Family Mosaic’s first ever Youth Conference was held at the British Music Experience at the 02 on Friday 4^th June. 

It launched our new Youth Forum who have decided to call themselves Youth of Our Time (YOOT) and premiered a film they have made to highlight issues which are important to young people living on our estates and in our homes across London and Essex.

Engaging young people

Over 100 young people came to the event which was organised in partnership with YOOT members. Young people had the chance to talk through issues with staff and YOOT members, visit information stalls and grill a panel of senior managers and a local councillor in a Question Time session.

They could also take part in workshops including T-shirt design, henna tattoos, CV writing and DJ skills and meet Young People from one of our Essex schemes who produced “Hidden Links” a sexual health film.

The venue itself also gave young people the chance to find out about music history, film themselves dancing, try out sound recording and have a go at all manner of instruments from drums to guitars.

YOOT 2010 ended with performances by street dance troop Creative Academy and London-based R&B trio Ruff Diamondz and the grand finale was a fashion show featuring pieces by young designer Crissie Fizz and YOOT member Marco Duarte as well as T-shirt designs from the earlier workshop.

Tate, 19 from Brixton - "I think it should be done every year. I even found myself a hobbie - I tried out the piano and would like to take it up.  The stalls were good - I found out about the help I can get finding work placements. I did DJ skills and it was good. I also found out what activities I can do over the summer.  I think the forum is a good idea as it helps young people voice their own ideas and get them involved rather than sitting around doing nothing."

Cllr Brookes from Lewisham, who was impressed by the event, was part of the Question Time panel and talked about the importance and responsibility young people have in reporting crime. 

Yvonne Arrowsmith, Group Operations Director - “A big thank you and well done to all staff and YOOT members involved.”