Louis Dickson (20) Oldbury

“I have a big issue with my partner because ever since she found out something on her side, she has been pushing me away, ignoring me even. I have been giving her space, trying to help her, trying to make things work, trying to stand by her and I don’t know what to do”

Ellie Stokes (13) Rowley Regis

“I have an issue of fitting in because of the style of music I like and the clothes I wear. Some people stereotype me for being depressed”

Faith Whitehouse (15) Bearwood

“I’m worried about not getting the GCSE grades that I want as I want to get good grades so I can go to university, which is really competitive.”

 
Nikita Gaur (16) West Bromwich

“Getting where I want to in life and how long its going to take. Also the confidence I have to have to get it.”

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Chelsea Taylor (16) West Bromwich

“My major concern is teenage pregnancy; a lot of teenagers in my generation are getting pregnant which is making them lose out on their education and teenage lifestyle. I have friends of my own who have become pregnant, I don’t agree with it but I’ll be there to support them.

Shanice Abbot (16) West Bromwich

My major concern is health, a lot of people suffer with weight and find it hard to keep fit and eat the right foods.”

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Alix Jones (13) Halesowen

“Not getting a job. I often ask quite stupid questions”

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Ben Morris (16) Smethwick

“Everyone is cautious about how they look and whilst I don’t think they should matter much in getting into a relationship, there’s a phrase which goes ‘Looks get’s you with a person, personality keeps you with them.’ Unfortunately. (For me) looks matter.

There’s a lot of pressure to get through you’re A levels. In order to get into university I want to get into, I need 2 A’s and 2 B’s. That’s a lot of work!”

Leah Bargota (15) Tipton

“My health is a concern because I don’t want to be 40 with a millions different diseases cause by my ‘past health.’ And I don’t want to fall out with friends and family because they mean a lot to me.”

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Alisha Mand (15) Birmingham

“Concerns in life are to keep good relationships with my friends and family because they are very important to me, also to get good GCSE grades and succeed in my education. I like to make an effort in my appearance because then it makes me feel good about myself because I have a lot of insecurities. I dream about having the “perfect” figure and I need to learn how to feel comfortable in my own skin.”

Danielle Gearing (15) Great Barr

The main worry is getting my exam results and reaching my target grades.  Most of the time people tend to judge you on how you look and your appearance and this can make you feel insecure. I have a lot of insecurities and hate it when people judge me just on the way I look.I am very aware of my weight and how easy it is to gain weight quickly. As a teenager weight is a big issue and sometimes I feel we become too obsessed with having the perfect figure. I need to learn to feel comfortable with who I am and eat healthy if I want to stay a reasonable weight.
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Grace Wright (15) Great Barr

My health concerns me because I tend to eat a lot of junk food, and I don’t eat my five-a-day, which can’t be good for me. My education and problems at school worry me, because I don’t pay enough attention in class and some of my teachers can’t control the class, which means we don’t learn enough anyway. I also can’t revise; I find it really hard to do. I’m worried about my appearance and weight because I have a lot of insecurities and don’t appreciate when people point them out.  I’m a bit worried that I won’t get the GCSE’s and qualifications that I need when I finish school, which then means I won’t get the job I want.

> > > > > > > > > Film Previews > > > > > > > > > >

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 

Director: Jon Turteltaub
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Monica Bellucci, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer, Toby Kebbell, Omar Benson Miller
Released: 13th August 2010

The favoured theme of this generation seems to be movies involving the supernatural. For this, I blame Harry Potter and Twilight alone. Two series’ of books which have reached out and touched the imagination of children, and indeed, judging by the make-up for an adult cover on The Harry Potter series, their parents too. But with the right film, the theme can work magnificently. The question then, that really has to be asked, is that of “Is it any good?”

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is one that has caught the media’s eye, and is probably one of the better movies to be coming out this year. Balthazar, being played by Nicholas Cage, who you might remember as the Batman body-double from Kick-Ass, is a master sorcerer who is attempting to defend Manhattan from Doctor Octopus. Wait, no, my mistake, that’s Alfred Molina playing the role of the arch-enemy, Maxim Horvarth. However, this elderly entity can’t keep control on his own, so he enlists the help of reluctant “inevitable hero-to-be” Dave Stutler and sets out to train him in the ways of the sorcerer. Luckily for Balthazar, a love interest enters the game-play to help sway Dave’s decision, because let’s face it, girls like magic, right?

So, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice re-introduces the classic cliché storyline of Good v Evil, with the hero, villain and heroine all taking up their positions on the podium. However, Jon Turteltaub, who also directed hit comedy Cool Runnings, has the ability to make this movie unique.

Grown Ups

Director: Dennis Dugan
Cast: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Steve Buscemi, Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, Jamie Chung, Rob Schneider, Kevin James, David Spade
Released: 6th August 2010

There’s a phrase that reads something like “You have to grow old, but you never have to grow up”, and this comedy is taking that phrase and putting it into visuals. Five good friends, along with the rest of their high school basketball team, dragging along their wives and children too, go away for a weekend to honour their coach, who recently passed away. By and by, old times resurface and they soon re-connect with their past youth.

Step Up 3D

Director: Jon Chu
Cast: Alyson Stoner, Sharni Vinson, Harry Shum Jr, Rick Malambri, Adam G. Sevani, Ally Maki, Stephen Boss
Released: 6th August 2010

Band-wagon jumping onto the wearing dark glasses indoor scene, the third instalment of this successful dance series will be portrayed by the magnificent mechanisms of 3D. This means you get the New York street dancers battling against other world-class dancers in a bid to become the best glaring you in the face like the puppies on the RSPCA adverts. But do Luke (Rick Malabri), Natalie (Shrani Vinson) and a University “freshman” called Moose (Adam Sevani) have what it takes?
 

The Last Airbender

Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Jackson Rathbone, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz, Cliff Curtis, Jessica Andres, Noah Ringer, Seychelle Gabriel, Shaun Toub, Aasif Mandvi
Released: 13th August 2010

Based on the incredibly successful animated Nickelodian series, this is the jump to the big screen that could either kill it or give it a new lease of life. Personally, this is one of the movies I’m quite excited about. Four nations, encompassing an element each, at war. One young Avatar (not to be confused with the 3D epic) called Aang (Noah Ringer) who discovers he has the power to control all the elements sets out to restore peace. Much like every beauty queen ever.

  
Salt

Director: Phil Noyce
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Zoe Lister Jones, Gaius Charles, Yara Shahidi, Corey Stoll,
Released: 20th August 2010

I hadn’t heard of Salt until recently, but on learning about it I think it could be the summer’s unlikely hit. A CIA agent known as Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) is forced to go on the run after being accused of being a Russian spy. Obviously, her disappearance does nothing but to induce a declivity, and this brain-teasing behaviour makes the audience wonder just exactly who Evelyn Salt is. If you’re after an interesting and puzzling movie this might be the film you’ve been waiting for.

The Other Guys

Director: Adam McKay
Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan
Released: 2nd September 2010

Another movie that could be hit-or-miss this summer is American cop comedy The Other Guys. The story revolves around two middle-aged men, Detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) who idolise the “big time” cops, and when given the chance to step up, things don’t quite go as planned. Whether this will flop or become the next Hot Fuzz is in their own hands, but American comedies tend to either be very funny or not at all.

 Movie news: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

A scar-struck Daniel Radcliffe takes to the stage once more in the first finale of the Harry Potter franchise. The first part of the final instalment of everyone’s favourite wizardry hero is fast approaching, and here’s hoping that a few loose ends will be tied. It will be interesting to see just how screenplay writer Steve Kloves and Director David Yates pull off making two movies from JK Rowling’s campest Harry Potter book. I say camp because the majority of it is set in fields or forests, where the famous trio are camping out as fugitives, while in search of their destinies. Much like a scouts holiday, but without the guardian with the frilly neckerchief. Voldemort has taken control of The Ministry of Magic, and in order to stop him once and for all, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) must find and destroy his remaining horcruxes. However, Harry begins to see through Voldemorts eyes, and upon researching what he sees and hears, the story of The Deathly Hallows soon unfolds.

Movie news: Despicable Me

New Universal Pictures movie Despicable Me, expected mid-October looks set to be this years animated must-see, where devious villain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) attempts to steal the moon. (Quite where he’d hide it is another matter entirely.) But three troublesome girls known as Agnes (voiced by Dana Gaier), Edith (voiced by Elsie Fisher) and Margo (voiced by Miranda Cosgrove) intend on turning the village’s maladjusted monster into an unlikely father figure.

Movie news:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

December should bear the third movie of C.S. Lewis’ famous books. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader looks to be the most exciting instalment yet with Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) returning to help Edmund and Lucy Pevensie (Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley) and their cousin Eustace Scrubb (Will Poulter) as they face terror from all sorts and sizes aboard the Dawn Treader. But only time will tell if this movie is to sink or swim.

You need to be thinking about her more than yourself right now. She is obviously going through a difficult time in her life right now, yet she has chosen to confide in you and tell you about it. I think you should give her some space relationship wise for the time being and try to be there for her as a friend. Backing off for now in terms of closeness is not a negative thing as she has already told you that she likes you, so be patient. Showing that you can be there as a friend will benefit you in the long run as, when she is ready for a relationship, she will have seen your many good qualities and how you were a good friend. After all, friendship is key to a successful relationship.

REVIVING OLD FRIENDSHIPS
I got into an argument with some of my old school friends about not spending any time together anymore. It feels like we are drifting apart due to college and I want to stop that. We used to be really close. What can I do?
Robert (18) West Bromwich

The fact that you are coming forward and admitting that there is a problem that needs to be acknowledged is a positive thing. However, it does take two hands to clap and so your friends also need to be as involved and willing to revive your friendships, as it doesn’t work if it is all one sided. The pressures of college and making new friends mean you have less opportunities to see other friends. But try talking to them about this situation to see where you all stand. If you were close before then they should listen and understand, and you will find that things will work themselves out.

I NEED MY OWN SPACE
My family don’t give me enough space, my parents always come into my room and seem to be snooping around. I think they should trust me more.
Simone (16) Rowley Regis

Considering your age I would say you are definitely entitled to your own privacy. But on the other hand they are your parents and whether you like it or not they are a part of your life. If trust is the issue, think what has occurred in order for them to be suspicious of you in the first place. Perhaps when you say your family don’t give you enough space this could also mean you don’t give them enough time. Spending time with your family could be the solution to your problem, whether it be chatting to them about your day or filling them in on the latest goings on in your life. They will appreciate you building the relationship with them and then they wouldn’t have to go looking in your room to find out what you have been up to.

STAGE FRIGHT 
I have been entered for my first solo violin performance which is coming up very soon, I have never performed in front of an audience before and I’m worried things won’t go right. Help!
Alicia (14) Smethwick

Right, take a deep breath and relax! The reason you have been entered by your music teacher is because they know that you are good enough and ready for this stage in your musical progression. The nerves before your performance is a good thing, your adrenaline will kick in. Playing under pressure as a general rule makes the musician perform better. This whole experience of performing to an audience highlights your maturity and will fill you with confidence. Besides, there is nothing better than seeing your proud relatives in the crowd and also the pride you will feel.

IRREGULAR PERIODS
My periods have recently got heavier and irregular, why is this? 
Michelle (16) Tipton

If a woman is experiencing periods that are interfering with her quality of life, then she should visit her doctor. If the problem is severe bleeding, this can be regulated by hormonal or non-hormonal tablet treatment. Hormonal treatments include the contraceptive pill. Progestogens make periods more regular but don’t reduce monthly flow. Non-hormonal treatments like Cyklokapron reduce blood loss by up to half. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce monthly loss by about a third. In younger women heavy periods are most often due to a temporary hormone imbalance, which eventually corrects itself.

FEELING LEFT OUT
All the lads spend time with their girlfriends. I think I’m about the only one that doesn’t have one, I’m feeling kind of left out.
Tom (17) Oldbury

To me it sounds a bit like you’re comparing a girl to an accessory, for example wanting the new Call of Duty game just because everyone else has it. Perhaps you are just feeling like you are slightly losing the bonds you had with your close mates and perhaps you just miss spending time with them. But if you are actually waiting or looking for love in a girlfriend then stop  trying so hard because it often finds you when you least expect it. Why don’t you tell your friends how you feel? They should be understanding and make time for and include you in their plans, and who knows, some day you could have your very own girlfriend who you can’t wait to spend time with, so chin up!

MAKING FRIENDS
I’ve just moved to Sandwell and I feel really nervous about starting a new high school because I’m not going to know anyone!
Kayleigh (13) West Bromwich

At some point everybody has been  in your position, feeling nerves on a first day of something important, but honestly you will be absolutely fine. Within the first day you will be shown and helped around your school by friendly faces. Think of it as an adventure rather than something to fear. The excitement of starting fresh and creating a new life for yourself. Sooner rather than later you will settle into your classes and make friends. High school should be fun, so make sure you enjoy yourself.

MONEY WORRIES
My friends always want to go out but I can’t always afford it. My parents don’t just hand me money like my friends’ parents. What can I do?
Steph (16) Tividale

Well first of all, it’s unfair for you or even your friends to expect money to just be handed out to you from your folks. You’re now at the age where you can be a little more independent and start to do things for yourself as well as learning the values of money and how it feels a lot more satisfying having earned it. My advice to you would be to simply apply for a part time job. There’s plenty out there if you look hard enough, and this will enable you to go out with your friends and save, spend, save and spend some more! As well it allows you to get a head start on saving for college trips and university in the very near future, so get handing out those CV’s!

I HAVE A CRUSH 
I think I’m falling for my best friend’s boyfriend. I like him so much I don’t know what to do, please help.
Sophie (15) Wednesbury

You don’t do anything! Think about it, if the boot was on the other foot and your best friend did the dirty on you with your boyfriend you would be furious! Cheating is basically unforgivable. You may have thought about it but it is up to you to show how much of a true friend you are by stopping yourself from pursuing any actions. Maybe it’s not her boyfriend you like, maybe it’s the connection they share that you think you’d like. Basically my advice is there are plenty of fish in the sea, so go and find yourself a nice guy on your own. There is no need for you to ruin somebody else’s relationship, let alone the one you have with your best friend.

CHOOSING COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
Everybody has already started deciding what college they want to go to once we leave school and I’m a bit worried I still haven’t come to a decision.
Lauren (15) Tipton

Don’t worry, you still have just under another year to contemplate this decision. The best thing to do is get your parents to take you to the many open days that are on throughout the year. It’s the perfect chance to find out about the courses on offer and give you an idea of the surroundings. After all the best way to find out about a place is by visiting it yourself. Don’t go on some other person’s opinions, you are an individual and your learning needs will differ to that of your friends. When going to college you will still see your friends outside of your studies and make lots of new ones, so when you choose your college make sure that you’re not just following your friends. You need to pick somewhere that is perfect for you. 

l If you are 12-15 years old then check out www.teenlifecheck.co.uk, and for more information and support for all ages then visit www.ourguideto.co.uk

Although anyone can catch flu, seasonal flu tends to cause more problems among the elderly, very young and the chronically ill. However, pandemic flu tends to affect previously healthy adults. Swine flu is highly contagious. Symptoms begin within two days of exposure, at which point the person is most infectious. They are very similar to those produced by seasonal flu, including; high fever (usually above 38 ºC), cough, sore throat, headache, aching muscles, chills and shivers despite fever, exhaustion or fatigue, diarrhoea or a stomach upset.

If you think you have developed  flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home until you are symptom free. Contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 513, who will use a checklist to diagnose if you have swine flu.

As with all infections, good hygiene is absolutely essential to reduce the risk of spread or contact with the virus. So my advice would be to wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, use tissues and dispose of them carefully, clean hard surfaces regularly with cleaning fluid, and avoid close contact with people who have fever and a cough.

HOW TO TREAT A VERRUCA
I think I have a verruca on my foot and sometimes it’s quite painful. I don’t exactly know what it is or how it got there, how do I get rid of it?
Callum (15) Wednesbury

Warts and verrucas are small, non-cancerous growths within the skin. Warts may occur on their own or in clusters. There are many different types including; common warts – these raised growths with a hard uneven surface are the most familiar type of wart, which can be painful and usually appear on the hands and feet. Then there are plantar warts (verrucas), which are warts on the soles of the feet that have been pushed into the skin surface by the weight of the body.

Verrucas may be itchy and painful especially when they cause pressure on nerves. Talk to a doctor if a wart doesn’t respond to simple treatment or disappear after a while. Other treatments include  laser or freezing, or surgical curettage to scrape it out. These treatments are quite effective but can be painful and may need to be repeated.

I’VE TWISTED MY ANKLE
My ankle is swollen after a day of skateboarding, but  I don’t remember twisting it. How did it get there?
Robert (16) Smethwick

It’s not unusual for people to twist their ankle and cause injury without realising. If the injury is minor and made worse by continued activity, the pain may not be felt until later. This is probably what happened to you.

The damage that occurs is to the ligaments. These are bands of strong fibrous tissue that connect the bones and support the joints. If the foot turns inwards, the fibres may tear and tiny blood vessels may bleed. This is why the ankle swells. To reduce the pain you need ‘RICE’, which is; Rest, Ice, Compression (using a support bandage) and Elevation. Keep doing this until the swelling has gone down. If the swelling doesn’t go then see your GP because it might be broken.

I CAN’T STOP FARTING 
I can’t stop my excess wind. I’ve stopped eating spicy foods but I just can’t stop it. It’s embarrassing, what can I do?
Raj (16) Oldbury

It’s perfectly normal to produce wind, even in large quantities. Wind is the natural product of the action of the digestive system in the gut, as enzymes and bacteria break down carbohydrates and proteins in the diet. Wind can either travel upwards from the stomach as burps, or expel as flatulence from the rear.

To help aid digestion and reduce wind I suggest you eat slowly with small mouthfuls, avoid heavy meals and try not to gulp liquids, cutting down on fizzy drinks. Add herbs and spices to meals like fennel seeds and thyme. Eat live yoghurt to help provide adequate supplies of the bacteria that aid digestion. Peppermint tea also relaxes the muscles of the bowel and stops the discomfort that makes people feel the need to pass wind.

l If you are 12-15 years old then check out www.teenlifecheck.co.uk, and for more information and support for all ages then visit www.ourguideto.co.uk

The amount young people drink has become a national talking point. Alcohol epidemic is affecting young people like never before and the rising toll of deaths from liver disease is blamed on binge drinking. So we decided to ask the question…

Do you think the legal age for drinking alcohol should be raised to 21?

Luke Epstein (17) Oldbury: 
“I don’t think the legal age for drinking alcohol should be raised, because it wouldn’t prevent 18 – 20 year olds from drinking alcohol, which means more 18 – 20 year olds would be breaking the law.”

Leah Bargota (15) Tipton: 
“I think the legal age for drinking shouldn’t be raised because the legal age currently is 18 in the UK. There are already people under the age binge drinking and people who are over 18 will still want to drink, so it would raise the amount of underage drinkers we have in the UK. You would be making the problem even worse than it seems.”

Luke Ward (14) Wednesbury:
“I think it shouldn’t be raised to 21 because people would still drink. As long you are with your family it’s OK, but in clubs and bars they should go up, because there will be less crime around places.”

Thomas Hayes (15) Wednesbury:
“I think it should be raised because it would be a way for the government to get across the message that excessive drinking is really dangerous. It probably wouldn’t stop underage drinking but it would reduce it.”

Rebecca Whitehouse (15) Wednesbury:
“I don’t think it should because it’s a waste of time. Young people or generally people under 18 still drink alcohol, so what’s the point. It’s not going to change, it’s the way it always has been and always will be. There’s no way anyone could ever stop young people from drinking. Also, you can go clubbing at 18 and clubs would lose out because 18-21 year olds would want to drink when they go out. When you’re 18 you’re classed as an adult so you should be able to make your own decisions.”

Aaliyah Said (15) Ladywood:
“The age limit is 18 and should stay as that. 18 is when a child becomes an adult and they have responsibilities for themselves to undertake.”

Gerta Hasa (15) Edgbaston:
“No, I don’t really think it will make a difference. Young people will find a way to drink anyway, so there’s no point really.”

Simone Mendez  (14) Smethwick:
“Personally, I don’t think they should raise the age limit for drinking. Teenagers under 18 would most likely carry on binge drinking if they already do. If they have a way to get hold of alcohol now, then there is now doubt that they will get it even if the age limit is raised. Plus, it is taking away privileges from those who actually do drink responsibly.”

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Everybody’s favourite ogre is returning to the big screen for his final epic adventure. He challenged an evil dragon, rescued a beautiful princess and saved the in-laws’ kingdom, so what’s the next adventure? Shrek, voiced by Mike Myers, has now found himself as a devoted husband and father. Instead of scaring villagers away like he used to, a reluctant Shrek now agrees to autograph pitch forks. So where’s the vicious ogre we met in the beginning of the twisted tale? Shrek longs for the days he felt like a “true ogre” and is somehow conned by the smooth talking and deal-maker, Rumpelstilskin. Now Shrek finds himself in an alternative Far Far Away, where Rumpelstilskin is the king, ogres are chased and worst of all, Shrek and Fiona have never met. It’s up to Shrek to undo all that he has done, in hope to save his friends and  win the heart of his one true love.

 Movie news: A-Team 2010

Based on the hit 80s American TV show, the A-Team follows the adventure of four US soldiers who were arrested for a crime they did not commit. After managing to escape from the military prison, the four join forces for their special missions team. The role of B.A. “Bad Attitude” Baracus, famously played by Mr T, will be acted by former UFC Light-Heavyweight title holder Quinton Rampage Jackson.

 Movie news: Twilight Eclipse

Twilight Eclipse  is the third installment  in Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga. As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings, a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. Bella (Kristen Stewart) once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward (Robert Pattinson) and her friendship with Jacob (Taylor Lautner), knowing that her decision could ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death?

> > > > > > > > > Film Previews > > > > > > > > > >

 
INCEPTION

Director Christopher Nolan
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Wantanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Release 16th July

A CEO-type executive finds himself involved in a blackmail scandal. The story is set to explore the architecture of the human mind, with some being allowed to enter people’s dreams and people using that to extract and steal information for their own purposes. Insiders who have seen bits and pieces said that it is a film that is going to surprise and push boundaries. Everyone will be in for a treat when they see it.

THE KARATE KID

Director Harald Zwart
Starring Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson
Release 16th July

In this remake of the classic 1980s film ‘The Karate Kid’, Dre (Smith) moves to Beijing with his mother, where he encounters a bully situation similar to the original plot. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Chan), who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches, but maturity and calm, Dre realises that facing the bullies will be the fight of his life.

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Getting noticed
Dear Voice 21,
        I think your magazine is really good. I like how it’s based around our local area so everyone can get an insight into what is happening nearby. It’s a great way of building up the community and encourages conversation between youngsters.  The thing I like most about the magazine is how it promotes local unsigned bands. After playing with a few bands myself I believe Voice 21 is a great way for bands to get themselves noticed and means the band’s music can reach more people. This means the band build up a fan base which is essential to keep the band going. Well done guys and keep up the good work!
Jack, Tividale

Thanks for the kind words Jack. We encourage all young and talented artists to get in touch with Voice 21. Whether you are in a band, write poetry or you are into drama, if you are local to Sandwell we would like to feature you! So get in touch.

Things to do
Dear Voice 21,
        In the past few weeks I have found myself stuck in my room bored because I have nothing to do. I end up playing on my XBox which gets rather boring after a while. Sometimes I go to see my friends but then we all get stuck for ideas of what to do. So I want to know are there any places to go to find activities for teenagers to do like computers and cricket?  
Liam, Tividale

Hi Liam, there are loads of things to do and places to go in and around Sandwell, and a great place to start looking is www.justyouth.org.uk  This is a listings guide for young people that lets youth know what’s on offer at anytime, wherever you are. You can keep up-to-date with activities, and the site will tell you costs and locations, many of which are free or carry a small fee.

Christmas again?
Dear Voice 21,
         I can’t believe it is Christmas again. I love the run up to the big day because everyone goes crazy to make the day special, but it rarely goes to plan. There is always visits to the family you hardly ever see, the turkey gets burnt, you run out of seats so the kids have to sit on the floor and someone always falls asleep on the sofa before the good films come on.
Leah, Tipton

Haha, this sounds like the typical Christmas in my house too! But I must say I love it, the one time of year all the family come together with the intention of having a great day. You can’t beat it.

Embarrassing moments >>

007 – License to slap! – Artwork by Joshua Whitehouse
It was Christmas Eve and the whole family was together to celebrate. Me and my cousins were all having fun until an old auntie came round. She was really mean and hated all of us. We decided to put on an old Bollywood film for her. My older cousin Ajay came in not realising our auntie was there. He came in trying to make us all laugh by pretending to be James Bond! He was rolling on the floor and pointing at all of us, still not realising our auntie was now watching him. He rolled over and my auntie shouted “AJAY!”, he turned around with his hands in the air and accidentally slapped our auntie across the face! We all burst out laughing. Auntie left straight away, we haven’t seen her since.
Nikita, West Bromwich