AN anti-knife crime youth group from Oxford performed rap music to show people the benefits of volunteering.

The Blackbird Leys-based Urban Music Foundation, which gives youngsters the chance to write and record music, demonstrated its lyrical skills at an event to promote the efforts of 16- to 25-year-olds who help others.

The event, at The Net Youth Centre, in Abingdon, also showcased the work of Banbury sixth-formers who train teenagers in first aid, a group of volunteers who run a café in Cumnor for youngsters and people who have established charities.

About 40 people attended the show, which was arranged by Vinvolved Oxfordshire, part of the national volunteering charity V, to give recognition and a networking opportunity to the county’s unsung heroes.

Urban Music Foundation founding member Rory Campbell, 26, said: “We try to tap into people who may not have done well at school or have other troubles, and get them thinking in a positive way.

“The show gave the youngsters a great way to network and show each other what they’ve been up to.

“We can give them help and advice about making music with things such as lyric writing, studio time or training using music production software.

“Vinvolved have been really supportive with funds for us and very helpful.”

At the show last Saturday, people were given awards as well as tree planting kits in recognition of their good work.

Laura Tatton, 17, from Wallingford, picked up an award for helping at the town’s Helen and Douglas House hospice charity shop.

She said: “My message to anyone thinking about doing voluntary work is ‘go for it’.

“It is one of the best things anyone can ever do. It helps yourself and the community. You don’t get paid for voluntary work, but there are many things that are better than earning money.”

Charities Guide Dogs for the Blind, Special Effects and Sailability were on hand to recruit new volunteers.

Visitors also had the chance to be pampered, battle in sumo suits and ride a surf simulator.

Vinvolved Oxfordshire youth volunteering development manager Chris Keppie said: “It was great that young people from all parts of the county and backgrounds got together to share and showcase what fantastic stuff they get up to for the benefit of so many people.”