In 2003, Link Up was approached by Andy Farr; a young man with a learning disability, to help and support him to start up his own project called Changes Nightclub.   With the support of Link Up, Andy set up a steering group to find an appropriate location. During the early stages the project faced various teething problems, which meant a relocation of venue.  Kodak stepped in to save the day and generously agreed to sponsor the nightclub that will take place every 2 months at their Sports and Social Club called Zoom Leisure (formerly Eastman's Hall) . The nightclub also received a donation of £1000 from North West London Community Foundation.

Andy Farr: Founder of Changes Night Club

    DJ Training at Harrow College              

In March 2003,  Link Up founded a DJ/ Sound Engineering course to help people with learning disabilities to extend their interests in learning to become DJs.  A pilot scheme was introduced at Harrow College. On completion of the course, the students where  given the chance to display their skills to a live audience at Andy Farr’s nightclub.

The eagerly awaited launch of the Changes night club kicked off with a bang on 5th June 2003!! More than a hundred people turned up with their glad rags and dancing shoes to boogie away to the good old tunes from the 60s and 70s and the latest hits from the charts, all of which were echoed in the Kodak Sports and Social Club, thanks to the generosity of the Kodak Management team and Sallie Ann Davis. The music decks were manned by Link Up members Andy Farr, Mutiu Olaiya and Ricky Day.

Thanks to their professional and personal service, the DJs certainly kept the dance floor full all night! The club was equipped with the latest sound and lighting technology created by the newly trained DJs which produced a fantastic and exciting atmosphere! A fully licensed bar was also available to quench those thirsts after a strut of funky moves on the dance floor!! It’s an excellent place to meet new people and make new friends! The nightclub draws in crowds from all different areas, not just people from Harrow.

Changes has gone from strength to strength and on June 11th 2008, they celebrated their 5th Birthday!

The reputation of the nightclub is spreading, with the Changes team performing a number of outside gigs and presentations. One of the presentations was given at the Harrow Civic Centre as part of the European Disability Awareness week, another was given at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.  This year they have a number of gigs lined up for Christmas which includes one for Cares Support Harrow and another for Wiseworks.

Changes is run by a steering group that meet once every two months. The group is made up of volunteers, DJ’s and some members of staff from Community Link Up. At the meetings the group forward plan nightclub events for the year. They also discuss which jobs need doing on the night and by who i.e. distributing flyers, selling tickets at the door, etc. The club is always looking for more volunteers, so if you are interested then please get in touch!

Find out the latest news from the official Changes Website put together by Changes volunteer Nick Heyward

FORTHCOMING NIGHTCLUB DATES 2008

at Zoom Leisure, Kodak Sports Ground, Harrow View, Harrow. HA5 5LN

August 13th

October 8th

December 10th

                   Tickets are priced at £3 and available from the office or by paying at the door.

Where to find us