An award-winning creative intervention for year 6 students.
Playing Safe is a theatre-based approach to targeting serious youth violence. The project creates opportunities for young people to talk about grooming, gangs, safety in their community and existing barriers to feeling safe.
Developed by London Bubble, Southwark Family Early Help and Youth Justice Service, the Metropolitan Police service and Surrey Square Primary School.
Phase 1
Year 6 students watch a professional performance about 11-year-old Ali, who loves football, burgers and Central Cee. In a community where serious youth violence poses a great threat, who is keeping Ali safe? Audiences follow Ali as he navigates life at home, school and in his community in the wake of a tragic event.
After the performance the audience are invited to discuss the issues Ali is facing, offer advice and step into the action to try and change the outcome for the better. Through forum theatre, students will explore fictional characters & situations, actions & consequences and social & emotional wellbeing.
Content for the play has been developed with Southwark Council, Lambeth Gangs Unit (Met Police) and staff at Surrey Square Primary School to reflect current trends in gang culture and knife crime and the impact this can have on families.
A workshop for parents of year 6 students takes place after school. This session includes the same interactive play, discussion about the adult characters in the play and a short q&a with representatives from Youth Justice and Family Help services, and other local support services.
Phase 2
A 5-sessions intervention (Mon – Fri) for your eight most vulnerable year 6 students. The group will participate in drama exercises to explore conflict, choices, safety, thoughts and feelings, culminating in a performance of their own for their peers, family and teachers.
London Bubble will provide support for identifying students who may benefit from the small group intervention.
If you are interested in running the project in your school or would like more information please contact
emma@londonbubble.org.uk | 0207 237 4434
