Birmingham Library trained a group of young people in archive research and oral history recording. They set out to uncover what life was like in Victorian Birmingham and research the origins of historic gangs.

The group listened to the BBC’s Peaky Blinders writer-creator Steven Knight and interviewed experts about the reality behind the fiction. Museum visits helped them put their learning into context and they developed new skills though completing an Arts Award.

Inspired by their discoveries, they created several drama pieces, a 40-page heritage booklet, a short documentary and hosted a popular event to share their research and inspire other young people. They went on to use their knowledge to interview ex-gang members and police officers, community members and victims, exploring and challenging current views of Birmingham gangs.

Daniela Varley, Recre8 project officer, said: “The project was originally developed by ex-gang members who had turned their lives around. They acted as peer mentors and empowered the younger participants to turn their negative experience into something positive.”

Find out more on the Recre8 website.