The black double-decker bus on Harlesden High Street is a mobile creative hub and youth sanctuary run by the charity United Borders to provide music production and mentorship for local young people.
Former bus driver Justin Finlayson created the United Borders bus as a safe community hub to help local youth escape violence.
Justin Finlayson bought a double-decker bus as a neutral space for rival gangs to create music together.
Projects like United Borders are vital because nearly a quarter of London teenagers experience violence each year.
Justin Finlayson continues to transform young lives through ongoing mentorship.
The bus features a recording studio on the bottom deck and a communal chill-out zone on the top deck.
The lower deck also features an amnesty bin for weapons.
Justin Finlayson emphasises that life-changing mentorship is the true medicine for these young people.
The mentors act as wiser peers who share their own experiences rather than strict authority figures.
The charity focuses on early intervention to prevent school exclusions and stop problems before they grow.
Through mentorship, an attendee named Dante learned to manage his emotions and escape a dangerous lifestyle.
Dante uses the studio to write music about his personal growth.
Ciaran Thapar states that United Borders is powerful because it makes young people feel genuinely heard.
Justin Finlayson’s biggest challenge is securing funding during times of financial austerity.
Justin remains dedicated to this uplifting project despite facing continuous funding challenges.
Community members and referral partners highly praise the project for offering a safe, inclusive environment that provides a vital sense of belonging.
Published by Angela Lloyd
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