A music course for young homeless people in Sleaford has turned one student into a superstar DJ.
After only 12 weeks of the 20 week DJ-ing course, Jason Meadows has already impressed the owners of local nightclub Rehab into offering a trial run on the decks.
Jason, 22, is a resident at Sleaford Foyer in Eastgate, run by LHA Support Services, which works with unemployed and homeless young people, aged 16-24. It offers them a place to live with professional support on-site to help get their lives back on track.
Following a successful two-hour trial DJ set at Rehab, Southgate, in front of friends and LHA Support Services staff, Jason will now shadow the club’s main DJ John Oakley every Thursday night to hone his mixing skills.
If he impresses the crowd it could lead to his own weekly residency.
Stuart Couling, LHA Support Services worker said: “Jason did a great job on the decks. He has been very committed to the DJ course and has shone throughout.
“I’d like to thank Andy Ellis and Phil Moseley for generously lending the use of the club and for arranging the weekly shadowing for Jason. He has proved himself now, and I think he surprised everyone with how well he can mix after such a short time, so it’s great to see him fittingly rewarded.”
The weekly DJ-ing workshops are being run by Lincolnshire music development agency, SoundLINCS for residents at the Foyer.
Jason Meadows added: “The course has been great. I like my music but I’d never done anything like this before and I’ve learnt so much already.
“DJ-ing is good fun but hard work, and doing it at Rehab was certainly different to what I am used to. I’ve worked behind a bar before so I’m usually watching the DJs - it’s nice to be on the other side now!”
Since opening in 1994, Sleaford Foyer has helped hundreds of young adults by providing a safe and pleasant living environment and a pathway to independence.
Residents typically live at the Foyer for up to two years before gaining the skills and confidence they need to move on and live more independently.
It has 14 private bedrooms with communal facilities such as bathrooms, self-catering kitchens, common room and lounge, on site professionals trained in providing care.
The foyer also offers support and advice to young people and a wide range of workshops, activities and outings designed to help develop social, personal and life skills, and improve employment prospects.