Cordis Bright has been funded by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) to conduct an efficacy study randomised controlled trial (RCT) of United Borders’ Building an Understanding of Self (B.U.S.) programme – a trauma-informed, music-based mentoring intervention for young people at risk of violence and offending across Greater London.

The B.U.S. programme combines one-to-one mentoring with creative music production, delivered primarily on custom-fitted mobile recording studio buses and in community venues. The programme works with young people aged 10–17 who are at risk of, or already involved in, violence, exploitation or offending. The B.U.S. programme aims to support young people to build confidence, improve wellbeing, strengthen decision-making and reduce involvement in offending behaviour.

The evaluation is an efficacy randomised controlled trial (RCT) with an integrated implementation and process evaluation and cost assessment. A total of 684 young people will be recruited and randomly allocated either to receive the B.U.S. programme or to receive business-as-usual alongside light-touch safeguarding and signposting support.

The study will assess whether B.U.S. is effective in reducing self-reported offending and improving wellbeing, behavioural difficulties and peer relationships. Alongside the impact evaluation, the implementation and process evaluation will explore how the B.U.S. programme works in practice, how it is experienced by young people and practitioners, and the factors that support successful delivery.

Key features of the B.U.S. programme include:

• Music as a creative hook: music production is used to engage young people, support self-expression and encourage reflection on identity, emotions and lived experiences.
• Trusted mentoring relationships: mentors build consistent and supportive relationships with young people, many drawing on lived experience to establish trust and credibility.
• Neutral and safe spaces: sessions take place on mobile buses and in community venues not associated with statutory services or schools, helping young people engage safely across postcode boundaries.
• Trauma-informed and strengths-based practice: the programme is tailored to each young person’s needs, experiences and aspirations, supporting emotional wellbeing and positive future pathways.

The study began in August 2025, with programme delivery and fieldwork commencing in January 2026. Final reporting is expected in Autumn 2028.

The evaluation protocol has now been published and the trial has been registered on the ISRCTN registry.

Efficacy evaluation protocol for BUS - June 2026

For more information about the evaluation, please contact Emma Andersen.

Image credit: United Borders.