Hello and welcome to the third edition of the Inspire newsletter! My name is Amy Seabrook and I am the Features Editor of the Inspire newsletter as well as a second­year student at De Montfort University. I decided to get involved with the Volunteer Ambassadors project and this newsletter because so many important issues can be helped by setting up projects through Junction49. Students can receive up to £750 to make their projects cost free and can receive help from students and staff alike. This edition of the newsletter is the best issue yet which discusses some of the serious issues behind the Junction49 projects and why people are trying to help. The fashion show discussed in this issue was helping Breast Cancer Care, which you can read more about on page 3. The newsletter is packed with all the latest Junction49 projects taking place at DMU and tips that can hopefully inspire you to start your own project. Some of the issues being helped by students can affect us all so if you’re interested in getting involved in a Junction49 project or writing for us please do not hesitate to contact us or alternatively visit: www.junction49.co.uk/university/42/de_montfort_university/ Best wishes, Amy Seabrook

Amy’s Blog

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Fashion Show 2009

2

Reality Behind Breast Cancer

3

El Mahico 4

One Voice Event Contact Us

5 5

Go Green This Valentine’s Day

6

Debating What Students Want to Know

7

Upcoming J49 Events

8

I N S P I R E N E W S L E T T E R I S S U E 3

Editorial Team

Junction49 Co­ordinator: Glen White Editor: Humayra Sadiq News Editors: Harriet Jackson Fatima Khonat Feature Editors: Leyanne Goding Amy Seabrook Design and Layout Editor: Vacant Contributors: Sara Dixon Kelly McCormack David Murphy Ben Scarfe

P A G E 2 Fashion Show 2009

BY HARRIET JACKSON Despite the awful weather conditions that hit Leicester and the majority of the UK on Monday, many people still came to watch and support the DMU Charity Fashion Show 2009, which was mentioned in the previous issue. DMU students Samantha Brown and Sarah Mathers organised the fashion show and raised a fantastic £700 for Breast Cancer Care completely smashing their £500 target. There was a mixture of nerves and excitement on the night of the show but both girls did a brilliant job and the show ran smoothly from start to finish with the help of the evenings host, photogra­pher, Tom Wren and DMU dance society who performed two dances and got the audience in the mood for a fun filled night. Samantha said: “The show was a great success and around 270

people came even though the weather was terrible. Every­one who helped out including hair and make up were fab! I appreciate everyone who got involved.” The models all looked great in clothes from a selection of high street shops. The fashion show started off with the models modelling casual wear from John Lewis, Bay, Cult, Wellgosh and many more. Then later

on they modelled glamorous dresses and suits from SAMUI AND MiMi. The models were even brave enough to walk down the catwalk in lingerie and

swimwear. The steal of the show was Sam who looked a million dollars in a beautiful blue crystal dress from SAMUI. Sam also said: “For

my first show I think it was amazing, the food was great and so was the raffle with donations from numerous companies. I am glad Alan Birchenall and Miss England, Laura Coleman, a former DMU student, turned up as it was a pleasure to work with them and it gave the show a definite edge.” The show ended with a talk from a volunteer at Breast Cancer care and special thanks to guests and organisers. Sam has been doing charity work for many years, has also been asked to put on another event in the summer so watch this space…

I N S P I R E N E W S L E T T E R

Miss England, Laura Coleman

P A G E 3 I S S U E 3

Everyone knows a fact or stat about breast cancer, but are they always right? Junction49 projects tackle some really important issues, but if you knew more about them I’m sure you’d want to help. The fashion show held by De Montfort students this week was raising money for Breast Cancer Care, a charity dedicated to helping everyone affected by breast cancer, whether it’s to get the best treatment or simply just information and support. DMU student Samantha Brown organised the event which featured clothes donated from a number of shops around Leicester, and a brief talk from a member of the breast cancer team in Leicestershire. The disease affects more than 46,000 women a year­ an astonishing one person every 11 minutes, and it can even affect men with around 300 diagnosed each year.

The biggest risk factor, after gender, is age. The older you are, the higher the risk, with over 80% of breast cancer cases occurring in women over the age of 50. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 35 with nearly 1,500 women aged 35­39 being diagnosed annually. Approximately 12,400 people die from breast cancer in the UK every year and it’s the second biggest cause of death for women in the UK. This is why it is so important that people try to help the charity in as many ways as possible, and Junction49 is one way to do that. The money raised through projects for Breast Cancer Care can help them continue to combine the personal experiences of people affected by the disease with clinical expertise to help those affected in a number of ways. They help to provide information and offer emotional and practical

support for cancer sufferers and their families and bring them together. They also campaign for improvement in standards of support and care and promote the importance of early detection. To find out more about breast cancer care and the issues behind this Junction49 project, visit: www.breastcancercare.org.uk.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Reality Behind Breast Cancer BY AMY SEABROOK

P A G E 4

Music legends Ojos de Brujo at Cargo, London in January this year. Their next gig is to take

place at DMU’s student union, on Wednesday February 25th at 7pm. This happens to be in Student Volunteering Week, and

Involve are organising events to take place during the week including ‘One Voice’, which is the event that the band are performing at. Their debut album ‘All Quarters’ and is currently available to buy from iTunes, Napster, eMusic and many more. Check out their MySpace page for more info on the band, and to listen to some of their music www.myspace.com/elmahicouk or their web­site www.elmahico.co.uk.

Have you heard of El Mahico? If not you may want to check them out. The Leicester­born band combine latin, hip hop, beats and soul, and have just released their first album! Over the last few years the band has been working hard in order to build a strong fan base here in their hometown, Leicester. They have received high acclaim for their energetic live performances. Our very own Glen White is on the turntables and percussion, with other band members Shayela Khan (vocals), Paul Anderson (Guitars/Vocals), Ben Smith (Drums), and Dave Wademan (Bass). The band has performed twice at Summer Sundae Festival alongside the likes of Gomez, Coldcut, DJ Format, Foreign Beggars, Jose Gonzalez, and Jamie T. They also supported members from World

Introducing......El Mahico BY LEYANNE GODING

I N S P I R E N E W S L E T T E R

All Quarters out now! www.myspace.com/elmahicouk

P A G E 5 I S S U E 3

DMU student, Natasha Chaplin is organising fashion show with funding from Junction49. The fashion show is part of the event organised by Involve, the student volunteering society, called ‘One Voice’. The fashion shows theme will be based around different cultures and countries and will be held at De Montfort University on 25th February starting at 12.15pm. Natasha said: “The day will consist of fashion, food, music, comedians from Leicester’s Comedy Festival as well as the

dance and drama showcase which will be opened by the Lord Mayor. This is an event definitely not to be missed!” The clothes that will be modelled are from shops around Leicester and some will be made by graduates and current students at DMU. Humayra Sadiq, Secretary of the Involve Committee said, “The One Voice event aims to celebrate the cultural diversity in Leicester. The event is organised by the Involve Committee and is definitely packed with fun and entertainment. It’s

also entirely free so make sure you’re there!” The clothes will be mainly based on a cultural theme, for example Sari’s and Kimono’s. There will also be clothes, which have cultural influences such as African materials, folk and country styles from shops such as New Look, Cult, Burtons and A/Wear. This event will give the chance for DMU students to get involved and to learn more about different cultures among their fellow peers.

One Voice Fashion Show BY HARRIET JACKSON

Committee Members

J49 Volunteer Support Officer, Glen White: gwhite@dmu.ac.uk Chair, Humayra Sadiq: humz786@hotmail.co.uk Secretary, Sara Dixon: saralababy@gmail.com General Member, Leyanne Goding: leyanne.goding@email.dmu.ac.uk General Member, Harriet Jackson: harrietjackson401@hotmail.com General Member, Fatima Khonat: fatima_n_m_k@hotmail.com General Member, Kelly McCormack: kelly.mccormack@email.dmu.ac.uk General Member, David Murphy: gizmondo80@yahoo.co.uk General Member, Ben Scarfe: benscarfe@hotmail.co.uk General Member, Amy Seabrook: amy.seabrook@email.dmu.ac.uk

C O N T A C T U S:

P A G E 6

I N S P I R E N E W S L E T T E R I N S P I R E N E W S L E T T E R

cards are so last year…less is more. Go for that personal touch and make your own cards using odds and sods you would usually throw away…after all it is the thought that counts. If you’re a big spender and want to buy something as well then find the perfect gift for your loved one that is good for the environment as well. Chocolates are always a winner, but go for a bar of chocolate instead of a selection box . They are often over packaged or their beans are grown with pesticides. Same with those roses. Both gifts are also shipped long distances from countries where workers are paid little. Don't give up on tradition, though! Simply consider buying Fair Trade chocolates made with organic beans. For blooms, there's a company called Organic Flowers that arranges chemical­free bouquets grown by local farmers. They also sell beautiful plants. This gift will keep giving all year around. If bling is the thing then instead of buying a new diamond ring, consider looking around the vintage shops for rare and unique jewellery. Not only will such a jewel possess beauty and a sense of history, but its

purchase won't require the mining of new resources. Additionally, be really thoughtful for the environment and stand out from the crowd; consider some designer jewellery made from made from recycled plastic bags or glass bottles, see www.greenerstyle.co.uk No Valentines day would be complete without a romantic meal instead of going out to eat at a restaurant, rustle up something incredible for your loved one and cook a special meal at home. A romantic candle lit meal is just the ticket and it saves energy. Shop for organic produce and create a truly caring tribute to love. And don’t forget to recycle those fancy drink bottles. What ever you do remember it’s the thought that counts and green is the new red!

Valentines' Day can be a memorably romantic occasion. And perhaps one that leaves you financially broke with a huge hole in your pocket. Maybe the best thing to do on Valentine's day is not to buy anything, just look into each others eyes and say I love you. But if you love to give presents, ease the pressure on the planet and the post office and show your love throughout the year with ethical gifts. Knowing that one is giving gifts that are good to the earth increases the love one is sharing. Traditional gifts can become organic or fair trade. Or transform old habits and give experiences instead of gifts. Traditional Gifts Greened Valentines' Day has long been associated with cards, chocolates and flowers. Every year in the UK about twelve million valentine cards are sent to nearest and dearest, secret admirers or both. Make the perfect green gift. Get up to date and green by sending an e­card or text message to the one you love. If technology is not your thing then send a card but don’t forget to recycle it! Don’t forget over packaged

Red is Out—Go Green this Valentine’s Day! BY FATIMA KHONAT

I N S P I R E N E W S L E T T E R

P A G E 7 I S S U E 3

Speakers listed for the talk could include De Montfort Student’s Union President Carl King, repre­sentatives of the National Union of Students (NUS) and the

pro­ career route Vice­ Chancellor Phillip Tasker. The afternoon will begin with a group discussion, including

presentations from key speakers. The group will then be given the chance to share their views, before a full blown debate is commenced on a variety of issues ranging from University fees to what students

would like to see from their Union. There will be a break in between arguments, in which a free lunch will be provided. A number of leaflets and advice will be available to promote several organisations, including Involve itself and Junction49. So if you have an opinion on how you want your next year at university or graduation to progress, come along and volunteer to express it!

On Tuesday 24th February during volunteer week the Involve Student Volunteers Group will be holding an afternoon of discussions focusing on how students are expected to make the necessary decisions as they progress (or complete) their course at the end of the year. Entitled ‘Money and Time: How do you cope?’ the session hopes to provide students with in­

formation on how to find routes into work or experience placements and save their money, whilst exploring their individual experiences surviving in the academic world.

Debating What Students Want to Know BY DAVID MURPHY

‘Money and Time: How do

you cope?’ the session hopes

to provide students with

information on how to find

routes into work or experience

placements and save their

money...

P A G E 8 EVENTS