Hip-Hop Family

Toby G founded Street Factory in Plymouth 17 years ago with his wife Jo. They use hip-hop to bring people together, boost confidence and improve mental health.

Toby, a Roma Gypsy, came to England when he was 14 to flee racism that he and his family faced in Poland. Understanding what it’s like to have a tough start in life, Toby wanted to help others in difficult situations.

They offer a variety of classes and hope to help people ‘discover their genius’. They host showcases as a way for people to show off their progress and to also test their confidence.

With their biggest show just days away, we follow two performers as they prepare to share their stories in front of an audience. Tash, a young mum and dancer, practices her routine about a very personal mental health battle that very few people know about, whilst Ben steadies his nerves ahead of reading a poem about his progress since being homeless and suicidal.