Take Over Day

The Trust took part in this year's Take Over Day in November, when members of Thamesmead Youth Voice (TYV) took part in a film project, overseeing every aspect of the production and making of the film, which they made about Trust Thamesmead.

The idea for Thamesmead Youth Voice to take part in Takeover Day arose when Thamesmead Youth Voice was approached by the Children's Commissioner's Office, to advice them on marketing materials for this year's event. Relationships were further cemented when two members of Thamesmead Youth Voice, Shantel Cherebin and Coral Blackman attended a week's work experience at the Children's Commissioner office in August.

Shantel said of her work experience: “I had a great week and learnt so much. I worked on everything from reception to helping to put together a work programme for future work experience placements, as well as this year's Takeover Day; it was such a good mix.” Adding “Takeover Day seemed a great project and a natural one for Thamesmead Youth Voice to work on with Trust Thamesmead, as we do so much with them.”

Trust Thamesmead's Lead Community Development Manager and Service to Young People, Janice Jones said: “The idea of Take Over Day was to give children across the country the chance to work alongside adults and get involved in decision-making in a wide range of organisation. The Trust works closely with Thamesmead Youth Voice in making Thamesmead a place they want to live; this includes securing a £5m grant from myplace for The Link Thamesmead.

“It was TYV who came up with the idea of making a film about the Trust. We thought it was a great idea, as although they wouldn't be shadowing staff, they were still learning about what the Trust does and taking on roles and responsibilities of film making and would have something to show for it.”

The Trust's Lead Community Development Manager and Services to Young People Janice Jones said: “The idea of Take Over Day was to give children across the country the chance to work alongside adults and get involved in decision-making in a wide range of organisation. The Trust works closely with Thamesmead Youth Voice in making Thamesmead a place they want to live; this includes securing a £5 grant from myplace for The Link Thamesmead; a new community hub which will have an emphasis on young people, opening in December 2011.

“It was Thamesmead Youth Voice who came up with the idea of making a film about the Trust. We thought it was a great idea, as although they wouldn't be shadowing staff, they were still learning about what the Trust does and taking on roles and responsibilities of film making and would have something to show for it.”

Tahlia Williams, 16 who lives in Thamesmead and attends Business Academy Bexley, said: “We had a great time making the film; TYV were involved in every aspect from pre-production meetings to getting involved in different roles on the day; filming, sound and directing to presenting.

“I interviewed Trust Thamesmead's CEO Mick Hayes and Chair Vic Grimes, whilst others interviewed other members of staff and community groups within Thamesmead.”

Take Over Day was championed by the Children's Commissioner who champion children and young people in England; a theme that the Trust can relate to, with their work with Thamesmead Youth Voice. And the Trust was in good company, with the likes of more than 30 MPs, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, the Department of Education, the Ministry of Justice, Jonathan Dimbleby, CBBC Newsround, Kerrang Radio, the Big Lottery Fund and various charities, museums and galleries, schools and colleges and many, many more taking part.

Thamesmead Youth Voice's film about Trust Thamesmead will be available to view on this very website from early 2011.