Justice in Motion and TRAIN - From Scooters to Self-Belief
A unique feature of Powerhouse is how its grants tackle some of Didcot’s most pressing social challenges, particularly those affecting young people. While the town is often associated with shiny science and innovation campuses and attractive new housing developments, this outward prosperity masks deep-rooted inequalities. In recent years, Didcot has faced growing issues linked to county lines drug exploitation, with young people increasingly targeted by organised criminal networks who prey on vulnerability, isolation and low self- confidence.
One of the Powerhouse grant recipients is Justice in Motion who are confronting this reality head on through powerful, engaging physical theatre performances. Their work not only raises awareness among young people, parents and teachers, but also empowers young people with the confidence and resilience to resist exploitation and avoid becoming victims of drug-related and gang crime. Justice in Motion came together with another Powerhouse grant recipient TRAIN who identified four young people for a 5 day creative residency and chance to perform alongside professionals. One of these young people was Riley.
We caught up with Justice in Motion founder and Artistic Director, Anja, along with Riley and his mum, to hear Riley’s story and learn how the charity has helped him build confidence and discover a passion for performance.
Anja is a driven and passionate young woman who founded Justice in Motion in 2013, combining her love of physical performance with a commitment to addressing social injustice. Working with a team of highly skilled performers, the project engages young people in the places they already feel comfortable — in their schools and local communities. Through small-group workshops, Justice in Motion creates safe spaces where young people can explore the challenges they face and find positive ways to respond to them. Since arriving in Didcot in 2023, the organisation has delivered a series of workshops and public performances across the town.
Riley first heard about Justice in Motion when the team visited his local youth club. They showed videos of their impressive physical theatre, featuring scooters, skateboards, bikes and gravity-defying parkour. Although Riley was immediately drawn to what he saw, he lacked the confidence to put himself forward.
Riley performing in Didcot’s Orchard Centre
Sensing his interest, the Youth Club at TRAIN gently encouraged him to give it a try. Riley’s mum explains:
“Riley really wanted to be involved, but he was worried about what his friends might think and whether he would be teased. It took a lot for him to finally go along to the auditions. He changed his mind several times, but with the encouragement of the Justice in Motion performers, he decided to stick with it.”
Anja recalls:
“Riley really stood out to us. We could see he had the skill set to perform in the show, and really thrive in it. We are now open to him auditioning for the main character in the tour this year however, since having seen him perform with us several more times last year.”
For Riley, the experience has been transformative. He says:
“Being involved in Justice in Motion has made me much more confident. My friends all came to watch the performance, and it felt amazing when everyone clapped at the end. I want to keep improving my skills on scooters and bikes and carry on performing. It’s helped my confidence so much.”
“I want to keep improving my skills on scooters and bikes and carry on performing. It’s helped my confidence so much.”
The messaging in the performance around bullying, belonging and gang culture has had not only an impact on Riley but also his friends and other young people that came to watch the hard hitting stage show, with many talking about the issues raised and the signs to be wary of.
Riley’s mum, Shannon, says the project has also had a powerful impact on parents.
“Justice in Motion helped me understand more about the pressures young people face, including bullying and exposure to drugs and knife crime. It’s also brought parents together — especially those whose children have been affected — so they can support one another. It can happen to any child and any family, regardless of income or background. Knowing you’re not alone makes a huge difference.”
For Riley, Justice in Motion has opened up a positive new path. He plans to continue performing and to help his peers and their families as part of the wider effort to prevent youth crime and exploitation in Didcot.