Free 2 Be: New Hft social group brings music, fun and friendship
The weekly get together is aimed at enabling learning disabled adults to ‘be free’ to experience and enjoy social events and activities
Bingo, karaoke and disco dancing have been enjoyed at a new social group for people we support in Leeds.
The Free 2 Be Club is the brainchild of support worker Dawn Greenaway and since its launch this year, has proved a huge hit.
The weekly get together is aimed at enabling learning disabled adults to ‘be free’ to experience and enjoy social events and activities, from disco dancing to singing karaoke.
Dawn works for Hft as a support worker at a supported living site in Garforth and runs the get together on a voluntary basis.
“We’ve been wanting to organise a social evening for some time,” said Dawn. “
“We felt it important that the people we support have the opportunity to enjoy a night out in a safe space.
“It’s a session where they are free to be anything they want and that’s where the name came from.”
The two-hour session offers a packed programme.
There is a disco for the first hour and then a bingo session, with prizes donated by individuals and local businesses.
Then its karaoke time.
The first event attracted more than 30 people.
The Free 2 Be Club is accessible not only to people who draw on the support of Hft, but to all adults with a learning disability or special educational needs in the Leeds area.
“The first club night was a huge success,” said Dawn.
“It’s a great event to build peoples’ confidence and for them to be completely themselves in a safe environment.
“It’s also a way to make new friends and connections.
“We are seeing new faces every week which is brilliant and some people come along with their parents.
“We had one gentleman travel 40 minutes to come to the club because he heard it was so much fun.
“The people we support at Hft look forward to it – it’s a main topic of conversation throughout the week.
“We are over the moon it’s been so popular.”
Dawn is now planning an Easter themed event on March 31 and is hoping to organise some day trips for members in the summer.
Free 2 Be Club costs £5 a week.
Once the costs are covered, any surplus funds are poured back into the running of the club.
The event is held each Tuesday evening at Garforth Workings Men Club from 6.30pm- 8.30pm. To find out more contact dawn.greenaway@hft.org.uk.
