Disabled club nights at Stockton

A new report has been released by a leading charity which shows that one in four disabled people have been discriminated against in mainstream clubs and at music gigs, but Arc’s 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, asked 300 learning disabled people aged between 18 to 35 how they felt about going to clubs and music gigs with 24 per cent sayingd they often felt like they couldn’t go to clubs and therefore felt isolated.

Since spring 2015, Arc has worked with a group of learning disabled club planners to create and run the Arctic Piranha club nights, allowing Tees Valley disabled adults to enjoy a genuine club night experience.

Vici Wreford Sinnott, Creative Lead for the Cultural Shift project says: “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 next club night is Saturday, January 21and has a Gold theme. Saturday, February 11 will take on an I’m A Celebrity jungle theme and there will be a space themed club night on Saturday, March 18.

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: arconline.co.uk or 01642-525199.

Viv Hardwick