fancy clothes, like many of the other girls in my year. I was a confident and strong girl who didn’t care at all about what others thought about me; until it all changed. Perhaps it was because I had got into an argument with some girls at my school or perhaps it was just the fact I had started my period for the first time, but something changed. My confidence had gone, I suddenly became aware of what people thought of me and I felt myself retreating into a small hole of unhappiness. It continued for around a year and a half until I decided enough was enough. I was tired of being stuck in the revolving door of stress, worry and sadness. I was starting to see my younger brother going through the same thing, so I decided I needed to build up my confidence again not only for my sake but also his. I know that everyone overcomes struggles in different ways, and what worked for me might not work for you but here are three ways that helped me boost my confidence again: Talking to someone. It sounds cringy, I know, but talking to someone about why you feel unhappy and stressed is the most important thing you can do. For me, talking to my mum helped me realise that as long as I was making my family proud I was achieving something. I may not have been getting the same grades in maths as my peers, but my parents were proud of me so it didn’t matter anymore. It doesn’t have to be a family member however, a teacher or a therapist can also help you open up as well – it’s so much better to get it all off your chest. Spending time with good friends. In High School I had a large group of friends, and although I enjoyed spending time with them, as the years passed I realised that not all of them made me happy, in fact some of them made me feel more stressed out. Now I’m in Sixth Form I have a much smaller group of friends, yet I’ve never been happier. I know these girls make me happy, I enjoy hanging out with them and they constantly cheer me up, even when I’m not feeling my best. I’m not saying to go away and cut all your friends out of your life, but do contemplate if the people you spend most of your time with are making you truly happy. Spending less time on social media. I have to admit I absolutely love Instagram, however comparing myself to others online is something I have done plenty of times. I realised that this was making me unhappy with the way I looked as I was constantly comparing my body to not only celebrities but also people I knew at school. So I decided to go through my followers and unfollow anyone whose account wasn’t making me feel positive. Seeing positive posts, whether from your favourite celebrity or your best friend makes you feel happy instead of seeing things that make you feel down. Learning to love yourself is one of the most difficult things to do, but its also the most important thing to do. It wont be easy or quick, it’s a process that takes years and years. Once you start to love yourself for who you are, you realise it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of you. Judgement will never stop, we judge people all the time, you’d be lying if you said you had honestly never judged someone. However, the important thing is to not let it get to you, believe in yourself, work on becoming strong enough to realise that they don’t have the power to affect your happiness, only you do. Exam stress will always be a part of teenage years, its inevitable as we navigate our way through GCSEs and A Levels, but learning how you best deal with stress is so important. Take time for yourself, talk to someone you trust and most importantly, surround yourself with those who make you the happiest! By Elspeth Singleton #TeenageYears

Creative industries sound like the place for you? Not sure where or how you want to be creative yet? Come on in, the kettle’s on. Twas’ a lukewarm summer before the start of Year 10 and on a whim, I had chosen Media Studies as one of the GCSE options for that year. All I knew is that I got to make posters and play with cameras and that was enough to get me interested. However, I had also chosen subjects such as Spanish and Latin which in my head had more stable career paths such as teaching or translating. I mean, I liked studying languages, but I was pretty nonchalant about perspective career options. I was bursting with excitement to learn something new like Media Studies. And after the first couple of lessons, I knew this was something that I at least wanted to try and pursue. In my head, I could only work in the film industry or the tv industry, which is very diverse in its content and production, but it didn’t sound like me. I didn’t want to just stick to TV or Film, I wanted to work across platforms, have a hand in different parts of the process. I felt like I was struggling to find a place or a path for my future and I began to think that the possibility of working in the creative industries was fading bit by bit. This was at the time of the year in which school start getting their students to look for work placements and take them to career fairs. Cue the 70 emails a day from your career’s advisor, the head of year and his uncle. However, it was among these 70 emails that I happened across an opportunity from the Ideas Foundation which truly helped me to realize my career path in the creative industries. A one-week media camp to introduce you to and give you a taste of what it’s like to work in the creative industries. I was able to meet and learn from working professionals and other creative peers on the course, engage in a knowledge exchange and learn new skills. We were set a legitimate brief from IBM and worked with creatives from agencies such as Ogilvy and Mathers to respond to the brief and learned how to professionally create and deliver a proposal. Though it was a short amount of time, I was able to learn how to use new software, develop my communication and networking skills and expand my knowledge of the creative industries. And as I was taking part in the workshops and delivering the pitch, my goal of working in the creative industry became a tangible thing. I could see myself at a creative agency with London as the back drop, in a company like Ogilvy (call me ASAP), whose offices we actually got to visit. Although my career path has slightly changed, this media camp helped me to consider the creative industries as an option and is a part of the reason why I began to pursue a career in this field. The other reasons being the Avengers and The Matrix, but that’s for a later date. By Viola Bascombe

Before I could read, the only stories I would hear were that from my mother who, luckily for me, was an avid fan of the Harry Potter and Hobbit Series. When I got too old for bed time stories (although I don’t believe there is such an age), my brother, three years my senior, made up stories that both me and my sister would listen to on the edge of our seats each night. And when he traded books for footballs, I went in search of my next adventure. For the next decade I spent most of my spare time in the ShadowWorld, Andarlan, on the Alexander-78V, in a future where everyone is chemically enhanced, in a Grey, Red and White London, exploring fantastical lands with a book as my oyster. And in each adventure, every journey and turn of each page, I looked for myself or at least someone like me. A black character, or character of colour. With my age, my awareness of the lack of black characters in Science Fiction Fantasy books, grew. I couldn’t help but notice that my, “honey blonde hair” didn’t cascade down my back or that my “fair skin” was actually deep and rich. I felt excluded, rejected from these stories – it felt like every page was a silent command to stop reading because it wasn’t meant for me. Gradually I stopped reading. I know and acknowledge that there are books from other genres such as Contemporary Fiction and Romance that are inclusive of POC characters, but I can’t get in to these books, for me they lack that luster, that intrigue- that special something that exists in the sci-fi fantasy genre. This is when Black Panther came out, and as an avid fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this film was something that I didn’t know I needed. And in my desperate search for something like it, I came across the term “Afrofuturism”. Afrofuturism is a term that describes a genre of science fiction or fantasy as being “rooted in and unapologetically celebrate the uniqueness and innovation of black culture.” (Jamie Broadnax, 2018, Huffington Post) I thought to myself, a whole genre just for me? Nonsense. But, like Alice down the rabbit hole, I was on a roll. This simple term opened a whole new world for me in which I was able to re-ignite my passion for Sci-Fi Fantasy Books. This genre is not limited to Film and Books, but spreads across multiple platforms such as fashion, art and music. I think it’s crazy and illogical that even in these fantasy worlds exclusion is written in. Fantasy as the opposite of reality, Fiction as the opposite of fact these genres should include all of the equalities and varieties of people and worlds that don’t exist in real life. It’s in the name. Recommendations: What is Afrofuturism?- Articles: https://bookriot.com/2018/05/10/best-afrofuturism-books/ 6 Afrofuturism artists to watch out for that explore modern African diaspora https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opinion-broadnax-afrofuturism-black-panther_n_5a85f1b9e4b004fc31903b95 Books: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi The Fifth Season by N. K Jemisin Films: Black Panther Janelle Monáe: Emotion Picture SOURCES: Broadnax: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opinion-broadnax-afrofuturism-black-panther_n_5a85f1b9e4b004fc31903b95 By Viola Bascombe

Oh London, how I love you so… More often than not, it’s raining in London. And when it rains, for those of us who managed to get a day off, we’re stuck inside. On these tragic days, I find myself bored and restless, debating whether or not I have the courage to breach the drizzly storm outside in pursuit of a 20p Freddo from the corner shop. Raining outside? Here’s a few things I do to keep myself occupied on a rainy day: 1.Netflix (or other streaming sites) Trusty old Netflix, always there when I need a friend…. or six. Netflix has hundreds of titles and TV shows to keep you company when it’s raining (not sponsored by the way – p.s Netflix call me). A few of my favorites include: ‘Cloud Atlas’ and ‘Black Mirror’ – all seasons, including Bandersnatch (you will NOT regret it). If you think you’ve watched all that is good on Netflix already, and perhaps feel a little more daring, I would suggest venturing to the foreign films and TV series. A few favourites of mine include: “Strong Girl Bong-Soon” and “Suspicious Partner” if you’re up for a good laugh mixed with a little danger. 2. Learn a new skill Learning a new skill is not only a fun and productive pastime but also a way to discover a new hobby! Always wanted to try yoga I hear you say? Well now’s your chance! Father’s Day is fast approaching, why not learn out how to knit a pair of socks? YouTube is a great source for tutorials of all kinds, the internet is your oyster! I am now the proud owner of a variety of origami pigeons, cranes and doves, having learnt how to make them through YouTube tutorials. You could be too! 3.Have a pamper day! Keep those toe nails in check and tackle those rebellious upper lip hairs or just have a nice soak with a hot beverage or a cool glass of wine, (grape juice for me). Hit play on a Jazz (or other genre) playlist and feel the tension and stress melt away with every note and key. Just because the weather is down doesn’t mean you are too. Blast your music as loud as you can and have a dance party! Your neighbors are probably at work, so let go and dance as if no one is watching. (because no one is!) Sometimes that rainy day gives us the chance to take a break from our busy schedules, we are able to stay cocooned in our dens and without worrying about the rest of the world. I personally love it when it rains, it gives me the chance to take things slowly, stop and take a break that I didn’t realize I needed. Yes, most of the time rain is quite inconvenient, but nothing in life is perfect. By Viola Bascombe

In 2019 we hosted our third annual community dinner during the last 10 days of Ramadan (Friday 31st May 2019, 7.30pm - 10.30pm) for the homeless residents at Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest (QVSR). The event supported community cohesion at a homeless shelter. Talented artists and volunteers helped to distribute the food to the residents and other guests.   A whole variety of food had been served to the homeless residing at the shelter and the night saw live performances from three talented singers to accompany the gathering. *Video by Harvir Lehal

As a species, we often have a tendency to ruminate on the past or be fearful of the future. So when an opportunity presents itself for us to be self-aware – i.e. to focus on the present – suddenly we see the world with a very different set of eyes. This is where mindfulness comes into the fray. When we decide to be mindful, suddenly the dark hues of our lives are illuminated. Suddenly the world starts to spin on a slightly different axis. And suddenly our lives start to seem that much better. So instead of worrying about what was or what will soon come to pass, why not instead be nostalgic of everything that was and hopeful about all the things that could be. If you decide to be mindful, this way of experiencing life can suddenly become a reality. Deriving from the ancient Buddhist philosophy on the benefits of meditation, Mindfulness has been similarly proven to be as effective within modern psychotherapy as a form of mental cleansing. Being mindful is a way for us to be honest, open, happy, patient and self-aware. It’s a necessary state of mind that truly is God’s gift. So, how can you be mindful? Watch your thoughts There’s a quote from Professor Mark Williams – of the Oxford Mindfulness centre – in which he states: “Some people find it very difficult to practice mindfulness. As soon as they stop what they’re doing, lots of thoughts and worries crowd in. It might be useful to remember that mindfulness isn’t about making these thoughts go away, but rather about seeing them as mental events. Imagine standing at a bus station and seeing ‘thought buses’ coming and going without having to get on them and be taken away. This can be very hard at first, but with gentle persistence it is possible.” In circumstances such as these, the good doctor also recommends, for instance, an exercise in yoga or some other physical activity. Free yourself from the past and future This goes without saying, but having a consistent focus on the present is the only way to achieve a ‘focused’ state of mindfulness. Notice the everyday As a follow-up, this next point is where the focus of this article really lies. To quote the good doctor: “Even as we go about our daily lives, we can notice the sensations of things, the food we eat, the air moving past the body as we walk. All this may sound very small, but it has huge power to interrupt the ‘autopilot’ mode we often engage day to day, and to give us new perspectives on life.” It’s entirely up to you whether or not you decide to apply any of this in practice, but as a lesson on the topic of mindfulness, I hope what’s been written here will be of some use to you in the future… Or should I say, the here and now. By Lee Thorneycroft.

“Crazy” is a common word that is very much embedded in the English language without much awareness of how its use reflects and reinforces prevailing views of mental health… … and is therefore a great starting point for us to discuss mental health and the stigma that surrounds it. ABOUT THIS EVENT An evening of art, music and poetry around topics related to mental health This vibrant event will include a range of poetry, spoken word and music performances centred around topics related to mental health, as well as open mic slots for guests who wish to express their views and experiences. Discover more Including a panel discussion with mental health experts We will also be hosting a panel discussion with a range of professionals in the field of mental health to discuss issues such as mental health stigma, mental ill-health, self-care and the importance of art and community for mental wellbeing. Tickets & Open Mic Slots A limited number of tickets for open mic slots is available to purchase online, and there may be space to sign up on the night but we cannot guarantee. We recommend purchasing show tickets online to guarantee entry as there will be limited tickets available on the door.

Finding happiness in the strangest places has been a thing that is relatively new to me. Is it strange or is it just different, out of the norm? Doing things outside of my comfort zone has been the theme for me lately. I was never the type to go out of my way to feel uncomfortable or different, I liked sticking to what I know. Although that doesn’t include food, oddly enough I don’t mind trying different types of food. In life, change sometimes scares me. Imagine being one way for so long and out of nowhere, like a spontaneous gust of wind, everything changes. They say sometimes change can be good and I agree but what if that change overwhelms you? Being overwhelmed can be good but it can also terrify you if the situation isn’t embraced. I suppose that’s what I’ve been trying to do for a while now. Here’s an example, graduating. Call it morbid or insecurities, but I thought the day of my graduation would never come. Now that is not saying that I wasn’t working hard, because I was, I just never thought it would happen. That might be an unusual thing to say but it’s the truth. Graduating and becoming an adult, doing adult things was overwhelming but gradually I’ve been embracing the change. In a sense, I’ve been taking charge of it all. The fear is still there but it’s not all-consuming. Getting my first job was new for me. It’s an internship but being able to work and say ‘I have work in the morning’ was pretty exciting and in that respect I was doing what I love. All these changes I guess you could say is all part of being an adult. Change in life is always hard. Sometimes you look at life and wonder why does change need to happen? But if you think of the evolution of life, it’s all because of change. I wanted to run away from the constant changes in my life, but I didn’t because it wasn’t fair. You could run as far as you can but that would never stop the change from happening. It would be like you standing as the parade is going by watching everyone else have fun and creating a story for themselves whilst you do nothing. The meaning of the word ‘Change’ is pretty simple: to make or become different. So, it’s better not to be basic and simple but be different, evolve with the world and yourself. That’s one of the things I am taking with me but holding that overwhelming feeling tight and let the change happen. Embrace the change, don’t run, nothing good comes from running even though it can be hard not to run. Embrace it! By Deanna Tuitt

A comfort zone can be defined as a space where “activities and behaviors fit a routine and pattern that minimizes stress and risk,” and that’s why you need to leave it. Your comfort zone is safe, risk-free, and familiar, but life starts when you leave your psychological bubble for more stressful and scarier alternative. It’s not a bad stress though. It’s a motivator, a positive source of fear that causes you to grow, feel, and experience new things. As humans, we’re wired to seek comfort, which is why it’s hard to let it go. We know what’s coming and how to handle it, which helps us to stay safe from uncertainty. But outside of our comfort zone is something new, unpredictable, and nerve-inducing, as well as an opportunity to reach new heights. Yes, it sounds cliché, and the very proposition of stepping outside what is safe to try something new might literally be a step outside your comfort zone but let me assure you that you will not regret it. Whether it be related to a career, relationship, travel, identity, passion, or project, here is how to take the first step from safety into opportunity: Accept and Analyze Your Feelings It’s ok to be nervous and unsure of a situation. Exploring your anxieties can help you to better understand and cope with them. Examine why it makes you uncomfortable and work through the possibilities, both positive and negative. Become familiar with your discomfort and find solutions to tackling the issue, while easing your anxieties. Start Small There’s no need to immediately jump into the deep end if you don’t want to. But a good way to start is by challenging yourself to do one thing that scares you a day. It doesn’t have to be anything too large, it could be a new type of music to listen to on your commute, trying a new food, or talking to someone new. Pushing yourself makes challenge a commonplace as you begin to accept, and even enjoy, trying new things. Say “Yes” From accepting a new project at work to meeting new people, saying “yes” will open up many doors for you leading to new opportunities and a better realization of what can make you happy. By opening yourself up to new experiences, you can better understand yourself and possibly discover something new. Make a List of Goals and Accomplishments By writing down what you want to accomplish, and what you have already achieved, you can better measure your progress. Self-awareness is a step in the right direction on the journey outside your comfort zone and being able to track your progress is an essential confidence booster and motivator toward future goals. As a source of encouragement, continue to ask yourself “what is the worst thing that can happen?” Then focus on achieving the opposite. By: Alex Roat

I am a person that has experienced death way too many times for my twenty- five years on this earth. It is safe to say funerals are not for me neither is crying or feeling helpless. Those were the feelings I’ve felt through the years; I’ve always been a person that questions everything and hoping to see the positive side of a situation. Having to have that core factor of yourself stripped and ripped apart by the loss of someone felt like an out-of-body experience, not the kind where you get to see your future or anything like that. The feeling of looking at yourself from the outside and all you see are the fragments of your being slowly breaking with no way of repairing it. The loss of someone that was literally the one that holds you up is the absolute worst. A parent. The definition of a parent is a guardian; someone that takes care of you, guides you through life but in that definition, it never states how you are meant to deal with that parent not being able to do those things anymore. Throughout my life I have always known one common fact, everything happens for a reason. Would I really be human if I disagree with that notion at times? There’s a reason for everything, yes, but that reason sometimes hinders a person’s ability to breathe or wanting to at times. It’s a hard truth but it is a feeling I often felt when the loss happened and honestly, still feel. Nothing, although I often think it does, nothing fills the emptiness you feel knowing that all the things you achieve in life, that person is never going to be able to see it but there’s a higher being that I believe in that somewhat reassures me. God. Yes, I won’t lie I got angry at him and I sometimes still do but I know that he is with those that I’ve lost, and they are looking down at me. My religion… my faith, has been one of the things that have helped me deal but it could only go so far. Depression and anxiety have been things that I have to deal with. Life after death is not fair, having to deal with the death of someone or more than one person is not fair. Sometimes I wish there was a time machine that I could use but I also know if that were real it wouldn’t change anything really. Life is about growth and shaping yourself within the circumstances given. Have I grown over the years of losing multiple people who have impacted my life? I believe I have. Am I more determined to make something of myself to make them proud? That’s not even a question, that will definitely happen. So, here’s the thing I’ve learned: death and the life that is left behind is exactly that. Death is an experience no one likes but you lived, I lived, and I know it is in my best interest and there’s that I live it to the fullest until we meet again. By Deanna Tuitt

There’s a hard truth in life that everyone needs to know: not everyone is going to be there for you for the right reasons. It is a tough truth to hear but it’s what we all have to come to terms with. This truth took a while for me to personally understand and there are still days when I tend to forget, but I know it’s there. You can be the nicest person, doing everything for everyone, and leaving yourself in the dark just so the people around you can get their chance to be in the light. Is it right? Should you allow yourself that misfortune of paving a way for everyone but leaving yourself stranded on the side lines watching their success? The answer to both those questions is, NO! No one should be made to feel as if the only thing that they are able to do is to help others and not take advantage of the fact that it before the others it was only you by yourself. Here’s a rule that might be worth taking, be selfish, be unforgiving of putting you above others. In the end, it will feel great. It is natural to have that unnerving sense of guilt trust me I’ve been there sort of still there, but the best feeling is you get to jump into that space of where you’re like, I DID IT! No longer feeling like it won’t ever happen but feeling like it did, and you made that happen. It’s funny there would be people around you who would applaud you for accomplishing something even if it’s a small accomplishment, but they will still be there and there are people that will see that accomplishment and tear you down – they were meant to your friends. The feeling of betrayal from people you trusted is an unfortunate part of life. Like I said in the beginning not everyone is going to be there for you for the right reasons. It only takes one moment in one day at any time for a person to say or do something against you which then leaves the trust broken. You are going to have to trust your instincts that the people around you want what’s best for you. Try and cut away the negative vibes you might feel, live your life with the unforgiven feeling that you are worth more than what one person can do to you. DON’T FORGET ! The feeling of loving the people around you but not being too afraid to sometimes be hurt at times when you least expect it. Love yourself more than you love others, that’s not a bad feeling to have. As humans, we are stronger than we tend to give ourselves credit for. By Deanna Tuitt