A scheme run by a Bedford charity that helps adults with learning disabilities and/or autism attend safe and fun pub and club style nights out is looking for volunteers to help it continue.
Living It Up held its first event in 2009 on the back of the Mencap ‘Stay Up Late’ campaign to enable people with learning disabilities to lead full and active social lives.
“Support workers finish work at 10pm, so they would have to leave events at 9pm,” said Living It Up’s joint CEOs, Fizz Heseltine and Claire Crawford Smith.
“Living It Up believes that people with learning disabilities have the right to stay up late and have fun and thanks to financial support from BLCF (Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation) we have been able to run social events throughout the last year.”
However, to continue their plans in 2024, the charity is looking for more volunteers to get involved in events, club and party nights.
“Volunteers receive full training and also have a brilliant night. There are some specific roles and a lot of having fun,” said Claire.
“Most people who go out in Bedford to pubs, nightclubs and gigs take it for granted, but it can be a challenge for someone with learning disabilities if they have to be home by 10pm.
“Absolutely no-one should be denied the chance of a great night out”
Fizz said that the BLCF funding has made a huge difference in tackling the social isolation faced by many people with Learning Disabilities.
“We couldn’t have got the parties back off the ground after COVID in Bedford without their assistance.”
If you would like to volunteer please email admin@lovelivingitup.org, or check out the Living It Up website here. You can also find them on Facebook here.
