“Cube Magazine has made a massive impact on my life and without it, it is highly unlikely that I would have followed the career path I have taken”.

Cube Magazine is an asset to South Yorkshire. There is no other magazine out there that gives young people the opportunity to share their views in print. Cube Magazine has made a massive impact on my life and without it, it is highly unlikely that I would have followed the career path I have taken. Vicky has taught me so much about Journalism that wouldn’t have been accessible to me until university and I am forever grateful for that. Being able to see my name in print has to be one of the best days of my life. We cannot forget that Cube is the single best work experience going because you work with some of the greatest people ever whilst learning things along the way. All I can say is thank you to Cube and I hope that countless other people will feel the same in the future.

Ella Thomas (17)
Cube Journalist 2007

Cube is a fantastic initiative. I found it to be greatly helpful to me on many levels - by informing me of journalistic and media careers, by giving me a working insight into a productive and busy workplace environment and by showing me how to appreciate people’s different backgrounds. It also allowed me to explore and share my interest in medicine in a motivational and inspirational way. Our supervisor was a helpful, considerate employer, tailoring her mentoring to each individual and helping us set personal goals.

“It allows us to be responsible young adults and to interact, discuss and propose ideas to cultivate our minds and be useful members of society”.

A local magazine for the youth market is incredibly important to Sheffield.  The social implications of Cube are tremendous.  By giving the youth of today a voice; it allows us to vent our creativity and thoughts in a productive and dynamic way. It allows us to be responsible young adults and to interact, discuss and propose ideas to cultivate our minds and be useful members of society. Cube also questions the image of modern young people as destructive, lazy yobs.  Instead Britain can see how productive and dynamic we really are if given the chance.

Peter Scholey (17)

What Cube magazine offers is genuine opportunity and experience amidst a fog of false (and boring) educational experiences. It offers a real creative freedom and chance to be published, neither of which are easy to come by; I found it a valuable experience and I'm certain that many will agree with me.

"What Cube magazine offers is genuine opportunity and experience amidst a fog of false (and boring) educational experiences".

Shutting down Cube would be a ridiculous move, one which would clamp down on the only non-patronising 'youth experience' that I've come across.

Dan Holden (18)
Cube Journalist 2007

As a Young Writer I can think of few opportunities that creative young people have to get their work published outside of a school environment. Cube Magazine gives us a unique opportunity to get our work out there, in front of a much wider audience and it’s one that we all highly value. There’s nothing quite like seeing your name in print for the first time and I would be greatly disheartened if that chance was taken away from me and others like me if Cube were to stop running.

Having a publication dedicated to young people is often the first step for aspiring writers to get a taste of work in journalism, or just to get their writing into print. PLEASE save Cube Young People’s Magazine so that it can keep inspiring us and keep giving us that opportunity to get our stuff published and recognised - there is no substitute for it!!

Cathy Collett (16)
Sheffield Young Writers

“Cube Young People’s Magazine so that it can keep inspiring us and keep giving us that opportunity to get our stuff published and recognised - there is no substitute for it!!”

Cube Magazine is important for giving young people a platform for our views and opinions, which are often widely different from an adults’ perspective. It allows us to voice any issue, including those usually steered away from by most of the media such as homosexuality or self harm, and in an environment which is not censored by adults. 

A Cube placement is totally different and unique to any other work experience placement available. It’s an opportunity to be viewed as an individual and to be treated like an adult while focusing intensely on one project, without the distraction of other work. It’s a productive placement, which gives a great sense of achievement to the individual and opportunities to flourish. There’s also the chance to meet and work with new people with similar interests and build confidence and character through leadership opportunities and independence.

“I now hold the view, that if a person can write passionately and engagingly and makes the reader actually want to read it, that it’s worth more then writing which conveys the point using long inaccessible words and boring sentences”.

My placement at Cube gave me an insight into the process of journalism from start to finish and what is expected in terms of content, skills and deadlines.  Being part of a quality media project has enabled me to look at how all the jigsaw pieces fit together in the larger picture.  It has changed my perception of journalistic writing and I now see it as accessible to all, not just those with the best education and excellent use of language. I now hold the view, that if a person can write passionately and engagingly and makes the reader actually want to read it, that it’s worth more then writing which conveys the point using long inaccessible words and boring sentences. The way writing is approached during this placement is that it’s ok not to have everything spelt and grammatically correct on the first draft, as that can be worked on, as long as the content is good, not the other way round as it often is in schools.

I think cube is an excellent project which enabled young people to develop their creative skills in a place where they can really see results. And better yet, it’s a way in which young people can put out their views and opinions into the world and where people will actually read them. I wrote an article about FairTrade. It was a chance to express my passion for a movement which is pursuing a fair price for labour and goods. It was a fun experience as I got to research a subject of interest and see my work in print, which hopefully motivated other young people to buy or sell Fairtrade.  The wide variety and opinion to write about anything in Cube makes it unique.  It doesn’t follow the trends of most magazines and you never know what’s beneath its cover.

“In a world where young people are often stereotyped as being apathetic and anti-social, this is a real movement for young people to actually shine and show their capabilities and their true colours”.

In a world where young people are often stereotyped as being apathetic and anti-social, this is a real movement for young people to actually shine and show their capabilities and their true colours. It draws on skills developed in schools as well as building confidence in an individual’s abilities. Young people do really need something in which they can freely write about their lives, what they are thinking, feeling and the issues which are affecting them without adult interference.

Sarah Hembrough (17)
Cube Journalist 2006

When I first started Cube I didn’t realise how much it would affect me. I remember meeting Vicky for the first time and I was very confused about what to write about having never done anything like this before. However Vicky listened to my interests and helped me to think of some great ideas, and before I knew it I was starting to write my article. With Cube you are allowed to be spontaneous and that’s exactly what happened when I decided to start my own documentary. Vicky was fully supportive and I felt like for once I was in control. I believe this responsibility helped me to mature as a person. Over just two weeks I felt like I had completely changed.  I was doing things that I would have never imagined doing.

“Cube gives young people the confidence to pursue their desired careers and find out about themselves in a fun way. There is no other work experience like it, which is why it must stay!”

Filming my documentary boosted my confidence greatly. Having people believe in me made me feel great in myself and this made me look forward to every single day at Cube. Although the two weeks flew by I visited again to help finish the documentary and have memories that I will keep with me forever. I made some great friends and met people from all over Sheffield. When I went back to school, I think I was the only person in my class who enjoyed work experience!

I’ve heard that Cube might soon stop running and I’m really saddened by this news, simply because I feel it had so much more to offer. There is so much undiscovered talent in Sheffield, and without Cube it might stay hidden!  Cube gives young people the confidence to pursue their desired careers and find out about themselves in a fun way. There is no other work experience like it, which is why it must stay!

Hina Farooq (16)
Cube Journalist 2007

Cube is not just an average magazine; it’s something Sheffield can really be proud of.  It provides young people with an outlet for our community spirit and outlook on life.  Cube articles are inspiring, informative and intelligent, showing just what young people are capable of.  The articles are about things that really interest or affect young writers, and that’s why Cube is such a lively, passionate magazine. From the in-depth interviews, containing words of wisdom from inspiring heroes, to the articles on the weird and wonderful pastimes young people get up to. Each page is a personal gift delivered by the author.

“Cube is not just an average magazine; it’s something Sheffield can really be proud of.  It provides young people with an outlet for our community spirit and outlook on life”. 

Even over a year after working at Cube, I look back on that time as being one of the best times of my life and a defining moment in my education. I don’t think even teachers realise how much of an impact the right work experience placement can have on a young person. Returning to school after the summer holidays, bursting with stories, I was surprised to find that other students weren’t quite so enthusiastic.  More people should have access to work experience placements that will actually have a beneficial effect on their life. Cube gave me independence and confidence, and allowed me to work in my own style, without the spoon-feeding of teachers or employers. While I knew that help was on hand if I needed it, both from my fellow workers and our loyal supervisor, I found that having room to experiment helped me to feel even more proud of the end results, as they were actually mine. In schools, you don’t get that kind of feeling after producing a piece of work, however good it may be.  Then actually having it published in a magazine that is available across Sheffield gives you the happiest feeling and I think that funders should consider how many more young people just a little bit of investment could impact on in this huge way.

The end product is a brilliant magazine- but it goes way beyond that. One of the best things about Cube is that it covers such a varied range of activities. Each individual really gets their time worth. I learnt so many skills, and had so many great experiences. I not only wrote and researched an article, quiz and review, I carried out an interview, presented a live radio debate, took part in a BBC Blast workshop, shot and digitally edited photos used in an exhibition during the Showcomotion Film Festival, and my favourite, carried out vox-pops on the streets of Sheffield.

“Cube Magazine is such an interactive experience and the reason it’s a great local magazine is because it gets loads of people from across the city involved together”.

Cube Magazine is such an interactive experience and the reason it’s a great local magazine is because it gets loads of people from across the city involved together. Being part of a Cube team was a huge confidence boost. Even though I was only there for two short weeks, I learnt so much and have such fond memories of creating Issue 13 and of the people I worked with. We developed an instant bond and I’m still in touch with many of them. The young people who work on Cube are such talented, lovely people- and I believe that this outlet for creativity should have the chance to flourish and encourage more wannabe journalists and writers, so they too can have the amazing experience that I had at Cube. I learned so much about journalism and what I’m capable of when I have the opportunity. There aren’t many young people who can say that they have made an issue of a magazine, and that’s why I’m so proud to have been part of the Cube team and why I strongly believe that this project should be continually funded to keep doing what it’s doing.

Cube has encouraged me to peruse a career in journalism. I’m currently studying for French, English language, sociology, psychology and critical thinking A levels, which I hope will help me study journalism at university. I’m so proud of what I achieved at Cube, and I implore anybody to get involved in any way they can- by working on it, reading it, or by funding it!

Fiona Boddy (17)
Cube Journalist 2007

“Cube has encouraged me to peruse a career in journalism. I’m currently studying for French, English language, sociology, psychology and critical thinking A levels, which I hope will help me study journalism at university. I’m so proud of what I achieved at Cube, and I implore anybody to get involved in any way they can- by working on it, reading it, or by funding it!”

Cube offers young people all around Sheffield the opportunity to express themselves in any shape or form. Whether it be an issue that is troubling us, an interest or something we just want to investigate, we are grateful to have Cube and the opportunities it give us. The magazine is free and has the most professional look you could ever expect, and the fact it is all written by us young people gives it that little edge.
 
At Cube I learnt to express myself better and not be afraid to put my ideas forward. I really pushed myself and did an interview I never thought I would, (with an Olympic swimmer!). I learnt a lot about journalism and the different types of articles that are written, as well as the individual components within an article. I had no idea about certain fields within journalism, writing and media and now I know the possibilities are endless.

By the time I had finished work experience at Cube I felt like I was well into the process of becoming a real writer. It was definitely the best thing that happened to me during my entire academic life!
The atmosphere was always relaxed and enjoyable at Cube, every day had a structure but the freedom we were allowed was greatly appreciated and helped my individuality. We often gathered together to discuss ideas, consider a debate for later in the day or generally talk about our work. It was different to the school environment and I met new friends from all over Sheffield who I still keep in touch. I may see some of them at sixth form next year. Cube gave me the confidence booster I needed!

I’ve enjoyed writing far more since my experience at Cube and the depth of advice that Vicky gave us helped me much more in my understanding of writing. A particular person that inspired me is Nadia Brooks, a former Sheffield Star journalist turned Hollywood reporter, (interviewed in Issue 12).  She proved that anything is possible. Anyone who can, should help Cube to give young people the opportunities for learning, creativity and enjoyment that I’ve had. Just knowing there is somewhere to write to my hearts content makes me feel better. A big thank you to Cube and everything you have done for me and for the best work experience ever!

Jess Daly (15)
Cube Journalist 2008


By the time I had finished work experience at Cube I felt like I was well into the process of becoming a real writer. It was definitely the best thing that happened to me during my entire academic life!  The school environment, especially secondary level, is very stifling and holds some people back when they could be flourishing. Hopefully Cube will be able to live on and help more people find their voice!

Sarah Kabar
Cube Journalist 2007

“It’s important to keep this magazine running as it speaks neutrally to young people about issues that are present in many young lives”.


A year and a half ago, I completed my work experience at Cube.  I was shy, quite and had hardly any confidence. By the end of the two weeks, this had all changed.  I’d made loads of new friends and had a massive confidence boost from writing a good article, interviewing a Channel Four producer (off the top of my head!), helping make a documentary and being sub-editor for my team. This isn’t an ordinary workplace, I don’t even class it as work, it’s a place for young people to express their opinions and not be judged, to have a go at things they wouldn’t normally be able to do, and build up the confidence and skills needed in life.
“I was shy, quite and had hardly any confidence. By the end of the two weeks, this had all changed”.

Cube Magazine represents the young people of today and gets rid of the stereotypes. It’s important to keep this magazine running as it speaks neutrally to young people about issues that are present in many young lives. Better still if Cube could offer opportunities outside of schools work experience it could further help loads of young people like me who want to come back or experience Cube when they are a little older.  Without Cube there is nothing to keep young people engaged and focused in this area and even I’m finding it hard not to drift from my goals and to find similar experiences to build on the confident it gave me. If I could, I’d work at Cube permanently but I’d settle for coming back sometimes, perhaps in the evening or during weekends or holidays.

Cube has started me on a path to a journalism career.  I’m interested in the fact it offers something different everyday.  Unlike a typical 9 to 5 job you get to inspire and inform people through words. What better than a career getting something out of your own interests? My English has really improved too and since working at Cube I’ve been writing more.  I now understand what journalistic writing involves and feel I have an advantage and head-start over many others my age. Without Cube I doubt I’d be as focused as I am now.

Jenny Miller (17)
Cube Journalist 2007

“I realised Cube is a powerful thing when I saw Issue 11 on TV!”

I realised Cube is a powerful thing when I saw Issue 11 on TV! It was in the background on the Secret Millionaire when someone helped an anti-gun crime project in Manchester.  The lady had it on the wall with the picture of the son who was shot on the cover.  Someone must have given her it because it had such a heavy article telling young people the reality of gun crime by a mum who lost her son to it. Cube reaches the parts other magazines will never reach. Cube can’t stop, won’t stop!

Tara Albert (15)

I have a friend who self harmed for ages. I couldn’t get it and then I read that article in issue 15 and now I can look at it differently. Cube not only gives people support for writing, you get information too. I mean Bali Rai (the author) was talking about story ideas coming from the fun facts on the back, and they’re great, but as the articles are written by young people, so young people take notice. It’s like when an adult starts talking about stuff like virginity you cringe but reading an article by someone your own age can help.  

“I have a friend who self harmed for ages. I couldn’t get it and then I read that article in issue 15 and now I can look at it differently”.

Cube reaches young people in a way no other mag seems to. Your glossies are really expensive and aimed at those who can afford them and then you have Cube, free and really easy to get hold of and it’s just immense. The thing I think I love most is the simple fact you get your voice heard. And it’s your voice, it doesn’t tell you what to think unlike lots of other mags. It also gives support to young writers like me. I love the idea that I can just go on a forum and be like ahhhhhh! I need help. The feeling you get when you see your name, it’s amazing. That whole experience has made me want to keep on writing and keep on trying. And I owe Cube a thank you because this whole situation inspired me for my English A-level coursework. I’m going to write an article on why young writers in Sheffield need an out let for their creativity which isn’t graffiti! I never really had a long attention span but now I have something to aim for.

Rosie Newton (16)

I would just like to say how beneficial I think Cube is to young people. It gives us the chance to get work published, something which can be difficult to achieve but is so rewarding! The work placement I did gave me the opportunity to learn loads of skills, like using design software and audio editing software and helped me to see all the possibilities a career in journalism offers. Also, a magazine for young people is always going to appeal to its target audience more if it actually written by the target audience. So many magazines for young people think they are covering topics we are interested in, and sometimes they do, but Cube always has about three times as many articles I find much more interesting than a teen magazine written by adults. So I think that if Cube goes, then young people in this area will have lost the chance to do a placement which can teach so much, but also we will have lost one of the best young people’s magazines there is.
 
Ruby Osborn (16)

“So I think that if Cube goes, then young people in this area will have lost the chance to do a placement which can teach so much, but also we will have lost one of the best young people’s magazines there is”.

At the moment I’m doing my A-level English Literature.  Ellie and I sit together in Biology and reminisce about ‘Cube Times.’ I’m so sorry to hear about Cube.  Here is a shortened version of all the things I have to say about Cube.  I hope the right people listen!
 
Choosing a topic, doing the background research, designing the spread and producing my own article was a completely new experience, unlike anything I had done in school and I loved it. Cube gave me confidence in my own writing which has been invaluable in and out of school.  Cube gave a real insight into the world of journalism and I am now considering it as a future career.


“Cube gave a real insight into the world of journalism and I am now considering it as a future career”.

Everyday we tried something new, from writing to photography, radio and even modelling; we did it all, and loved every second. Seeing something I had written in print was so exhilarating; I felt I had really achieved something. But for me the best thing about Cube was the atmosphere. Both supervisor and employees worked simultaneously and made the whole experience amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard and yet still managed to produce something to be proud of. Thank you Cube!

Miriam Barclay (17)

I learnt a hell of a lot about writing and journalism at Cube, such as how to collect research on a topic and how to present my ideas in a clear and organised way. Being nominated for the role of editor was also a great chance to strengthen my proof-reading skills and my ability to accept constructive criticism of my own work, both of which have proven really valuable to me at college.  Working for the magazine also led me to join Sheffield Young Writers, and although I am no longer a member due to other commitments, the group has helped me a great deal with my own writing style and my confidence in my own work.

“Being nominated for the role of editor was also a great chance to strengthen my proof-reading skills and my ability to accept constructive criticism of my own work, both of which have proven really valuable to me at college”.  

It would be an awful thing to lose Cube Magazine because others would not get to experience the gloat-worthy moment when you see all your time and hard work finished and in print. Other budding young writers would also not get the chance to take part in a work experience that would really help them in their future. What I learned there is going to help me go on to study Creative Writing at Sheffield Hallam University, and also helped me to get a grade A at English Language AS!

This amazing resource for young writers should not be taken away, and to be honest, I really wouldn’t improve anything about the magazine as a whole because there’s nothing to improve; the contributors already do a great job.


Helen Daniels (17)
Cube Journalist 2006

Cube is an important part of the young writer’s community in Sheffield. I was hoping to do work experience there at some point during the next year as I’m aiming to become a journalist. This is such a difficult area to get into and the only way of entering this career is to have good work experience. Most, if not all, magazines/newspapers won’t allow you to do a work experience placement until you are 18, which makes it very difficult to test things out for your chosen career. I am fortunate in that one of my closest friend’s dads owns a magazine, where I did a placement, but I know this is not the case for most young people!

I know of quite a few people who have been part of editorial teams at Cube and have learnt a lot, as well as enjoyed themselves, and without Cube they would never have had this opportunity that is so vital in order to follow the career path that they want. Cube is an inspiration. I have had some of my work printed in Cube (through SYW), and it really made me want to write even more. It was obvious that time had been taken in presenting my writing and it looked really professional and appealing. Seeing it this way gave me a lot more confidence in it. This is a great magazine and I always enjoy reading every copy. It’s a great opportunity for young writers in Sheffield and I dearly hope it continues!


Hannah Groomsbridge (17)
Sheffield Young Writers

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