There has been a significant increase in hate crime and growth in extreme right wing organisations in County Durham. Changing Lives was designed to help young people to recognise the early stages of radicalisation and identify those most at risk of radicalisation. We worked in close partnership with Durham Action against Crime and the Safe Durham and Safer Darlington Partnerships to create a new theatre piece and teachers pack.

We commissioned professional playwright and theatre-maker David Napthine and worked with students from Darlington and Bishop Auckland Colleges to explore key areas of vulnerability, and to identify how a young person can become radicalised. Their work was developed and shared with their college communities and key stakeholders at a performance at the Majestic Theatre in Darlington, and the resources from the project will be made available to schools. The project was funded by the government’s anti-terrorism PREVENT programme.