Next Generation Youth Theatre Launches 'Back On Track' to Tackle Serious Youth Violence in Luton
In light of recent events surrounding knife crime and growing concerns regarding areas of perceived threat across Luton, the need for proactive, community-led intervention has never been more urgent.
Enter Back On Track, a dynamic, multi-strand creative violence prevention project spearheaded by Next Generation Youth Theatre (NGYT).
Aimed at young people aged 10 to 16, the project focuses particularly on those facing disadvantage, exclusion, poor school engagement, or vulnerability to gang pressure, criminal exploitation, and county lines activity.
Funded by Luton Rising and managed by the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation (BLCF), Back On Track builds upon NGYT’s award-winning track record of youth led participatory theatre and community responsive arts to educate and support young people.
The project has hit the ground running with an incredible first workshop involving 240 Year students at Challney Boys. The energy and depth of contribution from the students regarding serious youth violence were nothing short of inspiring.
By actively listening to their voices and providing a safe, dedicated space for them to share their perspectives, the NGYT team has already gained invaluable insights. These student-led contributions are directly informing the future direction of the project most notably shaping the professional theatre piece that will be taken out and performed for Year 6 pupils in local primary schools.
Following this phenomenal launch, there is an immense sense of excitement and hope for the upcoming workshops scheduled across Luton. NGYT will soon be taking Back On Track to:
Chiltern Academy
Stockwood Park Academy
Denbigh High
ACE Luton
Through continued collaboration with schools, safeguarding partners, and the wider community, Back On Track is proving that when young people are given a voice, creative platforms, and trusted spaces, they aren't just part of the conversation they are leading the way toward a safer, more resilient Luton.