DJ Derek charity helps hundreds of vulnerable children

Derek disappeared in July 2015 and was found in shrubland near Cribbs Causeway in March this year. Credit: Family

It's nearly a year since the Bristol DJ Derek Morris disappeared. His body was found after an eight-month search earlier this year.>Funds raised for a charity in his honour are being spent on getting children with educational and emotional difficulties off the street and in the studio. In fact it is replacing money which was given by the government - but has disappeared in austerity cuts.

Sam Neal is finding his voice. The 21 year old was referred here by a mental health trust. Now he is recording his first album and has even entered Britain's Got Talent.

Credit: ITV News

The project at Bristol's Trinity Centre should have been scrapped. The grant was taken away. >But enter DJ Derek. The DJ played at the Trinity Centre many times in his long career. The charity set up in his memory had money in the bank. So its trustees wanted to do something true to him.

The renowned DJ used to play at Bristol's Trinity Centre. Credit: ITV News
Credit: ITV News

Sam Neal is just one of several young people who come here. Others have been in gangs, have severe mental health problems or are trying to kick drugs.

Sam Neal is finding his voice, and hopes to make it onto Britain's Got Talent. Credit: Irving of Exeter

Sam Neal may not be recording DJ Derek's beloved reggae, but he is changing his life for the better. And he is doing it through music - exactly what DJ Derek did himself.