The Blueprint Project was conceived in late 2019 when a coalition of Oxford based voluntary sector organisations; Ark-T, SAFE! and Donnington Doorstep and the Youth Ambition team at Oxford City Council designed a preventative programme targeted at young men facing increased risk of drug exploitation.
This project is the only provision in Oxford for young men that brings together music, parenting support, mentorship provided by exploitation experts and youth work.
This group is predominantly led by Black artists and youth workers with the majority of the young men aged between 11 and 15, identifying as black. The group meets weekly to discuss topics which relate to race, risk and exploitation, and create original music inspired by these frank conversations.
The group has been working all summer and will be taking a break for the rest of 2021.
“I have more confidence, I have been learning how to use my chest to sing and make music. I am more confident and have better energy. I started out shy and now I feel more confident.”
The Blueprint Project is funded by Oxford Community Foundation, Police Crime Commissioner and Youth Ambition (Oxford City Council)