Photo exhibition gives young people a voice

A nationwide project run by the YMCA offering young people a chance to show their thoughts, fears and inspirations through photographic images is set to exhibit the results in London.

'See It Like It Is' offers an insight into the lives of vulnerable young people, some of whom have been homeless or have experienced poverty.

More than 100 young people aged 13-25 submitted works to the project. YMCA collected over 1,500 photographs capturing images of their everyday lives. Organisers hope the event will give participants a rare opportunity to voice their concerns and frustrations, as well as their future hopes and aspirations.

As well as highlighting the issues facing marginalised youth, the exhibition aims to challenge the common negative view of young people.

Images of the young people themselves taken by students from Central Saint Martins College will hang alongside those taken by the young people to illustrate the way marginalised youth feel about themselves, and the way they believe they are perceived by society at large.

Organisers say: 'It is hoped that as young people explore a new means of communication and expression many may further develop the photographic skills they have gained, and will have an increased sense of self-esteem and confidence following the public exhibition of their work.'

'See It Like It Is' will run from 9th to 12th March 2006, 11am-6pm daily at the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London SE1. Admission is free. Nearest train/tube: Blackfriars, Waterloo, Southwark.