Exposure Assessment May – October 2009

Exposure youth media charity in Muswell Hill has received the highest level Youth Mark award ever given, after a team of 3 Youth Mark assessors completed their assessment in October. 

The assessors found there were very positive relationships between staff and young people at Exposure which contributed to their ability to engage the young people. Assessors observed that staff frequently praise the young people and give them positive feedback that they are treated like adults which helps them behave maturely.

"They are kind and lovely staff" Young person.

Young people at Exposure felt there was a strong ethos of equality and respect for all.

"Everyone is included, regardless of your culture, ability or religion - everyone is equal here." Young person.

The assessors were impressed by how Exposure's young people are involved in delivering a variety of their activities, including writing, editing and designing Exposure magazine.  Improvements to the service are also made as a result of young people's ideas and they are supported to implement these changes themselves.

"We have a united say in decisions and can say what we think" Young person.

The assessment team recommended setting up a board of young people who could be involved in the overall leadership of the organisation.

Andreas Koumi, Manager of Exposure said:

"What's really gratifying about achieving this award is the fact that it's young people themselves assessing the quality of our service. The assessors were extremely professional and dedicated, and their suggestions for improving Exposure's services were very valuable. In fact, we've already started implementing some of them."