THE voices of young people from the Malvern area will be heard thanks to a project by a man who battled drugs, crime and homelessness to become a champion of youth.

Miguel Dean, of Colwall, has organised Voices of the Future, where young people will talk in public about issues close to their hearts.

Subjects such as the care system, Syrian refugees and Asperger’s Syndrome will be part of the show at Huntingdon Hall in September.

Mr Dean said: “It will feature young adults aged 16 to 25.

“One has been through the care system.

“He will be talking about the challenges of being a looked after child.

“Another is talking about Asperger’s and how magic saved him.

“He loved doing magic and it helped him to connect with people.

“There will be young people talking about Syrian refugees and Malvern’s position on welcoming some of the families as well as some music, some singing and some magic. It will be a bit of a mix.”

Mr Dean has organised the youth empowerment project as part of his work in youth training and development.

He started working with young people after escaping from what he described as a “shadowy world.”

He said: “I had a challenging start to life.

“Mum died early when I was very young. My stepmother wasn’t terribly loving.

“I had very low self-esteem. I fell into a shadowy world of drugs, crime and homelessness.

“I hit rock bottom. All my friends were dying around me and I knew I needed to do something different or I wouldn’t be there very much longer.”

Mr Dean credited the birth of his son with inspiring him to start a new life in Colwall 20 years ago.

He has since written a book, given inspirational talks and acted as a mentor for youngsters.

He hopes to attract a big audience for his latest project, due to take part on Saturday, September 12.

He said: “It’s really important for me that people come.

“It’s about the impact on the young people as they walk out onto the stage and see a packed hous and think, ‘all these people have come to hear me speak’ and the rise in confidence and self-esteem that brings.”

The event has been supported by Colwall Rotary Club as well as the Asha Centre and Malvern Cube.

Tickets are on sale through Worcester Live, by calling 01905 611427, visiting worcesterlive.com or at the box office in CrownGate shopping centre.

They cost £10 for adults and £5 for concessions with the proceeds to be donated to The Wrekin Trust charity.