Many young people between 16 and 25 are out of education, training or work, or dealing with isolation and low confidence, with few places to go that feel like theirs. Music, and DJing in particular, is something a lot of them already care about.
We use that interest as the starting point. Over eight weeks, a small group learns to DJ on professional equipment, records a mix and performs live. Alongside the decks, we work on confidence, wellbeing and belonging, and on practical next steps towards education, training or work.
We are a Community Interest Company, which means we exist for public benefit rather than private profit, and our work is accountable to that purpose.
To help young people facing barriers build confidence, wellbeing and connection through DJing, and to support their progression into education, training, employment or volunteering.
Director and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Ade, known on the decks as DJ Wrexx, has more than ten years behind him as a DJ and event organiser. Away from music, he has worked across the education sector, served as a school governor, and managed projects in finance, education and marketing. That mix of creative and organisational experience shapes how Open Sound is run. Ade is our Designated Safeguarding Lead and leads on data protection.
Director and Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Richard performs as DJ Darkozy and has been DJing for more than ten years across every kind of event. He is an award-winning wedding DJ and has built a social media following of over twenty thousand. Alongside music, he has worked in education for more than fifteen years, so he knows the young people we are here for. Richard is our Deputy Safeguarding Lead and holds a current first aid certificate.
Safeguarding comes first in everything we do. We have a written Safeguarding Policy covering children and adults at risk, a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (Ade Ajao) and Deputy (Richard Tandoh), and at least two adults at every session. Both directors will hold enhanced DBS checks and complete safeguarding lead training before any programme begins.
DJing is the way in. The real work is confidence, wellbeing and connection, built into every session rather than bolted on.
Eight young people per cohort, professional gear provided free, and at least two adults in every session.
Personal goals, signposting towards education, training, work or volunteering, and a follow-up with every participant three months on.