Squash the Beef

Squash the Beef combines trauma-informed mentoring with creative workshops in animation, documentary, drama and podcasting, to help young people explore the consequences of their choices and find safer ways to resolve issues. Grounded in values of respect and responsibility, it offers a supportive space for participants to grow and learn.

Squash the Beef is designed to:​

• Deter: Support individuals to avoid committing crimes and putting themselves and others in harm’s way.​

• Repair: Prioritise mental health and restore a young person’s sense of self.​

• Empower: Build confidence and skills through the arts, enabling young people to express their creative ambitions.​

The programme was first designed and delivered for young people on referral orders in the London Borough of Southwark.

Combining trauma-informed mentoring with creative workshops in animation, documentary, drama and podcasting, the programme supports participants to explore conflict, accountability and change in a safe and structured environment. While it was initially created for young people in the youth justice system, its approach is relevant to any audience that would benefit from empowerment through creativity and the arts. At the end of the programme, each young person will have gained the tools to write a story of their own to be published in our annual anthology.

Mentorship and work experience

Throughout the programme, participants receive continuous guidance from experienced creatives. Weekly mentorship sessions combine feedback, skill‑building, and industry insight to help each participant refine their craft. Hands‑on workshops simulate a real storytelling environments, enabling them to gain skills in film, photography, podcasting and creative writing.

Showcase and recognition:

By the end of the programme, participants will have produced a story that explores a meaningful social theme. Their work will be published in an annual ‘Squash the Beef’ anthology to celebrate their creativity and collaboration. Each participant receives a Roadworks Media Certificate of Achievement, recognising their skills, contribution, and commitment to storytelling as a tool for change. They will also have the opportunity to pitch their story to a panel for the chance to have it made into a film.

Benefits for young people:

• Build confidence and self-belief in a supportive, non-judgemental space where their voice, ideas and lived experience are valued.

• Develop practical creative skills in animation, documentary filmmaking, drama, podcasting, photography and creative writing.

• Explore conflict, choices and consequences safely, helping them reflect on the impact of their actions and consider safer, more positive ways forward.

• Strengthen emotional wellbeing and resilience through trauma-informed mentoring, with space to process experiences and build healthier coping strategies.

• Learn to take responsibility and repair harm, developing respect for themselves and others, and a stronger sense of accountability.

• Gain mentorship and industry insight from experienced creatives, with regular feedback, encouragement and guidance to help them develop their craft.

• Create a published piece of work, with their story featured in the annual Squash the Beef anthology — a lasting achievement they can share with family, schools, employers and colleges.

• Receive recognition for their progress, including a Roadworks Media Certificate of Achievement celebrating their creativity, commitment and contribution.

• Open doors to future opportunities, with the chance to pitch their story to a panel for potential development into a film, alongside pathways into further creative learning, work experience and employment.