VYM Magazine
The Vale Youth Cabinet's new youth magazine, VYM, was set up by the Vale Youth Cabinet. Their aim was to promote a positive image of young people.
The first step was to apply for a grant. They applied to the Youth Opportunity Fund, a funding body for projects for young people where the young people decide how the money is spent.
They were successful, and received funding to produce three issues, each one written, designed and produced by young people.
The magazine was launched at a big party at the Net Youth Centre in Abingdon, and the first issues are now being distributed through schools and youth centres in the Vale of the White Horse. I spoke to young magazine designer Helena Izett about her ambitions, young people in the Vale, and how they got the project off the ground:
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Helena Izett and go to the school of St Helen & St Katharine in Abingdon. I am an enthusiastic member of the Youth Cabinet and have recently contributed to editing and designing our latest magazine, VYM.
What are you ambitions for the future?
I have a keen interest in politics and want to carry this into the future. I did contemplate Prime Minister at one point, but then I think it would be too stressful and all the media focus
would destroy me!
What do you think are the three most important issues for young people in the Vale?
The price of public transport is too expensive, especially for those who use it on a daily basis to get to and from school. [Young people] having the opportunity to voice their opinions. The environment, how both schools and councils can help to make society more environmentally friendly.
How did you come up with the idea for for VYM magazine?
The naming process was generally agreed to be one of our biggest challenges. Possibilities were , ‘BON’, ‘Veto’, ‘Kicks’, but we felt random words such as these did not have much relevance for a magazine for young people; whereas VYM (Vale Youth Magazine) had an individual and exciting ring to it.
How did you get involved with VYM?
Being part of the Vale Youth Forum, I had the opportunity to join the Youth Cabinet, and 
from there the magazine began to form!
What do you think you've learned, working on the magazine?
I’ve learnt that things don’t just happen overnight. A big project, like a magazine, takes time, especially as meetings were limited, due to busy schedules.
What advice would you give young people wanting to set something similar in their area?
Just go for it! My particular advice would definitely be to have a committed enthusiastic team and to be really determined.
Which bit of the magazine are you most proud of?
I like all of it; it captures major issues affecting young people, while at the same time having more recreational features such as local band reviews and Oxford high street fashion.
Would you like to add anything else?
I think I can say on behalf of everyone on the Cabinet, that editing, designing and even launching the magazine was at times difficult, but because of this we have learnt so many valuable lessons and cannot wait to get started on the next issue!
We would also welcome articles from young people around the Vale, which they can send to vym@live.co.uk.
Contribute to the next issue
VYM is the vale Youth magazine - a new magazine made by young people for young people. Anyone from the Vale can contribute and we want you to be part of it!
To get involved in design, writing, photography contributing, and more, download the flier or email vym@live.co.uk.
If you're involved in the design of this website (or would like to be) you can contact me in a variety of ways. You can look up spireddotcom on 