By Lisa Ramsden
A Newcastle man who spreads joy and celebration through his inclusive disco nights has been honoured for his work in the community.
At last week’s National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards, Barry Smyth was presented with The People’s Award, and was also highly commended in the Making a Difference category.
This prestigious competition celebrates excellence in the support for people with learning disabilities and aims to pay tribute to those individuals or organisations who excel in providing quality care. The judging panel was thrilled to learn more about Barry’s monthly discos in Newcastle, the aptly named ‘Barry’s Beats’.
What started as a love for music and a yearning to become a DJ has transformed not just Barry’s life, but so many others. This talented, self-taught local man runs monthly discos which are designed for all. They bring an electric energy into a welcoming space and attract people from 18 to 80, with the older participants often the first to hit the dancefloor, and the last to leave!
Autism-friendly events aren’t a brand-new concept, but they are still scarce across the wider community. Rising to combat this, Barry injects life into his autism-friendly discos. With the support of the Autism Initiatives charity, of which he resides in one of their supported living houses in Newcastle, his passion for music and entertainment is playing a fantastic role in helping him, and many others, in terms of breaking down barriers.
But it’s not just the people who attend for the reason of having a safe neurodivergent entertainment venue, their carers also enjoy going along, able to sit back and relax whilst knowing their loved ones are enjoying their night out. Building confidence whilst fostering friendships is just as important for those who care for someone with complex needs as it is for those who attend to enjoy this safe space.
Billed as ‘a club night by and for all with autism and learning difficulties’, it attracts people from across the district, plus further afield.
Thirty-eight-year-old Barry launched these discos in 2018. Playing a wide range of music, and with an extensive list of requests most nights, Barry takes a real love in entertaining others.
Judges said there was no better person for The People’s Award after getting a true sense of how Barry spreads ‘joy and celebration through his inclusive disco nights.’ In their citation, the panel acknowledged how Barry has created a welcoming space for all.
“Using his passion for music, he creates a safe, fun, and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy,” the judges stated. “From 90s hits to classical and Disney, he plays something for everyone, believing that everyone deserves a good social life.”
They added that he was selected to be highly commended in the Making a Difference award category as he ‘recognised a gap in local inclusive activities and completed his DJ course to provide the community with a fun, safe space.’ They also acknowledged that ‘his initiative allows people of all abilities to enjoy music and social interaction, creating an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone.’
Speaking after the awards night, Barry summed it up by telling his local paper: “I can’t believe I won. I am so happy.”
Caroline McClean, one of Autism Initiatives’ service managers, and who was heavily involved in encouraging Barry to follow his dream, also spoke of her pride in Barry. Having first met Barry 11 years ago, she said that when she got to know him, he talked about his love for music and how he wanted to be a DJ.
“This is an amazing achievement for Barry,” she said. “I have watched Barry, and Colm, his support worker, work so hard building Barry’s Beats.”
She added: “Barry is a perfect example that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve anything. Barry’s determination and ambition have got him to where he is today. We are all so proud of Barry.”
Adele Leighton, the charity’s director of operations, echoed Caroline’s praise. “We’re thrilled that Barry has won the People’s Award. His monthly Barry’s Beats event is more than just music, it’s a space that brings people with learning difficulties and autism together, building friendships and community. We couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Barry’s Beats runs on the final Tuesday of each month, between 7pm and 9pm, at Newcastle Community Cinema along the town’s Main Street. There is a £3 admission charge, but carers go free. Anyone aged 18 and over is welcome to attend.
For more information visit the ‘Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland’ page on Facebook.
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