Free DJ sessions tackling anti-social behaviour
Kay Davidson/BBCA project offering free DJ lessons to young people has been given extra funding to continue.
The sessions aim to reduce anti-social behaviour in Gateshead's travel interchange and teach attendees a new skill.
Teenagers can drop in and try DJ decks, rapping, emceeing, and even a virtual reality drum kit.
The lessons are run by the community interest company Northern Pulse and co-founder Mike Dixon said they helped children "when they're going through tough times".
The project, which runs every Thursday, is funded by Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus, Gateshead Council, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner and Gateshead FC.
It was first developed by the club's community foundation, which realised sport was not always the best way to reach every young person.
The foundation's grants manager, Jo Watson, said the sessions saw about 16-20 young people every week.
"The community love it too – we get an audience who just stop and watch what we do," she said.
Kay Davidson/BBCThe sessions take place on the upper concourse of the interchange and have already become a regular fixture for young people from across the area.
Harry, 15, has been at almost every session since they started.
He said if it were not for the sessions, he would "just be sitting in the house with nothing to do".
"You can come along, meet new people, learn some new stuff. I met some of the emcees last week, now we have a full set to play," he said.
Matty, 19, joined more recently. He saw the decks set up a fortnight ago and decided to give it a go.
"It means a lot to me – I don't have much going on for myself at the moment," he said.
"But when stressful times come around, it helps me to relax."
Kay Davidson/BBCThe Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, announced funding had been approved for the project until July 16.
She said: "It's fabulous and can only get better until the summer."
The participants are preparing for their first performance this weekend at the Gateway Studios in Gateshead.
Dixon said: "I've been in music over 10 years – we wanted to do something to give back to the community.
"I knew that music would help the younger generation – I knew it would support them and keep them out of trouble when they're going through tough times."
