Matt Hollis: vcashpoint

I have been DJing since I turned 13, just constantly playing and trying to perfect the art of mixing. I decided to start workshops teaching others my skills and helping young people stay away from crime. I knew I needed Funding to get the idea off the ground so I went to see a few local charities....

DJOne was called Young lives; the home of the Peterborough vinvolved team and they suggested that I applied for vcashpoint, the funding stream that offers up to £2500 for ideas of voluntary projects. I set about my application, developing a plan on how to show young people how to mix. I had to think about the budget to and also, how to target the various age groups ‘needs’ and interests.

I found it challenging to manage the project alone as it was all new to me but it became ‘the norm’ after the first few sessions and now I consider myself to be a Professional at it! :) I had loads of help at hand and people to talk to including Young Lives vinvolved team, the vcashpoint and the vinspired team, the Prince’s Trust, RSA and even local young people were happy to help.

I was really happy when my application gained funding from vcashpoint was successful. Not only could I make my projet really happen, but I also found myself progressing the project to include rapping, recording, making tracks/beats to make it fresh and exciting. I even got graffiti and dance groups involved to showcase other potential hobbies and ‘productive’ activities. From the start of my project in 2006 I have received a runner up award in the Young achievers award 2008, and first prize in the Pride of Peterborough Awards 2009. I have also had air time on BBC ONE, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Heart FM and other local press articles, which was exciting.

Now my part time job has entered me into the Marks and Spencer volunteer awards and I have made it to the final! All of these things and the great feeling after a good workshop made the whole volunteering experience worthwhile.