A former drug dealer who turned his life around in prison said he created his business after being inspired to help other addicts.

Michael Thompson was imprisoned in 2013 for twelve months for dealing drugs just after leaving University.

The 31-year-old is part of the management team running RiteTrax, a company that hold creative events to support vulnerable people.

He said: “We deliver targeted music and creative sessions in one-to-ones and small groups, working on DJ-ing, instrument tuition, music production, lyric writing, visual art, personal training and more.”

His aim was to bring music and the social enterprise and helping people together.

Ritetrax was founded in 2015 by Michael and his friend and business partner Adam as he wanted to support ex offenders, people in recovery and those struggling mentally with alcohol and drug problems.

They help people aged 13 and above and do some work with the Youth Justice Service and those who are in trouble with the police.

Ritetrax holds events at a creative venue at the heart of Sheffield’s former Castle Market district, called Plot, such as their ‘sober socials’ which are drink-free nights, aimed at helping people meet like-minded people, as well as giving them somewhere to enjoy music in an alcohol-free setting.

Their first sober social took place in 2019 however, the second was cancelled due to the beginning of lockdown. Seeing as they couldn’t hold events, they did livestreams to those in recovery as most services were closed.

Mr Thompson said: “It feels distinctly different. Even on club nights when it’s rammed, you still meet the same people all the time so it creates a sense of community.”

Ritetrax receives funding from the National Lottery and South Yorkshire Housing Association to help with costs for the events they hold, and they are currently in their second full year of funding.

Their next event will take place on the 24th of May at Plot 22. Entry and refreshments are free and all are welcome.