Rap Therapy teaches students to write about specific emotions and express themselves through rap, with rules like no swearing or degrading language to break stigma and promote positive communication.

Since 2018, Asare has aimed to reach more children through Rap Therapy, with the broader goal of preventing social tragedies such as mental health issues, imprisonment, lack of outlets, or gang involvement.

The program grew from concerns about vulnerable youths in communities with few youth clubs, offering safe spaces for refuge and constructive emotional outlets through rap and poetry.

Asare has continued expanding the program since 2018, highlighting community impact as central as personal achievement.

Long-term benefits cited include reduced likelihood of mental health institutionization, prison, or gang involvement, though changes are expected to be gradual.

Bhishma Asare, 34, was awarded an MBE for services to education and mental health awareness, in recognition of his Rap Therapy work in Croydon and beyond.

The MBE acknowledges contributions to education and mental health awareness and is seen as benefiting both Asare and the communities served.

At his investiture, the Princess Royal was offered the chance to learn rap from Asare, founder of Rap Therapy.

The initiative seeks long-term impact by providing safe outlets for expression, especially in areas with limited youth club access and resources.

Participants have shown improvements in anxiety, willingness to open up, and better ability to describe emotions, with both short- and potential long-term benefits observed.

The MBE helps open doors to conversations in spaces previously inaccessible, amplifying Rap Therapy’s reach and impact.

The program features workshops to enhance communication, teamwork, listening skills, and a mentoring scheme where mentors from similar backgrounds support students in discussing sensitive issues.