Barry to DJ for fellow adults with learning disabilities

Barry to DJ for fellow adults with learning disabilities

12 December 2018

A NEWCASTLE man is hoping to dance the night away as he hosts a disco for fellow adults with learning difficulties.

Barry Smyth and his sister, Susan, are behind the setting up of the Black Moon disco which will be held at Diamond Pats in Newcastle tonight.

Barry has training as a DJ and now wants to share his love of disco by creating a monthly night out where people with learning difficulties can socialise, just like everyone else.

The 31 year-old, who is originally from Drumaroad, has been living in supported living accommodation with Autisim Initiatives in Newcastle for around five years.

Susan explained that what is missing in Barry’s life is a chance to socialise where he feels safe and supported.

“Barry really wants to have a good social life and he wants other people with learning disabilities to also have a good night out and not just have the choice of going to a day centre,” she told the Recorder.

“The average nightclub wouldn’t always be suitable as sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming for them. Barry wants to create something that feels a bit safer and is more bespoke, somewhere a person with a learning disability and their friends and family can all get together and have a good time.”

She said that she was able to tap into Barry’s natural love of disco and music by chance over a year ago.

“Barry has always loved discos and he’s always held discos for us as a family. I found out about DJ training in the Black Box in Belfast so he signed up to do it.

“The Black Box has a Black Moon disco for people with learning disabilities. It’s really successful and over 150 people regularly attend it.

“The Black Moon disco has branched out to have discos in Bangor, Armagh and Derry, so we thought it’s time that Newcastle has one. It will be somewhere where we all can have a beer and a boogie and we hope it can run every month.”

Barry will be spinning the decks himself at the disco, while some of his friends and instructors from the Black Box will also attend so that he can hit the dance floor with his family and friends.

A lover of dance floor classics from Abba, Katie Perry, Lady Gaga and Boyzone, he promises to create a festive atmosphere by playing lots of Christmas hits.

“I want to have a good social life. I just want to get out of the house more,” said Barry. “I started doing disco years and years ago. I just love music and this is going to be so great.”

Susan paid tribute to Alison Lyttle, Autisim Initiative’s community engagement manager, who has been instrumental in helping to support the event, as well as Newry, Mourne and Down District Council who contributed to start-up costs.

The Black Moon disco will be held at Diamond Pats in Central Promenade, Newcastle, tonight from 7-10pm. Entry is £4 and family and careers are free.