Newton-le-Willows DJ hosts event for Mind Charity

Ian Ascroft, who started out as a ‘bedroom DJ’ producing music from home, hosted the event at The Balcony on Newton High Street to raise money for Mind Charity.

Attendees at the event had the opportunity to scan a QR code upon arrival to donate to the mental health charity.

After asking for help, Ian wanted to help others deal with mental health issues through music and was encouraged by a new friend to organize an event.

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Ian said: “My experience with mental health has taught me that I want to help other people who are going through the same situation, going through anything that worries or worries them or that it is affecting their mental health.

“One of the tools that has really gotten me through my darker days and something that I share with my friends is DJing; it was such a positive experience for me.

“During lockdown when I was feeling particularly down and alone I reached out to a house music DJ who was one of the DJs on House FM radio station.

“I initially messaged her thanking her for helping me through lockdown with the music she was playing and I wanted to let her know it helps mental health in general but want to now I try to prevent people from getting to where I’ve been living so they don’t have to fight or feel alone.”

The graphic designer formed the DJ group Good Vibes Good Times with pals Alan Bridge and Gavin Mitchell, with House FM DJ MissRay contributing when he was in the area to encourage people to reach out and turn to music for support.

Ian pictured with Alan and Gavin (Image: Ian Ascroft)

The trio have performed in Ashton, Liverpool and Southport with their first Newton performance being a success.

Event attendees had the opportunity to scan a QR code to donate to Mind Charity (Image: Ian Ascroft)

“Music will never let you down”

Referring to the mental health benefits of music, the 46-year-old added: “In my own experience with my mental health, the only thing that really helps me is music; it brings back happy memories for me.

“So I wanted to do something sufficient with music, because it can touch people; Music will never let you down and will always be there for you.

“If it wasn’t for some good friends and the music, I think I’d be somewhere else.”