DJ Eric’s spin cycle comes full circle
As well as having his own health challenges, Eric is a single parent and full-time carer to his teenage son who has autism. We first met Eric when he applied for a grant to help him buy a new washing machine. A Barnwood Home Visitor met him – and hearing he was spending a lot of time in the house suggested he chat to a Welcomer.
Eric agreed, so Hannah visited him at home. The two of them talked about his day-to-day life caring for his son, and the challenges of doing this alone with health problems of his own. Hannah also learnt about Eric’s colourful past as a DJ and his continuing love of DJ’ing.
As part of her work, Hannah knew the team at local radio station GFM. She decided to see if they could offer an opportunity to Eric and put them in touch. Eric’s enthusiasm and talent shone through and he secured a guest slot on the ‘My Tunes’ show. Then, after only a few months, Eric was offered a permanent radio DJ slot of his own.
““What started as a conversation about buying a washing machine ended up as an event that brought together a community.” “
Eric loves his slot but, just as importantly, he enjoys being able to spend time throughout the week preparing his music and material for the show.
Once Eric was establishing himself as a DJ, Hannah introduced him to one of Barnwood’s Community Building Guides, Philip. In turn, Philip put him in touch with local organisers of the Tredworth Street Party. They hit it off and Eric and his son DJ-ed together at the party helping to create a day to remember for people in Tredworth. So, what began as a short conversation about keeping up with the washing ended up in an event that united a community.
You can listen to DJ Eric D’s live radio show on GFM 96.6FM every Monday afternoon.