Issue 2, Winter 2012 Footprints is a Fair Share Trust Brent publication. www.fairsharebrent.org.uk

Opinion: Lady TT asks why young Family support: Joy Francis Young people: Interview with Recipes: Kenny Tang and his women are acting like boys and profiles the work of the Starfish footballers Rachel Yankey MBE and dad share their favourite Chinese hiding their femininity. Project. Paul Canoville. dumpling dish. 3 4 6 8 Neighbourhood legacy meeting at News in brief Girl power Unity Centre a success A new empowerment project for young women gives them the chance to talk about their role in society. Girls are Stupid! Girls are

The stakeholder meeting Dumb! is run by P2P, part of Catalyst Housing explored the history of Group. Project coordinator Andreen Irving the area. said: “Teenage girls face lots of pressures

Aerial photo of Church and this project provides a space for them Road in 1920 to talk to other women about their problems.“ The project has been running since November 2012 and is looking for new participants. For more information, call or text Andreen on 07525 905 128. Hi tech youth centre The Roundwood Youth Centre in Longstone stakeholder meeting held by Fair which provide an opportunity for local people Avenue has reopened after a complete re- Share Trust Brent to discuss plans for to come together and influence planning and build. Targeted at 13 to 19 year olds, the state Aa neighbourhood forum as part of its social policy in their neighbourhood. This has of the art building has a range of facilities, legacy attracted a positive response. the potential to be a powerful legacy for Fair including a café, IT suite, media and perfor- Representatives from voluntary organisa- Share Trust Brent.” mance areas, a recording studio and a sports tions, Brent Council, Catalyst Housing Group The meeting also looked at the history of hall. Young people can also use the centre and Fair Share Trust Brent’s panel discussed the area and Brent Council’s plans for Church to get advice, guidance and information. To how a neighbourhood forum in the Church End and Roundwood. Richard Lee, from Just find out more, call020 8937 6680 or email End and Roundwood area would provide lead- Space, a community planning consortium, [email protected]. ership and allow local people to have a voice recommended that the Localism Act be used in developments in the area. by local communities to influence planning Patrick Vernon, legacy consultant for Fair decisions in the neighbourhood forum area. Share Trust Brent, said “We had a good atten- A public meeting to discuss the neigh- Free ESOL classes dance for what was an exploratory meeting. bourhood boundary and seek support for the The Unity Centre is offering free ESOL We met with representatives of local organ- establishment of a neighbourhood forum for (English for Speakers of Other Languages) isations who have a professional interest in Church End and Roundwood will be held at classes every Thursday. The women’s class the area to gauge their reaction to the idea the Unity Centre on Saturday 2 February 2013. is held on Thursdays from 10am to 12 midday of having a neighbourhood forum.” To find out more about the public meet- while the men’s class runs from 1pm to 3pm. Neil Jackson, Fair Share Trust Brent’s com- ing and how you can contribute, call Neil All levels are welcome. For further details, munity development manager, said: “There Jackson on 07587 770 706 or email him at contact Tony on 07964 765 799. are changes in the law and at Brent Council [email protected]. welcome 60 seconds with... Ros Baptiste “Working in Church End ‘Ros Baptiste, an energy and Roundwood makes me adviser with Energy Solutions, advocates feel positive. I’m fortunate on behalf of vulnerable residnts living with fuel to work with people who poverty.’ care about the area.” With fuel prices increasing, Footprints spoke to Ros Baptiste, an energy adviser at the charity Energy Solutions, about how she makes a difference to the lives of residents living with fuel poverty. Let’s be honest. We all like to complain once in a while, about the weather, the neighbours, the buses, cracks in the pavements, even the local wildlife. How do you help people suffering from fuel poverty? Negative views As an energy adviser I advocate with energy Living in this area you can overhear people being negative, with the companies on behalf of vulnerable residents about views of outsiders bordering on the extreme. A few years ago a local payment issues. I also visit residents at home and help paper got into the habit of linking serious crime stories to Harlesden, even them with budgeting and reducing their energy costs. if they occurred in , much to the fury of local councillors. Working in Church End and Roundwood makes me feel positive. I’m You work closely with residents in fortunate to work with and meet people who live in and care about Church End and Roundwood. the area, showing what a great spirit this neighbourhood has. I’ve always worked within the community. I used to run play groups as part of St. Raphael’s Women’s Supporting young people Workshop in an area where I’ve lived for more than 20 During the summer The People’s Project volunteers came to the Unity years. I’m currently the chair of the Friends of Brent Centre every day for four weeks to support local young people in a range River Park and I am also a Fair Share Trust Brent of activities and events which stretched their minds, bodies and spirits. panel member. Fair Share Trust Brent has been able to fund local organisations to recruit volunteers to allow them to gain vital work experience in a challenging People must really appreciate economic climate. the work that you do. In my work there are many sad stories, but we also Local stories get a lot of thank you letters from people we’ve Footprints also gives local people the opportunity to write articles or speak helped. One of my first clients gave me a plant nearly about their concerns as well as what they think makes Church End and 10 years ago and it’s still sitting in my office today. Roundwood great. So next time you find yourself complaining, count to three and say Do you have any favourite local something you like about this area. With all of us thinking positively we haunts where you go to escape? can make Church End and Roundwood an even better place to live. I enjoy going to Tokyngton Recreation Ground and the open space just before you head into . I go right up to the Neil Jackson top of the hill. It’s nice and peaceful. Community development manager www.energysolutions.org.uk

Disclaimer Fair ShareTrust Brent Panel The views expressed in Footprints are those of Chair: Howard Bluston the authors, unless otherwise stated, and are not Editor: Joy Francis Vice chair: Iris Brown necessarily Fair Share Trust Brent policy. Whilst every Design: Ahsan Khan Panel members: Ros Baptiste, Liz care is taken to provide accurate information, neither Printer: Hurricane Print Hylton, Jane Lanyero, Brigid Neal, Fair Share Trust Brent, the editor, nor the contributors Address: Fair Share Trust Brent, the Unity Carol Allen, Anab Mohammed undertake any liability for any error or omission. Centre, 103 Church Road, NW10 9EG. Advisory panel members: Patrick Vernon, © Copyright 2012-2013 Fair Share Trust Brent. Tel: 020 8955 1785 Yvonne Williams All rights reserved. Email: [email protected] Community Foundation: Victoria Warne

2 Footprints - ISSUE 2 opinion Young women behaving badly?

The fight for equality in the home and workplace has yielded Young women many positive results, are breaking free from the but there are also some stereotypical box of how they worrying consequences, should behave, particularly for young speak and dress. Picture credit: women who believe they Higher by Luisi need to act like men to be taken seriously. Lady TT mothers playing this dual role. What they It seems that within don’t see is the joy and value of being explains her concerns. vulnerable or mutually dependent. the “street” culture, It seems that these roles have It’s 3.30am outside Sound nightclub in many young girls find merged so much that the boundaries Leicester Square, London. I’m distributing and expectations of male and female flyers when I hear: “YoooBruv. WhaGwan? it acceptable to address behaviour have almost been eliminated. Its man like me’s 21st birthday.” each other as “Bruv”. Behaviour is no longer gender specific. The pitch is so high I turn in the direction Young women are breaking free from of the loud voice and am surprised to see the stereotypical box of how they it is a conversation between two girls. the way they dress, mannerisms and should behave, speak and dress. speech, to the specific roles they play But in the struggle for equality, has Street culture as mothers and fathers, husbands and this caused more women to become I work with young women, aged 14 to 25, wives, or simply just as men and women. aggressive rather than assertive? usually from an urban class background. I’m an “old school” tomboy. I’m into Over the years I have noticed a massive Changing roles sports and rarely wear dresses. When change in the way they behave, dress Men had always been seen as the I was younger I was always “one of and speak. It seems that within the protectors and breadwinners; the the lads”, but the distinction between “street” culture, many young girls find it ones who will look after the family us was very clear when it came the acceptable to address each other as “Bruv”. financially and structurally. Women, way I spoke and carried myself. I would They are also getting more on the other hand, have been viewed never dream of behaving the way I involved in violent acts or gang-related as the nurturers, the ones who look see some young women do today. activities, and are becoming more after the home, provide the emotional sexually active from a younger age. support and are more dependent. Ladette culure Lesbian and bisexual relationships Over the years, influenced by feminism, They are no longer “tomboys” but are on the increase and many young these roles have evolved. Women have “ladettes”. They are a lot more harsh and women are being more experimental, had to adapt and become stronger, both aggressive in their ways and attitudes, having numerous sexual partners. outwardly and internally. They have the even to each other. The ladette culture constant battle of securing equality in the has made it almost acceptable for Sexual attitudes workplace, to earn the same pay for doing women to mirror crass male behaviour. One young woman told me, “If men can the same jobs, or just to gain acceptance. There are pros and cons to these sleep with whoever they want, then so can To cope, they have become more gender changes, but there is still a lot I”. But can they? Women have the ability aggressive in their pursuit of success of confusion among young women. It to bear children, which can be a major and equality. In the home, with an is our job to help them through it. outcome of such promiscuous behaviour. increasing number of single parent Not only that, they will be left with families, many women have replaced the Lady TT is a DJ and youth worker the responsibility and challenge of raising role of the absent father and become with projects such as P2P and The these children in a nurturing environment. the providers and the protectors. People’s Project. You can follow Traditionally men and women have This in turn has had an impact on her on Twitter: @ladytt_official had quite defined roles in society, from young women who have seen their

Footprints - ISSUE 2 3 family support Parents in control

For the past year the Starfish Project has provided an innovative and holistic support service for children and families in Church End and Roundwood. A partnership between three Brent-based charities (Empowering Families, Potential Mentoring and Drama Workhouse), the much needed project is funded by Fair Share Trust Brent.

Partnership Kelly Oyebola, director of Potential Mentoring, which works with five to 19 year olds at risk of social exclusion, explains the value of the partnership: “There are times when children, young people and parents face challenges that affect their lives in a negative way. As a partnership of local community organisations, Starfish provides combined services such as individual mentoring, school interventions or emotional support

Starfish works with each family for three months over 12 sessions. In some cases the level of need is so high that three months is not enough

that are easier for families to access.” So far the project has worked with 22 families with intense, complex and multiple Making a difference: Heather Thomas of Empowering needs. Many of the families are sizeable, Families and Potential Mentoring’s Kelly Oyebola work with Drama Workhouse to support local families. in some cases with six children. In reality this means that Starfish is working with 86 family members. The project hopes Supporting families with complex needs during to reach 50 families by March 2013. Starfish works with each family a recession is a challenge, but it is one that for three months over 12 sessions. In Starfish, an innovative one year old project, is some cases the level of need is so high that three months is not enough. meeting with some success, says Joy Francis. Families are usually referred to the project by an external agency, such

4 Footprints - ISSUE 2 family support

as schools and children centres, or through self referral, with Empowering Families as the first point of contact.

Assessment After a referral, Heather Thomas, director of Empowering Families, visits the families and conducts an assessment to determine how many of the project’s partners need to be involved. At the Kaye James of Drama Workhouse leads a workshop. Starfish monthly meeting, the partner Photograph by Neil Jackson organisations talk through the referrals and create a support package. At the lighter end of the caseload, it could be tackling the fallout of debt. In one recent case a teenager was about “Parents tell us that their to go to court over debts he had ran children don’t respect up while trying to support himself. them or authority Kelly and Heather update each other. Back to basics figures, but we also The Starfish team worked with him Photographs by Adrianne McKenzie on budgeting and helped him set up come across children a payment plan to reduce his debt who lack self esteem skills, safeguarding children and child and stay on top of his finances. As a protection, with an end of course test. result, he was able to keep his flat and and need support.” When they pass this stage they will clear his arrears. He now feels more Kelly Oyebola then get five weeks on the job training in confident and is looking for a job. tandem with an experienced volunteer. When it comes to the sharper end, the challenges are more complex Volunteering with domestic violence, school Once this is completed, they will be exclusion, mental health and insufficient Parental control expected to volunteer for between parenting skills among them. Oyebola admits that many parents two to three hours per week, which Thomas says: “In some cases it is struggle with maintaining parental may include going to a clinic with a about going back to basics with parents control. “Parents tell us that their children family, or supporting them in their own to help them to regain some discipline in don’t respect them or authority figures, homes in a non-judgemental way. This the home. This can include establishing a but we also come across children who opportunity will enable the volunteers homework routine and even getting their lack self-esteem and need support.” to move on and gain employment in children to clean up their bedrooms.” The benefits to families cannot be children and family-related professions. underestimated. One parent, Valentina, Thomas has no doubt about the Safe environment says: “At first the whole family was benefits: “Well trained volunteers who will Drama Workhouse, a charity that apprehensive about Starfish. Then listen, befriend and work alongside families, uses drama to enhance life skills, runs they worked with my 10 year old son. will allow parents to have the space to put groups for the children and young He is much more settled and happy one or more of the recommended changes people, to help them tackle anger with himself. In truth I wish we had into practice within the family household. issues within a safe environment, as come across Starfish ages ago”. Families will then feel empowered and many parents don’t feel able to do so. To deal with the demand, Starfish able transform their own lives.” Kaye James, the charity’s director, says: is looking to recruit 20 family support “Our workshops and projects for children, volunteers from the local community To find out more about the Starfish young people, adults and vulnerable by the end of February 2013. Project, contact Heather Thomas on groups focus on the use of drama as a The volunteers will receive five weeks 0203 632 2344 or email tool for personal development, confidence, of quality training in theory on topics such [email protected] self-esteem and self-expression.” as values and attitudes, communication www.empoweringfamilies.org.uk

Footprints - ISSUE 2 5 young people Talking football

Ayaan Nur, aged 14

Ayaan Nur When you were younger, you were the only girl in the football team. What kept you motivated to play football?

Rachel What kept me motivated was my passion for football. Obviously I knew I was the only girl, but I didn’t really care. It was about winning the game and scoring goals. It wasn’t about boys or girls.

The young journalists with Rachel Yankey MBE and Paul Canoville. Abdullahi Saad Mohamud, Mohamed, Photographs by Lee Townsend aged 12 aged 13

Words of Colour Productions in partnership with Fair Abdullahi Mohamud Saad Mohamed Share Trust Brent ran a What influenced you to start Paul, you were the first black player for journalism programme for playing football? Chelsea. How did you deal with racism? young people from Church Paul Canoville Paul I used to watch Pele on video and I then I’d Not very well. It took a long time before End and Roundwood in the to go to the park to play football. He made I was accepted. Growing up we were autumn of 2012. At the me want to be a professional footballer. the only black family on our estate. All end of the course, some of my friends were white. We used to play Rachel Yankey World Cup and had to represent a country. the group got the chance I didn’t dream that I would become a I used to represent Brazil. I used to get professional footballer, but I used to called racist names by the old boys and I to interview two top go and watch Arsenal, my favourite used to go home crying because I didn’t footballers from the past team. I loved the way understand. My mum told me to count played football. He made it look so to 10 and walk away. When I made my and present: Paul Canoville, easy and so much fun when he scored Chelsea debut it was shocking to hear Chelsea’s first black goals. That’s who I wanted to be. that kind of racism from my own fans. football player, and Arsenal It was keeping calm that helped me. Ladies and ’s most capped outfield international Rachel Yankey MBE. Here is an edited version of that interview.

6 Footprints - ISSUE 2 young people

Jordan well. Towards Christmas I saw a different Farmer, So what did Rachel Yankey aged 12 physio who picked up on the problem. I was out for a few weeks. When I came and Paul Canoville have to back I started to play better and it was during the build up to selection for the say about the interview? European Championship. I was training with my strength coach in Jordan Farmer Sport Centre when I got a call from Hope I know you had an injury Paul, but Powell [England women’s coach]. She said what caused it to happen? that I was dropped from the team. It was devastating. I felt sick in my stomach. I Paul felt in myself that I was close to being I remember it distinctly. I was playing back at my best. With football you have against Sunderland. The ball came out and to accept the ups and the downs. Rachel I remember making it go through my legs. When I was at school no one who As I turned on my right knee the defender I could look up to as a role model took my knee from under me. I didn’t Jordan came in to talk to us. If they did, I realise that I was on the ground. I tried Farmer, would have known what I wanted to get up and take the free kick and my aged 12 to be a lot earlier in my life. Some teammate said: “You can’t”. When I looked of the young people asked brilliant down my thigh was facing one way and my and intelligent questions. When I knee and ankle was facing another. I just was 12 I don’t think I would have wanted to see the specialist to know when been able to do that. It was also I could get back to football. It wasn’t good Jordan fantastic to meet Paul and hear his news. I couldn’t play anymore. Every time Rachel, you were in the Olympics. story. I could relate to what he said. I did my knee swelled up like a balloon. It What was it like being an Olympian? took three months to make the decision www.pitchero.com/clubs/ to retire, which is one of the hardest Rachel gibbonswreckersyouthfc decisions any footballer has to make. It was fantastic. Before the Olympics I don’t think I fully appreciated the scale

Kaftun of the event. Track and field athletes Mohamed, train for four years for just one moment. aged 12 As a footballer it is different as we play many games during a season. I was humbled by their dedication and training. Also having 70,000 people at cheering for us was amazing. Kaftun Paul Rachel, a few years ago you were When you have the chance to share left out of ’s England your experiences with young people, squad. Was that the hardest time of and feel that they can go for their your career? dreams, or be like me, I am happy. The young people have great ideas Rachel and such direction for their age. Yes, definitely. It came at a time when I When I was their age I didn’t know had picked up a few injuries while playing what I wanted to be other than a with Arsenal. What I didn’t know was footballer. They have such belief, which under my left toe there is a tiny bone I didn’t have when I was younger. that I had fractured. I was still playing but there was always a sharp pain. The www.paulcanoville.com physiotherapist didn’t know what was wrong with me and I wasn’t playing very

Footprints - ISSUE 2 7 recipes Cooking time

Kenny Tang loves food, especially Chinese dumplings. With a chef father who works long hours, cooking with him is a Get the edging Fry the dumplings Good enough rarity, but Kenny convinced right to stop any until golden brown. to eat. spillage. him to teach him how to Chinese dumpling recipe and cover with cling film and let it stand cook this popular dish. at room temperature for 30 minutes. Makes about 50 Mix together the sesame oil, soy

Kenny sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, and his You will need: salt, sugar and chicken powder and add dad Hon to the minced pork. Finely chop the Fai start filling the Filling: Chinese cabbage, coriander and ginger dumplings. . 400g minced pork and combine with the meat and mix until . 200g Chinese cabbage evenly distributed. The mixture should be . 20g ginger (approximately quite wet. You should fry a spoonful of it 2 tablespoons) to check that the flavour is to your liking. . 1 tablespoon sesame oil Take the rested dough and knead . 2 tablespoons soy sauce again for about five minutes. The dough . 1 tablespoon Shaoxing should become elastic, silky smooth, and wine or sherry not sticky. Divide the dough into two and . 1 tablespoon oyster sauce roll one piece into a long “rope” before My dad has always been quite indulgent . 2 teaspoons salt breaking off 1.5cm pieces. Roll each when it came to feeding me and my . 1 tablespoon sugar piece into a ball before flattening with brother, whether it was Happy Meals . 2 teaspoons chicken powder your hand. Using a rolling pin or towel, roll after school or home cooked dinners. . 1 bunch of fresh coriander the pieces out into discs of about 7.5cm. His skills as a restaurant chef definitely Place a disc in your hand and set a came in useful when cooking birthday Wrappers: teaspoon of the filling in the centre. Fold meals, our annual lobster Christmas . 500g flour the disc together and pinch together dinner, or noodles for my school fairs. . 2 tablespoons oil one side, sealing the edges as you work Everyone has a dish that they feel . A pinch of salt towards the other end. My dad adds their parents cook the best. For me it . Boiling water decorative pleats along his edges, but would probably be my dad’s pork and I’m happy as long as mine are sealed vegetable dumplings. I remember even Dipping sauce: properly and the filling doesn’t fall out. during my childhood “Chinese food is . Chinese black vinegar To cook the dumplings you can place boring” phase, when my culinary tastes . Soy sauce them in a pan of boiling water and reduce fell more towards fish fingers, I would the heat to medium for about five minutes. still look forward to him making them. Add the salt and oil to the bowl The dumplings should float to the top and Recently I convinced my dad to of flour. Pour the boiling water very become slightly swollen and translucent. teach me the recipe for the first time. gradually into the flour while mixing with My favourite method is to fry the Not that it’s a family secret, but chefs a wooden spoon. The flour should begin dumplings in a few spoons of oil until work notoriously long hours so finding to form small clumps until it’s just coming the bottoms are golden-brown and crispy. time to cook together is a rarity. together as a shaggy ball of dough. I then add a bit of water, cover and steam With Chinese New Year in February, Turn the dough out onto a work for about four minutes and then leave I thought it was a good opportunity to surface that’s minimally dusted with uncovered for the final two minutes, to share this recipe. You can make them flour, and knead it for approximately five evaporate any remaining water and to re- with any meat filling or vegetable. I hope minutes until it comes together as a crisp the dumplings. Serve the dumplings you enjoy making and eating them. smooth ball. Place the dough in a bowl with some vinegar or soy sauce for dipping.

8 Footprints - ISSUE 2