ROOM Exposed: A Showcase Of Local Youth Work

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Visit Wimbledon's John Innes Youth Centre

Ever dreamt about recording a tune, banging on a drum kit or slapping a bass?

You can get the opportunity to do all those things and more, when YMCA London South West opens the doors to ROOM Exposed - a cultural event showcasing the youth work, arts and sports activities at the YMCA John Innes Youth Centre in Kingston Road, Wimbledon.

At the event on Friday May 9, the public are promised to get a real flair for what goes on at the Youth Centre. Visitors will be invited to try out instruments, visit the recording studio and work out in the sports room.

Staff and volunteers working in YMCA LSW's youth department will talk about the youth work being delivered at the centre.

The main part of the event is dedicated to celebrating and honouring the young people and the volunteers who use the Youth Centre on a regular basis.

There will be live musical entertainment by young performers, followed by an awards ceremony where the winners and runners up of YMCA LSWs Youth Photography Competition will be announced.

The Photo Competition has been running since February 2014 and is open to young people under 18 who live, work or study in the boroughs of Richmond, Kingston and Merton. Contestants are asked to submit photos reflecting upon the topic 'My Community – Under the Surface'.

At the ROOM Exposed event, all the photos submitted to the competition will be exhibited and the winners will be presented with their prize. The winner of the Jack Petchey Achievement Award will also be announced.

Anna Harris, Head of Youth Work at YMCA LSW, says ROOM Exposed is a celebration of the creativity and dedication of the young people attending the South Wimbledon youth club.

She said: "ROOM Exposed is a great opportunity for the young people that use our facilities at John Innes to show their parents and friends what they do here, the skills they have developed here and the bonds of friendship they have formed here.

"Combined, there is a huge amount of talent sitting within these walls and ROOM Exposed is all about showcasing these young people’s talents in sports, arts, photography, music and event production."

ROOM Exposed takes place on Friday May 9 from 5.45pm to 8pm at John Innes Youth Centre (61 Kingston Road, Wimbledon SW19 IJN ). Drinks and refreshments will be served. Entry is free, however donations are welcome.

All surpluses from the night will go to YouFund; a fund set up to raise money for youth club activities and facilities, as well as training for youth work staff and ROOM volunteers.

April 16, 2014