meet@teenheart is the BHF’s programme for young people aged 13 to 19 who are living with heart conditions in the UK. meet@teenheart helps young peoplewith heart conditions to meet each other, gain con� dence, support each other and have fun.

Contact the meet@teenheart teamEmail meetatteenheart@bhf.org.ukWeb yheart.net/meetatteenheartPhone 020 7554 0404Text 078 2511 1369Facebook search for yheartfan

© British Heart Foundation 2014, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426)

Boys Don’t Knit by T.S. EastonReviewed by Anna Gray

When I saw the bright yellow cover of Boys Don’t Knit propped up in the window of Waterstones, I immediately wanted to try it. In fact, it was so good, I � nished it in three days � at.

Boys Don’t Knit is a fast-paced and funny read about 17-year-old Ben Fletcher, who, after accidentally nearly killing a Lollipop Lady, has to take up knitting for his probation. Embarrassingly, he discovers he loves it; and what’s more, is very, very good at it.

To top that o� , Ben can’t bear to tell anyone. What if his football fanatic, car mechanic dad found out? Or his crazy, criminal gangster friends? Or even the gorgeous English teacher, Jessica Swallow?

T.S. Easton has made this book believable, relatable and pretty hilarious too. I would recommend it for 12+ and am giving it a massive 5 out of 5 stars, as it was a fantastic, fun and uplifting read.

In The Lonely Hour –Sam SmithReview by Katie Miller

I recently listened to Sam Smiths album ‘In The Lonely Hour’ and now I play it every time I'm in the car with my mum! All of the songs on the album follow a similar theme and suit of deep love and emotion.

My favourite song on the album is Stay with me; the lyrics could be taken in many di� erent ways and can be related to anyone’s situation. You also get two bonus tracks on the album that not many people have listened to before. This album has won many awards and was number 1 on iTunes when � rst released as well. I would rate this album a 4 out of 5 stars, de� nitely a good purchase!

Of Mice And Men Reviewed by Alex Egan

Of mice and men is a classic, gritty, and often humorous � lm based on the novel by John Steinbeck. It features John Malkovich, who � ts his role as Lennie like a glove to a hand.

Based in 1930’s America, this seminal is realistic and immersive and plays on the idea of the American dream, the idea that men can achieve anything. Of mice and men focuses on George and Lennie, two friends who leave their town of weed to work on a ranch. The � lm progresses slowly through its plot, never leaving a moment empty from laughter, tension or suspense.

I would give this � lm a rating of 5 stars. The constant combination of plot and character means this � lm never has a dull moment. Whenever you get the chance, be sure to see this � lm with friends and family.

BOOKS

FILM

MUSIC

WE LOOK BACK AT THESTUNNER 2014

MEET THE PRESS GANGWe provide content for the Update newsletter every quarter, by writing about interesting stories, blogging, and providing � lm ,book and music reviews. We are, Alex Egan, Anna Gray, Katie Miller, Dominic Davies, Lucy Allen, Simon Wright, Melissa Nissan, Katie Palmer-Howells and Chris Woods. For more information contact meetatteenheart@bhf.org.uk

Getting involved in our events will give you an opportunity to meet other young heart patients, make new friends, learn new skills, grow in con� dence and have fun. So what are you waiting for? If you are interested in attending please register your interest ASAP at surveymonkey.com/s/BHFEvents. More details can be found on yheart.net/events

Priority will be given to those who have not attended a meet@teenheart event before.

OUR STUNNER ADVENTUREby Katie Miller

19 young heart patients... Birmingham... An overnight stay – must be the Stunner!

We all arrived in Birmingham nice and early on Thursday morning, it had been a long journey for many but this didn’t stop the excitement! Our � rst task was to get together for some ice breakers and challenges, where we had to work together as a team to solve them. Even though some people were shy, everyone was laughing and smiling the whole time, and this was only the introduction!

Our � rst activity was a choice of archery, zip wire, or climbing wall. Everyone gave it a go, and so many surprised themselves on how well they did! There was even a few bulls-eyes in the archery! After our delicious dinner cooked by the lovely Caroline, we did another team building activity and then headed down to the camp� re. A few songs and roasted marshmallows later it was time to go back to our rooms and rest, ready for our � nal two activities the following morning.

The stunner was amazing and we all had the best two days, everyone tried something new and made new friendsDay two, and I think even the sta� were surprised at how well everyone did in all of the activities. Our amazing two days was coming to an end, but before we left we had one more get together and made a friendship web. The stunner was amazing and we all had the best two days, everyone tried something new and made new friends. That’s what its all about. Thank you BHF!

MY BHF VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCEBy Dominic Davies

What do you do when you have ten weeks of nothingness? Finished your exams, � nished school, � nished your favourite TV series?

I had this problem and here’s what I did about it: I started volunteering at my local British Heart Foundation charity shop. At � rst I was nervous, I almost didn’t do it, but I managed to contain my anxiety just long enough to ask the manager if they needed any volunteers. Luckily for me they did and after a brief induction, I was let loose on the books. My job is to price up all the donated books according to the guidelines and sort them according to their category, ready to be put out on the shelves. Then I have to rotate the books, which means taking old ones o� the shelf (to be sent o� to another shop to see if they sell there) and putting new ones on.

Since I � rst started, I have grown in con� dence, learnt new skills and made new friends. It’s also nice to think I can make a small contribution to the organisation that supports people like us! If you are 16 years or older, why don’t you try it!

21 February – GlasgowRegister interest by 16 January

If you like the look of the Stunner then sign up for our next event in Glasgow...