A DJ who dropped everything to pursue her career says music "saved" her from mental health struggles.

Joey Ward, a former nursery owner, gave up her job in childcare to follow her passion for music.

The 37-year-old is studying at the WaterBear College of Music in Brighton and has started a business called Music Pawn, which is a collective of musicians.

The Argus: One of Music Pawn's DJs Keiron KincaidOne of Music Pawn's DJs Keiron Kincaid

Music Pawn is to host charity events at Globalls in Brighton Marina from July 9, from  2pm till 11pm to raise money for mental health charity Mind.

Joey told The Argus: “Many musicians struggle, it’s the late nights, trying to hold down a job. It's the dark world people can get sucked into I suppose.

“In the music industry, mental health problems are absolutely prevalent. I have suffered with mental health myself, as have all the other people involved with my company.

“It’s a constant daily struggle and I don’t think there is enough representation for it, especially locally.

“We want to attach it to something really positive with music. I found music pretty much saved me.

The Argus: Joey Ward came up with the idea and will be accompanied by several other DJsJoey Ward came up with the idea and will be accompanied by several other DJs

“It’s something very close to my heart, they have got a big representation specifically within the music community.”

There will multiple sessions every week at Globalls throughout July, with around 30 DJs set to take part.

They will also be live streaming the DJ sets on streaming platform MixCloud, as well as Facebook.

DJs in the city are welcome to get in touch about joining in with the charity event or future DJ sets across the city.

The Argus: David Curtin will be performing for Music Pawn at Glow Balls UV bar as wellDavid Curtin will be performing for Music Pawn at Glow Balls UV bar as well

Joey added: “We’re open to more people coming to join. We have a few residencies across the city too. As a company, we would love to see people in action and potentially put them into venues we play at across Brighton.

“We’re a music collective with plans to become a non-tie agency. Non-tie means you aren’t tied to the agency and your business doesn’t have to go through them

“We have loads of stuff going on over Pride and we are at the Blind Busker in Hove every Friday.

“I always say to people, if they are interested to get in touch, please do. We are one big family.”

For more information, visit Music Pawn’s Facebook page.