Teenager from Milton Keynes takes a stand against knife violence
The 15-year-old has been supported by a local charity and wrote a song to express the impact of knife crime
In Milton Keynes, a grassroots charity is making a significant impact on young lives affected by knife crime and gang culture.
ReturnMK, founded by Jason Lawrence in 2017, offers a lifeline to teenagers like James Burgess, 15, who have been exposed to violence and crime.
James, who was referred to Return MK through local council services, credits the charity with helping him shift his focus away from negative influences and towards music.
He said: "Growing up, I was involved in a lot of negative things.
"Coming here and meeting Jason helped me a lot through all the bad stuff I was going through."
ReturnMK is more than just a music studio. It’s a place where young people can express themselves, find guidance, and connect with someone who understands their struggles.
Jason, who himself was a victim of knife crime in 2001, founded the charity to help young people avoid the pitfalls he encountered.
His experiences give him credibility with the youth, and his commitment to them has become a crucial resource in a city, like many others, hit by knife-related violence.
For James, the opportunity to write music at ReturnMK has been transformative.
He recently wrote and recorded a song about knife crime, inspired by both his personal experiences and the wider problem facing his community.
He said: "When I put it into words, it felt easier than talking about it. But sometimes it’s hard to rap about what I’ve been through, knowing this is real life."
The studio serves as a creative outlet and a form of therapy for young people.
Many of them have been exposed to or involved in violence.
Through his music, James is able to express what he sees and previously experienced.
"People around my age feel like they have to do it for their own safety," James explained.
"But when I come here and write music, it makes me think about the bigger picture. Why am I talking about this when I could be trying to stop it?"
Jason’s hands-on approach and personal connection to the issues have made ReturnMK a critical support system for local youth.
While government efforts to tackle knife crime, such as the ban on zombie-style knives which came into force this week, are essential, local initiatives like Return MK are filling an equally vital role in offering young people real alternatives.
"The government talks about making changes, but it’s people like Jason who are actually out here, doing the work," James said.