Donations welcome Whalley Range Youth Opportunities Association Charity No. 512666 WRYOA is 30! 1981 1991 2001 1972 1982 1992 2002 2012 1973 1983 1993 2003 2013 1974 1984 1994 2004 2014 1975 1985 1995 2005 2015 1976 1986 1996 2006 2016 1977 1987 1997 2007 2017 1978 1988 1998 2008 2018

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This magazine and workshops project was funded by Manchester City Council: Cash Grant. Page 1 How can I get involved? Contents Contact Alison, Project Manager: About this magazine Editorial 2 JNR8 Youth & Community Centre About this magazine 3 82 Cromwell Avenue Making a time line Celebrate Festival Designing a peace banner In the beginning (1980s) 4 Whalley Range, Manchester Travel 6 M16 0BG 0161 881 3744 Sport 8 [email protected] Funding and Changes (1990s) 10 www.facebook.com/WRYOA Volunteering 12 Map of Whalley Range 13 people to be involved in the work of diversity and talent of our community as Moving to JNR8 (1990s – 2000s) 14 the organisation, and have encouraged well as sharing information and having people of all ages to be volunteers, and fun. Celebrate Festival 16 then if possible paid staff. Cookery Club 19 The festival reflects our interest inart , This progression can be seen with our and for example, this Whiz (2000s – 2010s) 20 music creativity; Whalley Range Youth site of the doctors’ surgery). The committee decided not to continue present staff who all started as local has been used as a medium for work Girls’ group 23 Opportunities Association young people knew that a working with its involvement with the then volunteers, (and several as students on around drugs awareness where the relationship was being built with Manchester Youth College, Pupil Where are they now? 24 placement with us from ). For this young people made a film, and booklet, MMU (WRYOA) was registered as the local traders and that we were Referral Unit and in Summer 2005 reason many members of the MC, staff and where peace was the theme for the and young people have stayed with us for production of a poetry book. Our DJ-ing a charity in 1982, making it encouraging discussion rather than the daytime provision closed. The ethos of WRYOA has a very long time. and MC-ing nights were legendary! 30 years old this year. We’ve recriminations and aggression on Following the termination of the always been about developing both sides. funding for the outreach project To help the development of the We also use cookery as away way of decided to create a magazine the Whiz-out project was also the capacity of local people, association we have worked in providing learning as well as the social about the history of the In 1982 the Association became suspended although the workers and so providing activities that partnership with a range of local, and conversational benefits of eating a registered charity. regional and national organisations (e.g. together. We produced the published group and its projects to have continued outreach and meet the needs and interests of community link work. our diverse community through Take Part) and been keen to widen our ‘Food4us’ book, and as a result a team mark this anniversary. For several years WRYOA became horizons by hosting international visitors, of young people took part in Ready dormant as the members moved out informal education and leisure So, WRYOA has been running in students on placement and researchers Steady Cook! Our voluntary group started in of the area, and some of the work activities. In addition to our team who have been keen to work with us. Whalley Range now for 30 years, and The stories and pictures you will see in October 1981 as a result of the was taken on by the Free Range The relationship with Manchester has built a great reputation, through of staff and volunteers past and this book reflect some of the work of disturbances by local young people Project. However, after the closing of Metropolitan University provides us our play scheme JNR8 and youth present, we have a volunteer our group, which from its origins as the the FRP the WRYOA was revitalised with trainee Youth and Community who had left many shops in Moss provision Whiz, working with young Management Committee Free Range Project has been running Workers on placement each year, as Side and Whalley Range damaged. and a group of local volunteers people ranging from ages 5-25 years, for almost 35 years, and hopefully consisting of local people who well as staff training and supervision, and Local traders on Withington Road including one member of the original shares with you the pride we feel in whose parents attended the project have a good knowledge of the involvement with partnership research were approached by workers and volunteers (Carol Packham) and contribution to our community. before them, and some of whom are area and can share their expertise and training activities where WRYOA volunteers from the Free Range members of the Free Range Housing working with us now. We have over with us (and vice versa of course), staff have contributed to MMU courses We are trying to be more self-sustaining, Project (FRP) that was based on co-operative (where the registered 130 young people from a diverse and student recruitment. in difficult economic times so that we and representatives of young Withington Road (103) and worked office was based) started organising range of backgrounds on our register. can continue our work for another Locally our collaboration with local with local young people. The traders local activities again. This included the people involved in the project. 30 years. If you would like to be We provide opportunities for them schools, and other local organisations, agreed to start an association running of a weekly group for under involved, as a volunteer, contribute your to participate in various activities, For this reason we have never merged and particularly the Whalley Range through which they would make 13’s initially held at Manley Park time and interests, or make a donation including cooking, Thai boxing, with larger organisations who might have Forum has led to the development of Junior School and then at the Manley (e.g. through a regular donation) we regular contributions for activities football, group discussions and helped us keep going but who might not the Celebrate Festival which held its would be very pleased to hear from you. for young people in the area. The Park Methodist Church (the group workshops around issues that affect have shared our local focus. 15th festival day in May 2012. This is a original committee was made up was linked to Woodcraft folk). young people and their community, We have also wanted to encourage local volunteer led festival to celebrate the of local traders (the milk man, the The first major activity was such as unemployment, stereotyping, treasurer, the owner of the Simpson the Celebrate Festival in 1998, crime, gang awareness, drugs etc. We Hotel, the chair and nine traders which is a huge success in itself, are also committed to supporting were regularly involved in meetings Editorial and had its 15th year this year. young people and community and making donations) and many members through offering a variety This magazine was produced at the Whiz Youth Project by the local young people who were Successful partnerships with of volunteering opportunities, from Phil Reed – Editor Roger Boyce young people, Phil Reed and Roger Boyce, with Alison Chisolm, involved with the FRP. the City Council resulted in us working directly at our project to Michael Dunn, Fozia, Rakie and Dinah. We would like to thank obtaining funding to establish The funding from the traders paid involvement in the planning and all the people who made this magazine possible, including daytime provision for young people for a football strip and activities such setting up of our yearly community Carol Packham. There are too many to name them all! not attending school, the Whiz as coach trips and other outings. festival, Celebrate. (Whalley Range Inclusion Zone) Photography by Alison Chisholm, Lee Fullwood, Anthony Some of the traders became active Project, closely followed by funding Words by Carol Packham, Colin Morris, Phil Reed, Chris Ricard, former WRYOA staff, volunteers such as the publican at volunteers and young people, and many others. Please accept to run a detached project, Whiz- Stanton and Alison Chisolm the Caught on the Hop (now the our sincerest apologies if your name is missing. out. The WRYOA management Page 2 Page 3 In the beginning (1980s)

September 1981 They planned to extend the management committee Photos from 1980s Holding those photos thirty years later! to include a good cross-section of the people in the Including Rob Cole and Roger Boyce Following the damage to shops on Withington Road area and to hold monthly meetings. in the riots, a group of residents, including young people and local business owners, came together to identify that there was a problem in their area, and April 1982 that they could do something about it by providing On 28 April 1982, a public meeting was held at St. a place for young people. Hopefully the place would Margaret’s School. The association aimed to establish be self-financing and could undertake fundraising, a youth centre in a central location with facilities but initially the group approached shop owners for young people in the immediate Whalley Range to donate money to fund activities for the young area aged approximately 14-19. After adopting a people, who in turn respected the shops more. constitution that evening, they were granted charity They decided to register a charity and inaugurate status on 26 May, using the Simpson Hotel as their the group as Whalley Range Youth Opportunities correspondence address. Association in order to stand a better chance of achieving funding and surviving. June 1983 Robert Cole, young Barry Thorpe, youth Ray Edmond, youth Interview Colin The original elected officials were: By the following summer, the association had person worker worker Stanton, volunteer Chairman: Mr. Robinson (Simpson Hotel), continued at full steam. Draw tickets were sold to Secretary: Carol Packham (Free Range Play Project), raise several hundred pounds for activities such “I was involved with the “I worked for the Free Range “I was involved with the Free Colin started the co- project when it was known Project from 1982-86, my Range Project from 1982-85. Treasurer: Bernard Goodrich (the dairy) and as football. Grant requests had been placed for operative Free Range as Free Range but we role was a youth worker. I was employed as a youth Housing Project with Carol Public Relations: Winston Scott (also F.R.P.P.). hiring football grounds, and the members of the called it the Free School. The project provided young worker. I helped out with Packham in 1977. It felt management committee were changing as people the day to day running of the It was based in a house on people with somewhere a natural progression to moved in and out of the area. Withington Road, Whalley to go at a time when there project but my main role was Range. They had the usual was a lot of trouble in the managing the football team. develop the Free Range in house activities such as area particularly after the One year we did the double, Project in 1982, at 103 pool and table tennis. Also riots. We had table tennis, won the cup and the league. Withington Road, although ↓ 103 Withington Road (left), former home of they did arts and craft, lino pool, board games and arts This still gives me goose the office was taking up Free Range Play Project cutting and printing. During and craft on site to engage pimples when I think about space in Carol’s house for the holidays they would take the young people. During it as I saw how proud the some time! us on outings to places like the holidays we take the young people were of their Blackpool and Alton Towers. young people on various achievement.” We would also go rock excursions. We also took climbing, canoeing and horse them abroad a few times to riding. For one week during Germany, France and Holland. the six week holiday we From 1986 we provided our would go camping. One such provision at St Margaret’s trip that stays in my mind is Church on a Tuesday and when we went to Germany Whalley Range Methodist ← Letter awarding and saw the Berlin Wall. For Church on a Wednesday. charity status to me and the majority of us From there we went to WRYOA, 26 May Colin Stanton, Carol Packham, Mike Thompson, May 2012 that went, this was the first Princess Road Primary 1982, and time out of the country. They School on the estate. We ↓ certificate used to hold a disco in the weren’t there long before cellar that became known we had to close due to as the Dungeons. Young drugs and gang problem that people from far and wide plagued the area around that would come to perfect their time. For a few years nothing dance moves. All in all my happened in the area as far experience of the Free Range youth work was concerned Project was positive. Going the Free Range Project was there kept us off the streets no more (around 1990). at a time when there was a lot of police and criminal activity on our estate.” Page 4 Page 5 Travel Map image by maix, from WIkimedia

“I have been involved with this from when it was “Working here has called the Free Range helped with my personal Project. It was based at 103 development as I’ve worked Withington Road; I was under several different ↑ Manchester, a young person then. We guises. 2010 went camping every year “The Whiz Project is a in the summer. Some people well-used and needed even went to Germany and provision for young people Holland. in and around the area. ↑ Prestatyn, 2001, with Iram Ahmed (bottom-left) “They had a disco that I would like to see young and Michelle Heron (bottom-right) Ghyll Head became known as the people more involved with Hebden Bridge Dungeons. Young people the running and decision ↑ Ghyll Head, 2010 from across Manchester making of the project.” Blackpool e Chill Factor would attend. Roger Boyce Prestatyn (East) Bala Leeds Germany Alton Derby Towers Netherlands before the fall of the Berlin Wall UK

↑ Butterflies at Tropical World, Leeds, 2001 France ↑ Paupers Wood with Forest Schools, 2009

country as they were so Outdoor cookery session, learned to make fire! loud. They terrorised the Tim was there at the ↓↘ Blackpool, 2010 Alexandra Park estate beginning of WRYOA until they ran out of and helped with its them.” “I started with the Free formation as a volunteer. Range Project in 1991, young people put a frog Tim was also involved in engaging young people Tim drove to France on a on my chest. That’s one of a trip to Germany, and with Wood Craft. We would bus with the project and my memorable moments horse-riding back with take them on outings and his 2 year old daughter working there.” Mr Easden. trips all over the country. Laura in 1984. They In 1994 we went to Bala, visited Paris, stayed in a Mike designed the posters Tim Greenaway Wales, camping. Most youth hostel in Versailles. for the first Celebrate mornings I would take “I can remember the Festival, and was also on the young people for a boys came back with the WRYOA for a while, walk before breakfast. some bangers that would before leaving the area in One particular morning have been illegal in this 1999. I decided to have a lie in. So to wake me up the Mike Thompson Page 6 Page 7 We asked some of the young people about Sport Thai Boxing it. Here is what Sumit, Abaid, Abdull, Zak, Zain, Malik, Ateeke and Khama had to say. Free weekly sessions at Whiz Youth Project How did you find out about Thai Boxing at Whiz? “From attending the Celebrate Festival.” Go-karting “From my dad/brother/cousin/family/ friends.” “From the staff at Whiz.”

Hiking Why do you attend? “To learn to control my anger.” “It is a fun sport.” Bungee “Fitness/exercise.” “Somewhere safe to be.” Rowing “Develop self-defence skills.”

How long have you been Cycling coming? “Only a few weeks.” “About 5 years.” We encourage our young people to get involved in “3 years.” “Started today.” Egyptian dance “9 years.” our in-house Thai boxing sessions. We have a fast Skateboarding growing team of young people who are dedicated to What have you achieved this sport; competing in competitions, volunteering and how have you and putting on demonstrations at various events. benefitted from taking part? Climbing “I feel calmed, also stronger and fitter since I’ve been attending.” “It helps with my school work.” Paintballing “Learned new skills and techniques, and really enjoy it. Took part in competitions, raising my confidence levels. I even won a Snowboarding silver cup.” “Improved fitness levels, learned new techniques and just generally enjoyed the time spent.” Hoola hooping Interview Michael Dunn “Being at Whiz has helped in my “I have become fitter and have found a personal development. I wouldn’t be new sport.” Bowling “I started at Whiz about 9 years ago half the person I am now if not for “I feel fitter and am able to defend as a volunteer. I got the opportunity Whiz. They put me on courses that myself.” after I was asked if I could get some sparked a hunger for knowledge, for “Concentration at school, focus.” Table football equipment back that was stolen which I now self-educate. from the youth club.” Any other comments? “Whiz is like an extended family. “Whiz is great.” Michael has been employed for the Fond memories are when we did a last eight years by Whiz. He enjoys sleep-over and residentials, spending “Good trainer.” seeing young people who are now in more time with the young people “Should do it more days.” Thai boxing (see page their 20s that have positive things to than the usual few hours a week.” “I think they are well-ran and the guys do 9 for more) say about their experience at Whiz a great job.” and how it has helped them. “Would be better if there was more space.” Page 8 Pool Capoeira Page 9 Funding and Changes (1990s)

Over the past 30 The Community Interview with Bill to set up a residents’ years WRYOA has Chest, Voluntary Williams, Chair of association, which soon joined with the Whalley reached out to Action Manchester, Whalley Range Forum Range Forum, itself only various funders for Manchester three years old. support. University Rag Fund, Bill has been a Whalley Range resident for 19 As a volunteer for Central Manchester WRYOA, Bill is able to Lottery Fund: PCT, Manchester years, and got involved with WRYOA “by work in just his area while Awards for All, MCC: Metropolitan maintaining a full-time U-Decide, MCC: Youth accident,” as he puts it. University, Manchester Young people in the area job. He remarks how at Fund, Connexions, Play, Manchester he lived were causing the beginning of WRYOA, Home Office, Esmee Crime and Disorder, mayhem, and people were everyone came in raw with no formal training in Fairbairn, Grass Roots, Central Manchester leaving as a result. Some Mosscare Housing, people decided this was community development. Primary Care Trust, It turned out only a few Sport Relief, GMP, CDF not the answer, and Bill Youth Opportunity took a group of residents young people were being - Community First, O2 Fund, Youth Capital to the local police station destructive, and they told - It’s Your Community, Fund and others. to see what could be done. everyone about JNR8, BT Community The group were very vocal, encouraging them to come Connections, and were recommended in. They hadn’t heard of it, it was only just open. Minutes from Annual General Meeting Bill Williams, Rick Walker, Open Day, 2000 of Whalley Range Youth Opportunities Association, 7 February 1996

Attendance 2. Presentation Carol Packham The Whalley Range Dave Norton Woodcraft Folk shared a William Weetman presentation of their ideas Timmy Afekafe for an ideal Youth Centre. Mukhtar Khares They have decided to put Laura Packham together a questionnaire for Ruth Afekafe the young people of Whalley Mike Thompson Range, so that they can get Liam Packham an idea of what kind of Youth Lizzy Kaur Club is needed – age groups, Barclays Bank is a good Patricia Egan activities etc. Education possibility for a charity Janet Scragg Departments Youth account. Paying 2% interest Pritan Singh 3. The WRYOA is Worker under £500 and 2.5%-3% over Linda Weetman Mukhtar, with the Youth and raising funds to get: £500. Carol Bailey 1. A mobile bus: for Community Workers, has recently opened a youth club Apologies: Cath Fry, information and help. 6. Management on Wednesdays and Thursdays Ohmeed Khan (Muslim 2. A purpose built Youth Club. Committee from 7pm onwards. This is at Parents Association) The Woodcraft Folk Secretaries: Linda Weetman, suggested ways of raising the Whalley Range Methodist Laura Packham and Ruth Afekafe. Church, Cromwell Avenue. Treasurer: Carol Packham 1. Report of activities money to help the centre enabling us to show the Chair Person: Mick Thompson Carol stated that the WRYOA 5. Annual account : Dave Lottery Fund how we will Vice Chair Person started in 1981 and became a The WRYOA has currently Norton registered charity in 1982 and continue funding the running got £500 in the bank. had been involved in a range of the centre. Accounts were accepted by It was agreed that we would of activities for young people. the meeting. It was decided form a young people’s Trips, camps and the weekly 4. Report from to look for a bank because committee who would Woodcraft Folk, but with Manchester of the extremely low interest send representatives to the problems of a lack of a base. rate. Mick explained that WRYOA meetings. Page 10 → Mostly 2004 and 2005, at JNR8, St Margaret’s, Manley Park, Bridgewater Canal (Sale), Blackpool and more. Page 11 Volunteering Map of Whalley Range

We offer a healthy mix of long term, short term, and one Key Hulme, City Centre Shaded areas form the Whalley Range time opportunities, not only to local people, but to the ward, the area technically classed as “Whalley Range” by Manchester City young people who attend our project also. There are many Council. areas where volunteers can utilise their skills and expertise Old Where do you feel the edges within Whiz, where we offer a variety of educational and B C of Whalley Range are? Whalley D fun activities four days per week and during school holidays St. Mary’s Primary for young people aged 10 - 19 years old. We offer positions F School Range Kings Road 9 Moss Side in both skilled and non-skilled specific categories, helping E Claremont Road Seymorur volunteers develop their skills, as well as learn new, essential ↑ Dinah Pemberton, a committed 8 G Our Lady’s Primary volunteer for the last 18 months, with Yarburgh Street youth work skills. School Whalley Road Alison Chisholm at Whiz Grove Carlton Road Range Road H Gr Mcr map by Nilfanion, from WIkimedia from Nilfanion, by Gr Mcr map M.P. Wood Russell7 6 I Junior Dudley Road So, if you’re looking for experience in a specific area relating to youth and community work, Firswood Upper SchoolChorlon Road B5218 5 Road Alexandra Park Princess Road or even admin work – why not come along and see what’s on offer here? 2 Road Wellington Road St. Marg. Primary School

Infant College Road A5103 Interview with Iram Ahmed, School Interview with Celebrate Festival Co-ordinator 3 4 volunteer and management Demesne Road Manchester Road A Manley Chris Ricard J Alness Road committee member 1 Park What did you get What are you up to provides a second home Chorlton-cum-Hardy Clarendon Road Alexandra Road South Iram first became involved 17 years Buckingham Road out of it? now? for young people to Withington Road Egerton Road North K ago while at college, taking A-Levels in Manley Road “The opportunity to co- “The same and more: relax with caring staff and volunteers, a safe Sociology, Law and English. She went on organise a big event from sharing resources and Brantingham Road space to meet friends to study Law at MMU while continuing K.D. start to finish. Finding information, running Gram. William and learn respect for to volunteer at the WRYOA summer School Hulme’s the funding to booking the website, sending Chorlton Metrolink Grammar play schemes. She was also employed School the entertainment, to out bulletins about each other and a place for the ‘Splash’ sessions around L making links with lots local events, jobs, to access to information 2001, then kept a position on the Religious buildings M A6010 of people, to working opportunities, working and guidance in terms of Wilbraham Road Management Committee ever since. A. Manley Park Methodish Church Whalley Range opportunities.” A St. Werburgh’sRoad with a fantastic team in the community, a High School Fallowfield B.B St John The Evangelist C of E Church for Girls of volunteers – and would-be journalist... Her sister came to the girls’ night on a N How your life might C. New Testament Church of God Egerton Road South Kingsbrook Road Monday, and Iram still helped out on a C Kings Road to see everyone from (think News & Events/ have been different DD. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gutdwara voluntary basis when she had time. the community having the Celebrate Report without it? E.E St Margaret C of E Church fun, socialising and and the Alley gates As a young person, it helped her to F.F Whalley Range Methodist Church “I can’t imagine not participating at the brochure!), photographer build up her CV, helping with activities GG. Manchester Chinese Christian Church being part of Celebrate/ Celebrate Festival! (Whalley Range Flickr during the summer months of her HH. St Edmund’s Church WRYOA/Whalley Range I.I Hare Krishna Centre “Also the opportunity to site, community events degree. It helped her afterwards Mauldeth Road West Forum: it’s my local area J.J Minhaj-ul-Qur’an InternationaL West , 7 expand on the Festival by etc).” too. “As you get older, being on as well as my workplace K.K English Martyrs RC Church and Parish Centre M60 Carlton Social and Bowling Club a management committee shows L. Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple promoting Celebrate to Why you think so I feel part of the L commitment and dedication.” She is MM. St Werburgh C of E Church the wider community and the project is whole community. I’ve Photos of places of WRYOA activities grateful to Carol Packham for her NN. Metropolitan Community Church bringing people together made some fantastic past and present, taken July 2012 important? encouragement and support. “It’s throughout the year: links and friendships with “The WRYOA/Whiz good to have young people on the celebrating the diversity people of all ages and our provision for young committee to get better feedback from of ages and cultures of groups demonstrate that Whalley Range residents people is crucial to this the others, as a go-between.” area: with no college, diverse communities can with Chand Raat and Iram now works for the Ministry of library or central become friends and share International Women’s Justice in diversity and inclusion in the community centre in common experiences.” day celebrations, northwest, which helps with her role 1 3 5 8 Whalley Range it’s easy providing community with WRYOA. JNR8/Manley Park Methodist Ch. BMHC, formerly GMB College Nello James Centre Residential, formerly Free Range meals, older people’s to become isolated, to events and work within think no-one cares or “WRYOA is good for young people, schools.” is there for you. JNR8 Whalley Range particularly for the girls and the play scheme events. It provides a good For more on the Celebrate Festival, turn to pages 16-18. second home for young people, and spirit of the community when events bring people together.” 2 4 6 9 Manley Park Junior School St Margaret’s Primary School Farghana Institute, formerly St Mary’s Primary School Page 12 Simpsons Hotel Page 13 Moving to JNR8 (1990s – 2000s) Una (centre) WRYOA began using a room in Manley Park Methodist Church in the late 1990s, which was later named JNR8 Youth and Community Centre. They ran two groups in one day, early and late, and for several years ran with very little equipment and would organise the food, prizes and Una continues to be involved in no office or telephone. Interview Una Baines, volunteer performing artists from phone boxes. organising women’s health sessions, such This networking and ground work as foot massage in an afternoon, which INSPIRE Project Una has been involved in WRYOA for allowed them to build a database to use she began learning in the 1980s. “For for future events. Their aim was to find some women that is their only chance The Whiz project was funded to carry out a over 10 years, and has helped out in just about every way possible. In 2001 as much talent in Whalley Range as they to get out and have time just for them.” six-month project to challenge the perceived could. Una organised a thank you benefit She puts on (mixed-sex) health days at and experienced barriers some young Afro- she was a play scheme volunteer and helped on trips to Prestatyn beach, for the volunteers of Celebrate after the JNR8, including Tai Chi, Qigong and Afro- Caribbean males have around employment, th ↑ Carol’s 50 birthday party, 2001. From left to right: Tropical World Leeds and the otters at event, obtaining donations from Unicorn Brazilian dance (with Sue Ferner). education and training. Bev Harrison (Woodcraft/Celebrate volunteer), Peter the Chestnut Centre. She participated and the Barbakan. It was held at the Jolly (Celebrate volunteer), Zakia Vasi (Free Range at a junk musical instruments workshop football club on Brantingham Road, and A big lesson she has learned is to volunteer), Carol Packham (WRYOA treasurer), Donna run by Abiodun Allen, where the drums featured comedians, bands and food. choose one of the many things she was Manley Park Methodist Church Stanton/Alvia Spence (original committee member as themselves became pieces of art (photos developing and focus on it. It’s easy to “I would like to say, on behalf of Manley Park Methodist a young person), Dave Esdaile (started Whiz), mystery above), and one where the young people Getting involved with Celebrate has get carried away. Church, how much we have enjoyed having WRYOA tenants lady, Una Banes (JNR8/Celebrate volunteer). sewed cushions from recycled materials, been a good grounding, which Una and for the past decade and to extend our congratulations on run by Debbie Anderson. others have been able to take on to Una believes in making the most of other places and learn more skills. Una what is there. She still feels freedom your 30th anniversary. Food 4 Us book She learned computer skills and how started the Energise Project at JNR8 to as a volunteer; if you are interested in “We have watched JNR8 and Whiz develop tremendously A practical guide to to design leaflets from the Celebrate do up the grounds – it didn’t take off something, you could develop it at JNR8 and establish themselves in the local community. They have organising sessions for Festival. In the early years of the there, but it did at the Sure Start Centre. and Celebrate. input so much over the years that the impact that has had on young people involving Festival they did not have an office, so the community can only be commended. Times, particularly cookery, healthy eating recently, have not been easy but staff keep composure and ← Interviews for this smiles even through the most difficult periods. and other food-related magazine. Clockwise activities. The project from bottom: “We were particularly pleased to help host Celebrate this was devised and run by Roger Boyce, Carol year. What a great event! The rain was not going to stop you! Lisa Arnold in 2006. Packham, Phil Reed, Cheers, Russell Kirby Mari Gibson, Noreen Senior Steward” Khan, Tim Greenaway, Mike Thompson. Not in photo: Colin Information board outside JNR8 Stanton, Alison Teen Times magazine Chisholm, Meshach 82 Cromwell Avenue, Whalley Range, 82 Cromwell Avenue, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 0BG Manchester, M16 0BG Tel: (0161) 881 3744 Tel: (0161) 881 3744 Interview Mari Gibson, In 2000, 10-13 year olds at JNR8 E: Mail:[email protected] E: Mail:[email protected] Brennan and Rakie were invited to design and compile a manager and youth worker Dean.

R U BETWEEN 10 AND 13 YEARS OLD AND 12-page magazine. It featured photos,R U BETWEEN 10 AND 13 YEARS OLD AND WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE INVOLVED WITH Mari was a youth worker in 2001 to WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE INVOLVED WITH AN AFTER SCHOOL MAGAZINE AN AFTER SCHOOL MAGAZINE CLUB LEARNING TO MAKE A CLUB LEARNING TO MAKE A COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER 2002 at JNR8, running Whiz and helping stories, an agony aunt page, spoof COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER USING COMPUTERS, INTERVIEWS, She lives in the area and enjoys seeing USING COMPUTERS, INTERVIEWS, NEWS, REVIEWS AND ARTICLES? Interview Noreen Khan, NEWS, REVIEWS AND ARTICLES? with Whiz-out. “Young people that had advertisements and horoscopes. The Fill in the following for more information: the young people she worked with, now Fill in the following for more information: been excluded from school for a few manager and youth worker Name ………………………………………………………. Name ………………………………………………………. grown up. project was run by Rick Walker. Address ………………………………………………………. Address ………………………………………………………. Address ………………………………………………………. Address ………………………………………………………. days would turn up in the day time just Postcode ……………………….. Postcode ……………………….. Noreen started as a play scheme Tel: ……………………….. Tel: ……………………….. because they knew we were here. There volunteer in the holidays of 1999, around “Young people would be lost without was a lot more flexibility when I started, the same as Mari, mostly helping during this project. It has broken down barriers Interview Nicole Joseph, manager and youth worker in terms of running the project based on half-term and holidays. She later ran in terms of convincing Muslim parents what the young people wanted. Now to From 1999 to 2000 Nicole worked as the centre manager at JNR8 funded JNR8 Play Scheme and left in 2007. to allow their daughters to attend the get funding you have to run things the by Youth Opportunities Fund. She was responsible for the recruitment, project. This is a very needed project way the funder wants to go. There is a Noreen started the girls only night within the Whalley Range community training and supervision of a team of volunteers. lot more paperwork to do now.” (which is still going today) amongst other and needs backing to keep it going.” Nicole managed the smooth running of the youth and community centre She went on trips and residentials with activities, including Let’s Get Serious, and facilitated the development of services in Whaley Range. She worked which was the project that brought Noreen is now the head of AIM the young people. Mari now works for (formerly Cool UK), which recently strategically to promote the development of inclusive provision. Her work the Children’s Society in the Z-Arts Roger Boyce back to WRYOA, no longer involved researching sources of funding, and where appropriate, preparing a young person. sailed through its first OFSTED Centre in Hulme. inspection. submissions. Page 14 Page 15 Celebrate Festival

Peace flags Growing Open Voice Choir

Reuse 2007/11 2006 2003 2002 1999 1998

Arts & crafts

Whalley Range has hosted its annual We succeeded this by providing approximately Some statistics after 15 years Date Location Co-ordinator two hundred children and young people with Celebrate Festival since 1998. The Festival band, raffle prizes, May 2012 JNR8 Youth & Community Centre Chris Ricard the opportunity to experience music, video, brings together all parts of the community DJ, poet, including a June 2011 Manley Park Junior School Chris Ricard photography, sculpture and circus skills workshops. 400 125 through art, music, dance and food. It is dance and artist microwave, VCRs and May 2010 St Margaret’s Primary School Chris Ricard This was commissioned and run by seven local May 2009 St Margaret’s Primary School Chris Ricard usually held on the May Day Bank Holiday, artists in a variety of settings, such as schools, performances hampers, donated by May 2008 Carlton Social & Bowling Club Chris Ricard and each year has been hugely successful. church and community halls, and the involvement adverts local businesses May 2007 British Muslim Heritage Centre Lee Fullwood of the community and its resources was of equal for local volunteers in 250 May 2006 St Margaret’s Primary School Lee Fullwood The beginning of Celebrate importance in developing community spirit. businesses, in the a database, 100 May 2005 St Margaret’s Primary School Lee Fullwood In 1997, WRYOA undertook to stage a youth arts With help from numerous volunteers and a paid co- pages of 15 years of with new people on May 2004 St Margaret’s Primary School Lee Fullwood festival, culminating in Celebrate98. The aims were ordinator, people from the different ‘communities’ programmes board each year May 2003 GMB College Lee Fullwood much the same as for Celebrate today. within Whalley Range were able to work together on a variety of projects which formed part of the logo designs (see hosting venues (see May 2002 GMB College Lee Fullwood • To celebrate the talent, diversity and resources festival and its lead-up. This allowed many of us to top-right) right) May 2001 GMB College Jan Hanson of Whalley Range. 6 6 experience, develop and improve new and existing May 2000 GMB College Carol Helme, Rick Walker • To promote a positive image of the area and skills in a variety of roles and functions, in the improve the quality of life. May 1999 GMB College Denise Fahmy, spirit of co-operation and friendliness, enhancing Rick Walker • To encourage participation of the different employability for some. May 1998 GMB College Francia Messado, communities within the area and work within an Turn to page 12 for an interview with the current festival Rick Walker anti-discriminatory framework. co-ordinator, Chris Ricard. Programme Programme covers What happens at a ? Food and healthy eating ion The kitchen at JNR8 has been a culinary rat Whalley Range pe l creative environment for Whiz and dedicated o o cookery clubs, plus all kinds of activities that - roller blading c lassi rice a co football l have been hosted at the centre. curry We influence and educate young people The JNR8 centre has a history of fire safety food on eating a healthier diet, gaining a successful cookery sessions including the health aromatherapysalad chips broader understanding of the impact of JNREAT project,which created the Food samosas DJ food on the wider well-being. We allow 4 Us practical guide to cookery sessions reiki MC for young people to understand the and led to the TV appearance of some of & well- kebabs importance of eating a balanced diet. the young cooks on Ready Steady Cook. ice cream activities circus women’s being skills Some of our best discussions with young The cooking and sharing of food is a parachute bouncy castle people have been whilst cooking in the very important aspect of JNR8 Youth &

tap dance climbing wall kitchen, and eating together as a group. Community centre; some of the young We see cooking as an essential part of people who attend come from single massage didgeridoo Recipe for roast veg international digital our work, where we build relationships parent homes where often the parent recylcing film making and hummus pie (V) and discuss delicate issues. We often will be out at work in the evenings. (VV) carry out important one to one sessions The centre serves as a welcoming hypnotherapyappliqué Ingredients during this time. We use cooking in stained glass capoeira hip-hop • Selection of chopped various sessions; therefore this is an ‘second home’ often providing the only chance of a hot, freshly cooked arts animation dance vegetables, such as yellow ongoing area of work. Young people sculpture pepper, red onion and develop essential life skills in the kitchen, meal, created in a supportive welcoming singing environment with friends and staff music mushroom as well as learning important food facts, & folk nutrient facts and about choosing the working together. street art • 1 pot of hummus funk • ready-roll puff pastry right food. The under 12’s weekly cookery club crafts badge making drumming samba rock • olive oil We also recognise that through cooking focused on the importance of a healthy mosaics jazz Method a variety of foods to suit our diverse diet, basic cooking skills, safety in the painting stages 1. Chop the veg and place in a group of young people that it breaks kitchen and basic food hygiene; we have roasting tin. Pour over some down cultural barriers. Cooking food an ongoing recipe book which we share olive oil, then bake for half with other groups, families and friends. printing t an hour. Allow the veg to and eating means that we can reach c communities we wouldn’t otherwise e cool slightly then stir in the p hummus. reach. Events and activities take place to sh s 2. Roll out the pastry and use it promote healthy eating messages (i.e. a re to line a pie dish. Fill the base meals to mark cultural events). ri with the veg then carefully ng place the top pastry on the pie. Celebrate 10/365 These activities included weekly cookery In total Young Celebrate held and 3. Bake for another half an hour sessions, a Newsgroup who produced contributed to around 20 community and serve with salad. Celebrate 10/365 was a year-round newsletters distributed through homes events, at schools, older people’s series of event held to mark ten years and schools in the Whalley Range area, a retirement homes, our local park and of the annual Celebrate Festival, held in Lantern art project, a Saturday arts and our community centre. 2007. We successfully planned and held a games club and lots more. series of free and accessible Community events throughout this anniversary year Young Celebrate took part in a diverse Chris Ricard by Words of Celebrate. range of community events including a launch party for the Al-Buraaq Women’s Many successful events took place during group at the end of Ramadan for all the year; extra funding was applied for local women and children; Celebrate and received from the Local Network helped the group to set up and Young Fund. This funding enabled us to extend Celebrate provided all the entertainment our activities – providing activities for and face-painters for the under 12’s at the under 12’s in our community – by this successful event. The young people’s holding a series of after-school and cookery club also provided some food holiday activities, specifically aimed at to share at the celebration, which was our younger Whalley Range community. held in our local community centre. Page 18 Page 19 Quote from a parent, Melba Finni Shannon Wildes, one of the young people “As a parent of 3 and a foster carer to many I would be lost without a project like Whiz! It has Whiz (2000s – 2010s) been a god send to me and my family. My eldest son was 10 when we moved to the area and with him having ADHD he wasn’t the easiest child to handle. The workers from Whiz gave him Whiz Youth Project is an after-school and the time, understanding and patience he needed, they go above and beyond the call of duty! holiday provision for young people aged “I can’t thank them enough for their input and for what they do for the children in the area. Without a youth club like this in Whalley Range there would be many children on the streets 13-25. The young people engage in informal with nothing to do. education, bike maintenance, music, art, “May they stay around for many more years to come.” sport, trips and activities. Interview Paul Allen, youth worker Whalley Range Inclusion Zone (WHIZ) was “I worked at Whiz over several years, mostly part time in the evenings, and mainly involved with the group work program and established in 2001, and was also a daytime provision Two of the logos that Whiz has used; the one on the Thai boxing. Working at Whiz with the young people in my local community was one of my most satisfying experiences. I have for young people who had been excluded from right is the present one, designed by Phil Reed with the seen the creativity of the young people combined to produce some amazing pieces of work and successful community projects. school. Whiz was named by Dave Esdaile. young people of the youth project in March 2012. The “Throughout my time at the project I was privileged enough to personally witness individuals growing and developing into their map of Whalley Range fills the globe, showing that the potential. This is something all the workers at Whiz encourage from the day a new person is welcomed through the front door inclusion zone is for everybody. to the day they decide move to pastures new. Of course at times it was challenging but it there was always an opportunity for some deep belly laughs and always rewarding. “I believe working at Whiz has influenced me to maintain a vibrant, fun and optimistic attitude to life like many of the young Talking About Drugs, 2007 people I have worked with. Most importantly their expression, influence and involvement in the many community projects over the years have reaffirmed my belief in the importance of our youth and the importance of nurturing them for all of our futures. Michael Dunn and Whiz produced “a practitioners guide to understanding the issues for Young Asian Males when accessing “From the fullness of my heart thank you to all the young people and staff who have allowed me to have some positive influence drug services in Manchester” booklet after a series of on their lives and to both of you for having had a positive influence in mine.” workshop sessions. The booklet covered identifying drugs and their impact on Don’t Judge a Book by Words from the who come back and work, either as local communities, innovative ways of breaking down barriers volunteers or as paid workers, which and ways to raise awareness. Sessions included group work, its Cover present Whiz Project I believe is a testimony to the value role play, questionnaires and conversations with members of The WHIZ Project Anthology, a Manager that we have added to their lives. We the community such as shop keepers and religious figures. booklet of 15 poems produced by like to create a home from home the Whiz daytime young people. Alison Chisholm experience for our young people, a Gang Awareness Sessions place where they can come together, Father’s Day “I have been with WRYOA now for where there are no barriers, and Our Gang and Social Awareness sessions were very well five years; this is my second home. I they can relax and have fun. received and attended. These sessions included cooking, where food was eaten after the session; we saw cooking as an It’s Father’s day, daddy has gone away am very passionate about my work “Positive experiences encourage essential part of our work – our young people came together, Something lead him astray here; we’re like a big happy family. happiness and well-being; it makes us there were no barriers and they could relax. There were no words I could say I’ve seen young people grow into feel good about ourselves, without Could convince him to stay responsible young adults in my time a doubt. I believe that we should Increased attendance to the Gang Awareness sessions proved here, and like to think that we here that our work was successful in its own right – engaging Father’s day and the sun is shining tell young people they did well, young people rather than have them stood on street corners at Whiz have played some part in compliment them, encourage them But for him is wasn’t the right timing their personal development, through and getting involved with gang members and/or drug dealers, Now he’s gone into hiding – you might be the only person who providing activities that improve thus reducing the fear of intimidation and crime within the But we’re not pining does it. It all builds on their self- community. The sessions were run by Michael Dunn. awareness and identity, develop esteem and confidence, makes us It’s Father’s day, I don’t go short talents and potential, facilitate happy!” Mama’s here to hold the fort employability, whilst contributing She’s the one to teach me sport to the realization of dreams and And share lessons she’s been taught aspiration. Indeed there are those

Urban Art Project, 2011 Father’s day the sun This project was based around urban art using spray paint and goes down pens. As well as producing pieces of art, young people designed Even though daddy a wall piece for the front of the shed outside the church. The is not around workshop facilitator, Conor, advised and encouraged the young Mama’s eyes sparkle, people, teaching skills and techniques needed to achieve the I know she’s proud full potential of their artistic visions. The image reflects the Her love is a jewel diversity of our project and Whalley Range using a sketch of the and I’ve been crowned British Muslim Heritage Centre on College Road, and trees. (See interview on page 22.) By Chanje Kunda

Page 20 ↗ Whiz young people and volunteers at a bag packing event to raise funds, April 2012 ↑ Celebrate 2012 Page 21 Interview Rakie Dean, MMU student placement Whiz (cont.) Rakie is a post-graduate student taking Girls’ group Youth & Community Work at MMU, and was recommended to come on placement at Whiz, Interview Conor McGinley, volunteer due to her experience and knowledge of the area. Her placement ran for the first six “I first became aware of the Whiz Project in 2008 at the Celebrate Festival. months of 2012. Up until this point my working life had been arts-based mainly in film, performance, fine art and graffiti. I finished uni in 2006 and moved to On first impression, she liked the way that the Manchester. I’d looked into teaching but it really didn’t call to me, and I hadn’t young people at Whiz have a diverse range thought much more about working with young people until I met Alison. I of backgrounds. She noticed it had a friendly, also talked to a few of the young people who said they had an interest in home-like environment, more like being graffiti. I knew this was one thing I could help with, but I wasn’t sure if I had amongst friends than a youth group, and felt anything else to offer. the same from the staff.

“I started by volunteering on Tuesday nights. I really wasn’t sure if I had Rakie began coming four nights a week, and anything to add to the place, but if nothing more I could be an extra pair of her favourite activity to lead was cooking. Her hands and eyes. The young people I met where wonderful, they were clever planned sessions ran over a series of months, and thoughtful people and over the few years I worked at Whiz I enjoyed during which time she saw a vast improvement how they enriched my life with new words, music and the energy of youth. in the related skills and confidence in the Working at Whiz was not only the about the young people it also meant I young people. By the end, they could take met a lot more members of the local community and it showed me that the the lead; before, they would just observe. She skill set I had could be used in ways I had never really thought of. would participate in the other activities in a session, such as group discussions on gang and “For the first few weeks I went to Whiz I simply hung out and lost a lot of drug awareness, snooker, IT and football. games of pool with the youths. We talked and I tried to see if there were any of their interests I could help them with. Tuesday nights were the kickboxing When asked for one thing she had learnt session run by Fats. This was probable the first chance I had to encourage about youth work, she replied quickly. “No them to get involved with an activity. It was also one of the first lessons I two days are the same. One day can be very learnt about youth work; the best way to get the youth involved is to lead by quiet, but you go with the flow of those example. So even though I was very unfit and out of shape I got my tracksuit attending.” Despite a shortage of funds, she on and each week I trained with them. I was so impressed with the young insists you can still be creative, and this is people who came back week after week, and the level of commitment the another skill she has developed. showed to the sport, and the enjoyment they took from it. At the moment Whiz provides for girls on Monday evenings, Finance is just one of the pressures which she “I hadn’t been there long when a woman who was part of the Peace Festival has been working under, and she organised a 6-9pm. We recognise the need for separate girls work; they held at the Zion Centre came to the youth centre. She gave us some paints bag packing session at the local supermarket need a place to express themselves, where they can relax and big sheets that she wanted us to paint with graffiti. This was an activity I to raise funds. Rakie highlighted the need to and be themselves. Girls are excluded from many activities was able to add a lot more to, and I soon ended up running this project. The be reliable, to manage time well, and to be young people had great ideas and I felt great about being able to help them trustworthy, as often the young people can when sessions are mixed; boys tend to dominate the pool realise their ideas. After this project Alison helped me learn about funding find it hard to open up. table, the music equipment, and gaming equipment. Also, bids, and I wrote and delivered two big projects with the young people; one Coming to the end of her placement, she has was a t-shirt making project and the other was a graffiti project. Both were we recognise that certain cultures prefer that boys are not thoroughly enjoyed it, and has seen “110% very exciting and the talent shown by the youths was incredible; not only did around. commitment” from the other staff, for which they produce some great art work on t-shirts and canvases, but they added she says the young people benefit. She feels to their youth centre by painting a mural outside the building. A small group that the young people are judged too much of the youths also showed their art work off to Manchester city councillors. for their stereotypes – more people could Interview with Zava, Safa, or at home. Kainat says she has learned if she’s at Whiz, it’s a good thing. It calms Both of these projects proved very popular and were still running when give time volunteering – it is rewarding. Kainat and Ayesha, young to cook properly; Safa says it has shown you down; you can get advice if someone I left Manchester in 2011. This is of course only a snippet of some of the her the importance of manners at home has been bullied. great activates I was involved with. I also ran an art workshop with younger people aged 13 to 18 – you help out and get respect in the children during the summer schemes; this was another really enjoyable Safa says you can always find a friend These girls have been coming for up to 7 end. She also says Whiz has inspired her experience. at Whiz, and get positive support. She years. They have enjoyed participating in to do well in her future career. comes in most Mondays. They appreciate dance, music and circus skills workshops, “It was heart breaking to leave Whiz even though I was only there for a few All of the girls agreed that the youth that it is a place to get hot and healthy cooking sessions and going on trips to years. The amount I learnt and experienced has enriched my life and taught group makes people of different age, food, if there are financial problems at places like Blackpool, all run by Whiz me a great deal that I will carry with me. I’m now living in Ireland where I’m race and religion come together. With home or a parent is working late. Youth Project. still very much involved with youth work. It seemed to me that the more you these young people, they get to go on invest of your time and skills into young people the more you gain in return; Finally, they agree the staff help you get Most of these activities are mixed sex, trips and have fun, make new friends and, being someone for young people to talk to, to ask question of, really helps on with the people you don’t know or but some of the girls prefer to come to if needs be, lower their tempers to feel them and myself. I feel youth work as helped be become a better graphic particularly like, and make them feel the girls-only night on Mondays. calm inside. designer which is my day job. It’s also helped me understand a lot about the better about themselves when they are community and wide society I live in; I owe this to all the wonderful people Whiz has given young people in Whalley What would they do if Whiz was not down. of all ages I met and worked with at Whiz, and the wonderful lesson I learnt Range the opportunity to learn new there? Ayesha says if she was hanging out there. Thank you for having me.” skills that they might not get at school on the street, that would be a bad thing;

Page 22 → Zava, Safa and Rakie. Page 23 Just some of the many folk who have Where are they now? been involved one way or another.

Name What they did for WRYOA What they do now

Edward Afekafe Woodcraft Folk attendee (1996 Outreach worker for onwards) Manchester City Football Club; ambassador for World Cup bid Iram Ahmed Young person, later staff at JNR8 Ministry of Justice diversity and (2001 onwards) inclusion in the NW;WRYOA management commmittee Una Baines Volunteer JNR8 and Celebrate Energise Project, Sure Start Centre Roger Boyce Project young person (1981 on); Staff at Whiz (2005 to date) volunteer/sessional worker Majid Dar Volunteer (2004) Coordinator, Youth On Solid Ground Earl Davey Project worker Youth and Community lecturer, Bolton University Michael Dunn Volunteer/sessional worker Staff at Whiz (2003 to date)

Katrina Garg Volunteer (2001) then manager of Mental health practitioner, Whiz (2003-6) youth worker at 42nd Street Mari Gibson Manager of Whiz (2001-2002) Safe In The City at Z-Arts Centre Nicole Joseph JNR8 coordinator when opened Head of Youth Services, St (1999) Helens Noreen Khan Volunteer at play scheme then Head of AIM (formerly Cool manager of Whiz (7 years total) UK) Pupil referral unit Jessica Kippen Staff (2004) WRYOA management committee Gina Lewis Student placement, then summer Youth Worker, Stockport SPLASH scheme organiser College Carol Packham Volunteer (1977) MMU course leader in Youth & Community Work; WRYOA management committee Rabbia Zesham Volunteer (2003) Runs Kiddie Days Nursery

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