Special guest, DJ Wheels, brought music and inspiration to Worthing’s Ashdown Children’s Centre where he entertained young people on Monday 28 October. DJ Wheels, otherwise known as Adam Hayes, was invited by Guild Care to host a DJ camp at the charity’s half term sessions for young people aged 14 to 18 with learning disabilities and complex needs.

“I see my brain as a mixing desk,” says Adam, who has cerebral palsy. “That means I can turn up the ‘able’ switches in my brain depending on who I’m with, to super mature - or super immature if I’m with my friends! But it’s not about myself, it’s about the people I’m here to support. I’m here to support them to do whatever they can.”

Local author, DJ, and motivational speaker, Adam is on a mission is to inspire the next generation of young people with disabilities to be whatever they want to be, whether that’s a DJ, athlete, cook or anything they choose.

Adam Haye’s book, ‘Thirty Years of Me’ was published in 2022. In it, he reflects on the rollercoaster of life as a young person with a disability in the UK and how he overcame challenges in his path.

Joey Ward, Children’s Service Manager at Guild Care’s Ashdown Centre, adds, “DJ Wheels was a fantastic special guest and showed how DJing is accessible to everyone. There was a real focus on fun. Music breaks down barriers and builds confidence. It was clear that all our young people loved the party atmosphere with glow sticks and the dance music Adam put together for everyone to enjoy.”

Guild Care offers a range of sessions to support families of children with learning disabilities and complex needs, using a mixture of sensory, structured, and play based learning, taking a child-centred approach.

The Ashdown Children’s Centre is hosting daily half term activities which run from 10am to 4pm with a different focus each day. For young people aged 14 to 18, these include a gaming tournament, animals, and sports day. Sessions for younger children with profound & multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) include bubbles & art, and music & movement.

For more information on activities or to book, contact Joey Ward at Ashdown Children’s Centre at [email protected] or call 01902 528600.