News

The Youth Relief Talent Contest will be raising money to help kids in Haiti, following the earthquake that devastated the island earlier this year. The event will be held this Saturday (31 July), at Ocean Venue, 270 Mare St.

JLS shot to fame after becoming runner ups to Alexandra Burke on the fifth series of “The X Factor” in 2008. On the show “Louis Walsh” was their mentor, although they did not win they came 2 nd place.

The new Young Hackney Stoke Newington Youth Centre will be open for business as of next week. If you'd like to see pictures of the new centre, then click here . The new youth centre will be runnig the Summer Plus programme throughout the summer, if you'd like to find out more, visit the Summer Plus pages .

We've been searching for the next generation of talent to take to the stage at Hackney Carnival 2010. Our panel of judges has been assessing the performances of those who attended the I'm In: Live auditions and they've selected the four performers who will be taking part in the DYH: Carnival show.

The results from the latest poll are in and it makes for some interesting reading. The question was ‘Do you plan to stay in Hackney after you leave home. ’ Most of you seem to love the Hackney life with 50% preferring to stay in the borough.

Volunteering is a way to gain skills. get experience for your CV and (of course) give something back. The Young Hackney volunteering programme offers young people opportunities in sports, media and journalism.

The Right Track is a new project to help young people based in Hackney seize new opportunities and fulfil their dreams by providing them with more choice. Defined by one word, “movement”, its aim is to give a voice to Hackney’s young people and to help them get their views noticed through a combination of activities.

Strip It Down Production seminar: Creating a No. 1 track a day-long seminar to help young budding producers understand what it takes to be a professional producer in today’s music industry. helping to inspire the next generation of producers by sharing your experience of starting out in the business & what inspired you to do what you are doing giving up and coming producers advice about starting out.

Cheryl Cole is a singer, songwriter, actress, model, fashion icon the list goes on. Cheryl shot to fame after becoming part of “Girls Aloud” through “Popstars: The rivals” in 2002.

Volunteering, It’s been better than I expected. Fola Odebunmi is currently working as a full-time Volunteer for CSV’s Young Hackney Volunteers Project. As a media manager on Young Hackney Volunteers Project, he is responsible for the selection of media team members, managing the media team, creation of materials, press and publicity for the project, web design and photography.

Eccentricity presents a new showcase on Saturday July 10. Exhibition runs until July 17th. Opening night runs from 6pm - 1am. The Eccentricity showcase continues with an after party at club 2AD. After party madness, fashion show, Eccentric off-the-wall DJs and bands and competitions.

Stuck for things to do this summer. Sign up for summer Plus at a youth centre near you - learn something new, try something different, meet new people, have fun. All activities are free. Frampton Park street cuisine, Roll7 gaming design, Rising Tide, St John Ambulance, carnival sessions Milton Gardens Rolling Sound multimedia, Sparkles fashion, St John Ambulance Forest Road Roll7 gaming design, business management course, St John Ambulance, Sport Parkside Youth Club Rising Tide, art and design, dance, St John Ambulance.

Transport for London is calling all Hackney teens. Did you know that nearly every day a teenager is killed or seriously injured on London’s streets. Shocking isn’t it. We want to do all we can to make sure this gets less and less – and that means getting your mates to think about what you’re all doing in you area.

Vue Teen Screen was launched on Tuesday 6th of July 2010. Still up to come are Iron Man 2 on Tuesday 13th July and Alice in Wonderland on 20th and 22nd July 2010 as this screening is for teenagers from the age of 13 years to 18 years of age it will be £1.

Justin Bieber Justin Bieber appears to be the new cool kid on the block. The Canadian born star shot to fame after Scooter Braun (Bieber’s manager) saw his performances on Youtube. The 16 year old RnB/Pop singer was flown to Atlanta by Braun to meet singer/songwriter Usher where he did an audition and was signed to Island Records in October 2008.

Open to all 13 - 19 year olds in Hackney. If you'd like to take part in the auditions, email dyh@hackney. govuk now and Discover Young Hackney will be in touch.

It is time to announce the winner of the Remix Machine competition. A while back we offered the opportunity for one talented producer’s remix to feature as the background music on the www. younghackney.

Spyrol 18 years old is an upcoming artist from Hackney East London and he is determined to become a worldwide selling artist. Although currently working on RnB, Hip Hop and Grime, with the love of all genres of music he will not be limited to only a few genres he feels his music will be aimed at every age group.

Following Mariah Carey’s ongoing musical success we can now announce that her 12th studio album “Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel”, has been released on 23 rd November 2009 in the UK.

Skyway is looking for volunteers to help run their annual football tournament Teenage Kicks. The tournament takes place at Haggerston Park on the 13th, 20th, 27th of August. Volunteers will act as stewards/general assistants on the day to help things run smoothly.

FREE event for young women aged 13 -19. Relax from the stress of exams, school and work - get pampered, get fit and have fun. 4pm – 7pm Workshops, performances and prizes to be won, including ipods and shopping vouchers.

Hi, I would like to introduce myself Charlene Smith 21 years old, born and grown up in Hackney, as the new Online Editor for Young Hackney. Not only do I work as an Accounts Assistant for a Marketing Company, I will also be writing blogs on anything music related for www.

Are you passionate about cooking. Would you like to open your own restaurant one day. Fifteen, Jamie Oliver's restaurant in Hoxton, is now recruiting for 18 young people to their 2010 Apprenticeship Programme.

London's largest expanse of green space can be found right here in Hackney. With nine award winning Green Flag parks to visit, everyone can get healthy in Hackney. This summer Hackney's parks will come to life with a jam-packed schedule of exciting events and free festivals, fitness classes, a fun run and walking groups.

Young Hackney Volunteers Project, run by CSV – the UK’s leading volunteering and training charity – is recruiting 900 young people aged 13-19, so you can help to make Hackney a better place.

Young Hackney Volunteers Project, run by CSV – the UK’s leading volunteering and training charity – is recruiting 900 young people aged 13-19, so you can help to make Hackney a better place.

Join the Hackney Youth Opportunity Fund Panel and help decide how £500,000 is spent on projects for young people in Hackney. You can decide which projects to support so that young people in the borough have more things to do and places to go.

An amazing project taking place simultaneously in Europe and Latin America. Photography groups will learn techniques from a professional, take photos demonstrating their city’s culture, and create an exhibition linked to other exhibitions in Peru, Brazil, French Guiana, Barcelona and Uruguay.

Young people who live on Hackney Homes estate now have a dedicated page on the Hackney Homes website, listing activities on and nearby estates, together with news and opportunities to feedback. You can visit the page at: http://www.

BBC Blast is looking for talented local young people (aged over 18), with a passion for media and an interest in working on live events, to take part in one of the exclusive work placement opportunities on the BBC Blast Tour.

Tim Westwood, aka Big Dawg, DJ and presenter of Pimp my Ride, was down at Hackney City Farm this week. Who would have thought. He was there promoting the BBC’s local hero campaign, spreading the word about the benefits of volunteering.

Have you checked out our brilliant remix machine yet. It’s so easy to use that even if you are a complete beginner you’ll be making banging tunes in no time. Build your track using our extensive library of loops and samples from various styles of music including Electro, Funky House, Drum & Bass, Hip Hop/R&B, and Rock.

UK Youth has been invited by the All England Lawn Tennis Club to select a young girl aged 8-14 to undertake the coin toss at the Ladies Tennis Final at Wimbledon. The prize includes travel within London and Centre Court seats for the Ladies final along with lunch and tea in the Players' Lounge for one young lady and two members of her family.

Interested in media. What's Up Information has got a new short course starting in May designed to teach you how to create a great advertising campaign and gain the skills you need to get a job in media.

Hackney Hounds Want to get involved in an exciting new video project. What's Up Information is recruiting for a crew to make a short film to tell the story of dangerous dogs in Hackney. Could you operate the camera.

-The worst thing in this world is to have eyes and no vision- We have so much potential as human beings, we have the ability to become doctors, musicians, even presidents and queens of countries. Our minds are our greatest resource and we have the ability to create powerful dreams.

Are you interested in being an advocate for young people in Hackney, enabling them to access opportunities and achieve their goals. Are you based in Hackney and aged between 18 and 25. Are you interested in developing your leadership skills and sharing your knowledge to support young people.

Congratulations to Mouth That Roars and the Crib, both winners in the Aiming High – Your Take video competition. Mouth That Roars entered their short film: ‘Get Involved’ encouraging young people’s participation.

This coming Wednesday 14 sees the relaunch of the Stamford Hill Youth Club on the Guinness Estate, Stamford Hill, N16 5QT. Why not come to the grand opening event, which will take place in and around the club house on the estate.

Passionate about a better society. VOTE in the 2010 general election Young people are often portrayed as apathetic and disinterested in politics, but we know young people care passionately about the issues that affect their lives.

Dance Challenge Auditions Date: Spring onwards Area: London/UK Price: Free Dance Challenge is a competition open to young dancers from all walks of life in any dance style, for teams of 5-25 members aged between 5-26 years old.

Shine Week Date: 12 -16 July Price: Free Shine is a national campaign celebrating the talent young people have to offer. The campaign leads up to a week-long festival of events in July. Shine is asking young people to upload photos, videos, documents etc to their online showcase.

At Off Centre we offer free advice, information and counselling for young people in Hackney. We are launching a new project: 'The Right Track' and are looking for a young person aged 18-25, who lives, works or studies in Hackney to join our team.

Hackney Democracry Ambassadors present a free screening of the film Shooting Dogs starring John Hurt, Hugh Dancy & Claire-Hope Ashitey. A debate about the films emotive issues will follow the screening.

The Youth Opportunity Fund is recruiting talented and motivated people to join the YOF panel. This is a great opportunity for anyone aged 13 to 19 who wants to improve the range of things for young people to do.

The Youth Service Survey 2009 asked young people what they thought of Council-run youth clubs in Hackney. Most think that youth clubs offer a good service and think staff do a good job. For example, when asked to rate the attitude, friendliness and professionalism of Youth Service staff, nine in ten young people responded by saying they felt provision was either ‘good' or 'very good’.

130 young women attended the International Women’s Day free event organised by Hackney’s Young Women’s Group. The theme for the event was Women’s Empowerment, and it was jam-packed with activities for young women aged 13 - 19 years to develop skills in performance and the arts.

Tamasha Theatre Company have commissioned artist Oswaldo Macia and Juan Toledo to work with young people and other groups to develop and make a new artwork around the themes of homecoming, travel and migration.

With a little over two years until the Olympic flame is lit in the East of London you may well be wondering what benefits the Games are bringing to you, and to Hackney. If you’re interested in finding out what the Games means for jobs, transport, culture and more in Hackney, come along to the Hackney 2012 Community Meeting on Thursday 18 March at the Hackney Wick Community Centre, 80 Eastway, E9 5JH.

The We Show Love Valentine’s performance night for 14 - 19 year olds was organised by local dance group Luminous. More than 200 young people from across the borough turned out. The evening was a testament to the efforts of the organisers, raising nearly £500 for charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Hackney Council's Youth Sports Fund could help you with the cost of equipment and training. To apply for funding, you must be aged between 9 and 25, either live in the borough or attend school/college here, and participate in a sport recognised by Sport England (Aquathlon, ballroom dancing and mountaineering included.

Thursday 11 th March 2010 Ocean Music Venue, 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE A free event for young women aged 13 -19, celebrating International Women’s Day 2010. 1pm – 3pm: 1 st Annual Public Speaking Championship for Young Women 4pm – 8pm: Talent Show Finale - All-female talent show.

The Stoke Newington Youth Forum presents some of the freshest acts in Hackney. Guests include: Zak Sharif Ali, TJ, Jermain Jackman, Wacky Rymel, Ben Sarpong, Courtney Philip and Geisha. Wednesday 31 March at Gascoyne 2, Wick Road, E9 Doors open: 6pm.

Saturday, 20th March 10. 30 am to 2. 30pm Tour the Building Exploratory’s beautiful bespoke space overlooking Regent’s Canal, created by Voluntary Design and Build. Creative activities for families will be available throughout the day and the unique, eco-friendly restaurant Waterhouse will be open downstairs for snacks, drinks and meals.

Young women in Hackney aged 13 -19 are invited to celebrate International Women’s Day at the ‘We can do it. ’ event on Thursday 11 March, 1-8pm, at Ocean Music Venue in Mare Street.

If you haven't already visited the Training and Apprenticeships pages on this site then it may be worth a browse if you're seeking to gain skills and improve your employability. With the Olympic Park construction in full swing, there's a host of opportunities to get a foothold in trades such as carpentry, bricklaying and plumbing.

Free Theatre tickets for young people aged 25 and under The Arts Council England in association with Metro is re-running 'A Night Less Ordinary', their big theatre-ticket giveway. They're offering thousands of FREE theatre tickets to anyone under 26, for every kind of theatrical event: comedy, tragedies, musical theatre, dance, modern mime, plays, circus and much more.

Explode. 19 February Workshop 2pm - 6pm, performance 7. 30 - 10pm FREE Take part in this unparalleled taster day: showcasing projects that happen the year round at Hoxton Hall. The day finishes with an explosive showcase of youth talent and a brasstacular performance by professional performers Brassroots.

You are cordially invited to the We Show Love Valentine’s event, on Thursday February 18, at Stoke Newington Town Hall , 113 Church St, N16 OJR . 6pm – midnight, doors close 8. 30pm sharp.

ITV Fixers is a major media campaign (funded by V Inspired) supporting young people (aged 16 - 25) to take action on any issue they feel strongly about – raising awareness and changing things for the better.

AlphaBSE offer construction training courses with job skills free of charge for 16-18 year olds. There is no registration charge, no training fees and no certification fees. Plus, you will receive Education Maintenance Allowance every week.

London Youth Rowing and Mossbourne Academy are launching a groundbreaking new Rowing Academy, offering places in the sixth form to students with the physiological and academic qualifications to succeed.

The Drawing Room gallery in Laburnum St, Hackney, is currently showing an exhibition of new drawn animation by international artists. For more info about the show, visit: www. drawingroom. orguk

Hackney Youth Parliament is offering 15 FREE spaces on a residential in February half-term (16 th – 19 th ) to young people across Hackney. You may or may not know about Hackney Youth Parliament , but we are a group of elected young people who aim to represent all young people in Hackney.

If you're aged 16 or over with an interest in horticulture, you could apply to become an apprentice gardener with the Council. Kayleigh Stirling, currently an apprentice gardener with the Council, says: "Being given the opportunity to gain practical experience while attending college has been an ideal way to begin my career in horticulture, and the support available from colleagues and all of the Council staff is hugely beneficial.

Youth Forum Open Evening Thursday 14th Jan 2010 - 5. 30 - 7. 30pm Hackney Town Hall Come and find out about all the exciting opportunities with the Youth Forums, Hackney and UK Youth Parliaments, Democracy Ambassadors, the Youth Opportunity Fund and more.

Patrick Vernon is a founder of Every Generation and a resident in Clapton in Hackney for nearly almost 20 years. Patrick is also a local Councillor in the Queensbridge ward in Hackney and a Clore Fellow.

Hackney young people, aged 15 and over, turned out in force on Friday 11 December to watch a free screening of the Oscar-winning film “Crash”, featuring Ludacris, Matt Dillon, Sandra Bullock, Terrence Howard and Thandi Newton, at the Town Hall.

GLL runs regular sports sessions for young people in Hackney at Britannia, Kings Hall, London Fields Lido and Clissold Leisure Centre. You can sign up for a course through the booking website www. sportscourses.

Discover Young Hackney 2010 launches with an X Factor style talent contest at the Hackney Empire on 22 January 2010 Auditions: Saturday 9 January, 11am – 4pm To book your audition visit www. discoveryounghackney.

You may remember a recent news story in which we invited you to join in with the street art workshop organised by the youth charity SkyWay. The idea was to paint a mural on the outside of Stoke Newington resident, Martha Silcott's home.

What’s open when over Christmas. Youth Service Clubs open week beginning 21 Decembe r: Frampton – 22 and 23 December 6. 30 – 9. 30pm Parkside – 22 and 23 December 6– 9pm Regents – 23 December 6– 9pm Yorkshire Grove – 22 December 6.

Gillett Square, Dalston on Sunday 6 December between 12noon and 9pm Invisible Dust curator, Alice Sharp, is appealing to cyclists across London to take part in a new art work by internationally renowned sound artist Kaffe Matthews.

Hackney Democracy Ambassadors will be screening the film 'Crash' which features Ludacris, Sandra Bullock and Matt Dillon. A debate around the film's key issues will follow the screening.

Youth Charity, SkyWay Charity, are offering young people an amazing opportunity to take part in a street art workshop with experienced street artists painting the outside of a Stoke Newington resident’s home on Saturday 5 th December.

The Hackney Youth Service survey gives you the chance to let us know your views and experience of youth services in the borough. Hackney Youth Service funds a wide range of activities and opportunities for 13 to 19 year olds; not just youth centres, but education, sports and arts projects.

Check out the video installation Mezzo Moderno Mezzo Distrutto at Gillett Square Dalston, N16 8JN. It starts on Wednesday 18th November and runs until Saturday 21st November after dusk. Mobile phone footage of Dalston's buildings and streets, contributed by local residents, will be remixed by Blazic to create a giant art installation 60 metres square.

Want a Crack at the Big Time. The first ever youth-run comedy club in Hackney is recruiting 11-19 year old comics NOW for its new workshop and open mike sessions. Auditions are being held in association with the Hackney Empire, and successful applicants will receive one-to-one masterclass coaching from top named comics, popular artists and industry specialists.

The Creative Apprenticeship initiative is an alternative route into the creative industries, one based on ability and potential rather than academic record, social background or contacts. It was introduced by Creative & Cultural Skills .

We are giving you and a friend the fantastic opportunity to see Leona Lewis in concert at The Hackney Empire on Monday 2 nd November. To enter all you have to do is answer this simple question: Leona Lewis shot to fame by winning which competition.

SPACE have some exciting opportunities available for young people between the ages of 16 and 19 who are interested in working with experienced filmmakers on the production of 1 or 2 short films about urban culture.

Hackney Youth Parliament Anti-Social Behaviour Hackney Youth Parliament and Hackney Scrutiny Board have teamed up to work on two main subjects that involve young people across the whole of Hackney. Anti-Social Behaviour is one of the topics the Scrutiny Board and Hackney Youth Parliament have been working on.

Do you know. Any young people aged between 16-21 in the areas of Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets, who are: Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) Interested in Community Sports Interested in gaining Youth Work qualifications and experience If so, City YMCA are recruiting now for an exciting new 6 month programme called Football Works in which you can gain: FA level 1 in Football Coaching Level 1 in Youth work 120 hours work experience delivering Community Sports sessions Employability Skills workshops 1-2-1 Support and Advice Football Works starts week beginning 16 nd November 2009 and runs until May 2010.

Saturday 24th October 2009 www. thespotlight. orguk The Spotlight is the most talked about monthly chat show for young people aged 13-25 living within the London Borough of Hackney. As part of our Black History Month Special we have added an exclusive extra show for parents and children aged 8-12 years old.

The Youth Centre at Milton Gardens is being refurbished, and Regen First, consultants on the project, are looking for young people to work with the architects. What would you have to do. In October half term there will be an intensive 1.

ASHLEY J & TEE J's EXCLUSIVE COMEDY WORKSHOP - TUESDAY 20th OCTOBER 5. 30 - 7PM, CLISSOLD LEISURE CENTRE ACTIVITIES ZONE Stoke Newington Youth Forum are in the initial stages of setting up a YOF funded Young Comedian's club.

Get hands-on experience in drama/script writing, web design, advertising, film production, theatre production, Radio Production, Music and dance from professionals. Sign up for four-day workshops during half term on 27th, 28th 29th and 30th of October between 10:00 am and 4:30pm at Abbot Street Studios E8 3DP (there's a free lunch and refreshments.

The outstanding achievements of Hackney's young people were celebrated at the 10th Hackney Youth Awards at Ocean Music Venue in Hackney last week (Thursday 24 September). More than 300 people attended the biggest and best ever awards ceremony to celebrate the young people of Hackney who have made a special commitment and positive contribution to their community over the last year.

Youth Music Mentors is a national programme from Youth Music to help young musicians. RollingSound are running a mentoring scheme for Hackney young people, based at Frampton Park Youth Club, Frampton Park Road, E9 7PF every Monday in Sept - Nov 09 from 2-6pm.

MC from Hackney 19 yr old East London MC, producer and songwriter, Bamboss has been MCing for the last 4 years. Originating from the era of MC battle, Bamboss has been involved in his fair share of lyrical wars.

Everyone from Hackney and surrounding areas are invited to join in and share the experience at the Hackney One Carnival on 27 th September . This is a chance for all cultures to come along, get involved and have some fun on the streets of Hackney.

Spotlight is a Saturday night chat show, aimed at young people aged 13 to 25 living within and around the London borough of Hackney. The show is hosted by Radio1Xtra's Sarah-Jane Crawford, and gives performers a chance to showcase their talent to the general public.

Rising Tide could be the place to learn new creative skills, boost your CV and have loads of fun while you are doing it. You could join the Music Ambassador Programme and help market and promote music activities and live events taking place in youth clubs, on estates, in and out of school and in various spaces across the borough.

Procession in Mare Street. Photo by Sean Pollock Event Date: 27 September 2009 Carnival is about everybody in Hackney coming together to celebrate the diversity of people who live here. Hackney has long been home to a host of carnival organisations.

Junior MasterChef Would you like to take part in a new CBBC series of Junior MasterChef, and have the chance to be crowned the first ever Junior MasterChef Champion. If you love cooking, are aged 9-12 years old and want to show off your skills in front of our judges, then get in touch.

On Sunday 27 th September, the VAULT project will be taking over Brady Arts Centre and hosting a day of film screenings, workshops and information on how to crack the film industry. The event will feature live musical performances from the world of soundtrack composition alongside some exciting celebrity guests.

Have you thought about creating a new look for the Hackney Peace Walk t-shirt. Team Hackney is inviting groups of 2-4 people all aged 13 to 19, to submit designs for the event on 19 September. The design must be A4, landscape or portrait, and entries must be accompanied by a separate, brief explanation of the thinking behind the design – up to 100 words.

The first big new comedy event on the calendar, lightening the winter darkness is usually the Hackney Empire new act show. A hundred people had auditioned to bring 16 finalists to possibly the most beautiful comedy stage in London.

Hundreds of young people in Greenwich and Hackney will gain the skills needed to get back into education and training through an exciting new sports and performing arts project. Football and drama are among some of the activities offered by the London Development Agency (LDA) funded Youth Impact Project, to help 14 - 17 year olds who are not in school gain confidence, team building and other key skills through the activities they enjoy the most.

If you have made a video, a tune, a picture or you've written a story or article on any subject that you would like to share, you can have your work featured on this website. You'll be able to upload it yourself from mid-summer but in the meantime, send your work in to us and, after it's been checked and is found not to be defamatory or offensive in any way, we will post it here in the 'news and your views' section for you.

This is your chance to let us know what you think of the new website. Click here to participate in our feedback survey .

They think it's all over. they thought wrong. It's happening - young people in Hackney are getting a brand new website just for them and with their input. But the redevelopment of this website is NOT the end of the story.

“When I grow up I wanna be famous I wanna be a star I wanna be in movies Drive nice cars I wanna have groupies Be on TV Be in magazines” – Pussycat Dolls NEET anthem - ‘When I Grow Up’.