Teens & Toddlers is a Southwark-based work experience programme made up of young people aged 14-19, who have been identified by their schools as being at risk of social exclusion or likely to become teenage parents. It matches young people with toddlers from local nurseries, who they mentor over a period of several months, giving the young people an insight into caring for children and the responsibilities this involves.

After completing the Teens and Toddlers scheme a group of young people were inspired to launch 'Young Leaders – Youth Voice', a media project involving the creation and distribution of a magazine aimed at other young people.

During the project the young people were given the opportunity to learn new digital skills including how to use cameras, computer software and the process of creating a magazine. Two issues of the magazine, entitled 'T&T' (Teens & Toddlers Magazine) were produced and distributed online and in print.

T&T Magazine editor Nick Rapson, 19, from Camden said: 'This project has allowed us to discover skills we never knew we had, as well as getting us used to working in a team, which is such a vital skill today. It has also made me more comfortable and confident with aspects of different software programmes, using digital cameras and photo editing.'

Over 500 teens have received the magazine, and approximately 250 professionals working with and supporting work with young people in a variety of settings have accessed the magazine. Due to the success of the first two issues, Youth Voice have applied for further funding and have been awarded a lottery grant to continue the project for a further year, allowing for three more issues to be created and distributed.

Youth Development Officer Matthew Stinson said: 'We hope that other community groups would look at the work we have done and all we have achieved in a short period of time and be inspired to do something similar.'

To find out more about Teens and Toddlers visit the website