A campaign to help young people tackle negative perceptions of drill music is being pioneered by a charity.
Genesis for New Beginnings led by Ignite Trust mentor youngsters in Harrow by encouraging them to think about the consequences of the violent lyrics the genre is known for, by rewriting the songs more positively.
The Genesis project, run at Wealdstone Youth Centre in Harrow, will support young people every Tuesday evening until May next year.
Several charities and organisations are helping to drive the project, including Wish, Synergy, Khulisa and the University of Bedfordshire.
Harrow Council and Young Harrow Foundation have just won £500,000 in funding from a national Home Office fund for the initiative.
In addition to rewriting lyrics which Ignite believes fuels gang violence and negative attitudes towards women, youngsters will have an opportunity to channel their talents into more positive outlets like boxing, college and employment.
Youth workers from the charity like Mike Luke are on hand to mentor the candidates.
He said: “Our project helps young people consider alternative lyrics and shows them their music can be just as powerful without having to be negative.
“It gives them a focus and as they grow in confidence their aspirations rise and they are able to stay away from the temptations of joining a gang because of the plans they are making for the future.
“Over the last ten months we have noticed a considerable difference.”
Ignite's, Mike Luke with Genesis candidates
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