Rap group meet Harrow teenagers

A hip hop group from Wembley have taken part in a session aimed at helping Harrow teenagers find work and stay out of trouble.

USG, who grew up on the Stonebridge Estate, spoke to students at Wealdstone Youth Centre about how they turned their lives around and their experiences of the music business.

Speaking about his experiences as a teenager, rapper K Koke said: "I was doing things I wasn't supposed to be doing.

"I had the police at my door everyday but when I had my daughter I realised it was wrong - it didn't make sense. If I hadn't done that I probably wouldn't be here today."

The group, which also includes members Squingy and Exo, gave the 16 to 19 year olds advice on CV writing and how to dress for job interviews.

They also spent time in the Centre's recording studio, before answering questions on getting into the music industry.

Squingy added: "If you want to get into music, go and do a college course or something. If record companies see you know the inside and how it works, they'll treat you better."

More than 900,000 young people across the country are now classified as NEETs, which stands for not in education, employment or training.

Harrow Council organised the Wealdstone session to try and help more local youngsters from becoming part of that statistic.

Portfolio holder for children's services, Councillor Mitzi Green, said: "It is a tough time for young people looking for jobs or places in further education, so it is really inspiring to hear they're doing something to help themselves.

"The Council is working with schools and other organisations to help young people get the right start in their adult life. I encourage any young person who is not working or in education to contact us to see how we can help."

Help on careers, finances, housing, emotional and sexual health is available for young people and their families at the Harrow Youth Stop at 66 College Road, Harrow.

You can also call 020 8861 1531 for more information.

Source: THE HA1

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