Two unemployed teenagers from Hackney took part in a series of creative workshops to help them explore their hopes for the year.

Kennerly Cassius and Brian Salcedo took part in the Arts Council funded sessions which were held at several libraries including Homerton library in Homerton High Street, Homerton by established artists and advertising agency M&C Saatchi.

The culmination of the project saw a vision board made up of collages of their dreams and hopes for the future installed on a billboard at Old Street roundabout in Old Street, Shoreditch last Wednesday (February 19).

Brian Salcedo, of Meeson Street, Clapton said: “The Brand Me project made us look at ourselves and what our personal brand is, like how we carry ourselves when we walk into a room and how this can increase our chances of getting a job. It’s really helped to build up my confidence and to understand which way I am going in my career and how to get there.”

Workshop leader Asha Phillips said: “Brand Me is an energising workshop for young people to help discover both hidden talents, and uncovering dreams and desires. We help them to focus on their goals through teaching key skills in planning, goal setting and fortitude. This is a fun and creative workshop using both photography and collage art to showcase and map out each participants aspirations for the future.

Participants have developed skills in literacy, presentation and ICT and will be able to gain an arts award qualification for their work, which has been produced in library spaces around London.