Community music organisation Ritetrax has secured funding for a new set of sober socials in Sheffield aimed at recovering alcoholics and ex-convicts.
The free entry socials will be held in RiteTrax’s club venue Plot22, on the 26th April, 24th May and 28th June.
Michael Thompson, one of the founders and directors of RiteTrax, said: “They’ve definitely been successful in what we’ve set out to do which was just provide a safe space for vulnerable people to still enjoy music in a club setting that is away from alcohol.”
The organisation have secured repeat funding from South Yorkshire Housing Association, Sheffield City Council and The National Lottery to run the socials for another year.
The sober socials were launched in order to promote a culture of music rather than alcohol and drugs, which is a growing problem in the nightlife industry.
The club night also provides a safe space for DJs and bar staff, who work in an environment where drugs and alcohol are normalised.
Ritetrax, based in Castlegate, is a unique social enterprise as it supports young people, vulnerable adults and aspiring artists with access to music.
Mr Thompson hopes to increase the support available in the future. He said: “At the moment we’re just trying to make links with other organisations that support young people, people needing care, people with mental health issues, ex-offenders and people in recovery and just make sure those people have got access to music.”
Three to four programmes a year are also supported by charity Prince’s Trust to provide opportunities for young people in music.
Founder Michael Thompson created the social enterprise with friend Adam Seymour based on his love of music, after serving a sentence for drug related offences. He said: “I thought about ways of turning it into something that was sustainable and positive. RiteTrax came out of that.”
RiteTrax offer jam sessions and workshops for aspiring musicians, which can then lead to studio sessions, club nights and gigs.
The organisation is supported by many local DJs, and receives positive reviews from people who have visited their underground club venue, Plot22.
