“This moment right here is because of the great youth clubs, the great teachers, the great schools that support young people,” said Ezra Collective drummer Femi Koleoso, speaking in his acceptance speech for the Brits 2025 Group of the Year award last month. It was a powerful moment, honouring the community efforts that have shaped British music for decades, but has seen drastically reduced funding in recent years.

As drill star Central Cee embarks on his world tour, and youth violence remains a vital issue, community initatives should be valued now more than ever – and it is exactly this point that journalist Ciaran Thapar aims to hammer home in his new podcast SAFE, supported by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF).

The podcast’s second episode, released today, features renowned UK music mentor Justin Finlayson. Previously working as a prison officer and a London bus driver, Finalyson founded the United Borders charity in 2018, delivering music sessions and outreach services to at-risk youth by way of a double-decker bus travelling across London. The charity is supported by a number of high-profile British musicians, including hip hop legend and educator Akala.

Having helped UK rap legend Nines broker a deal with XL Records for his Crop Circle album, as well as supporting the creation of a new youth club on Harlesden’s Church Road estate, Finlayson’s career is a testament to how music outreach has shaped popular British music and has helped young people stay safe on UK streets.

From throwing his own raves at the age of 15 to witnessing the rise of drill first hand, in the podcast above, Finlayson shares stories and insights from a career spent uplifting at-risk youth. His is a story full of successes, and one that offers practical solutions to the challenges young people face today.