A new report has been released by a leading charity which shows that 1 in 4 disabled people have been discriminated against in mainstream clubs and at music gigs, but our regular Arctic Piranha club nights are already going some way in combatting feelings of isolation and harassment for learning disabled adults in the Tees Valley.
The national report, which was published by Mencap as part of their Don’t Freeze Us Out campaign last week, asked 300 learning disabled people aged between 18 to 35 how they felt about going to clubs and music gigs.
The report showed that 1 in 4 had been bullied at a nightclub, 13% said they were worried about asking for help if they needed it and 24% said they often felt like they couldn’t go to clubs and therefore felt isolated.
Since spring 2015, we have worked with a group of learning disabled club planners to create and run the club nights, ensuring that learning disabled adults living in the Tees Valley enjoy a genuine club night experience without the worry of feeling isolated, out of place or afraid.
Vici Wreford Sinnott, Creative Lead for the Cultural Shift project said: “Since the club nights were introduced, staff at ARC have seen a steady increase in numbers and positive feedback from learning disabled clubbers who have enjoyed club night themes including Hollywood red carpet, Summer Nights as well as Halloween and Christmas club nights.”
The club nights have a relaxed pace, safe chill out areas and companions can accompany clubbers for free. There is also the opportunity for learning disabled people to have their say on the theme of each club night as well as suggest ideas for the music and cocktail list for each event at a regular club night planning meeting.
The next club night will take place on Saturday 21 January and has a Gold theme. The club night on Saturday 11 February will take on an I’m A Celebrity jungle theme and there will be a space themed club night on Saturday 18 March.
The January club night starts at 7.30pm and costs £3 per person and companions go free. Drinks and snacks will be available to buy at the bar.
Tickets can be booked at www.arconline.co.uk or via calling the Box Office on 01642 525199.