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Looking forward to ‘Rise’ at Benners next month were, in front; Denise Mahony and Miss Fiona McCarthy. At back; Liz Maher, John Lane with Josh Moore, Stephen Buckley, Eoin O’Sullivan, Conagh Forbes and Tommy Cole. Photo by Dermot Crean
ADULTS with physical and mental disabilities from all over the county are encouraged to come along to a club night in Tralee next month.
Organised by service users in Enable Ireland Tralee, ‘Rise’, which takes place on Saturday, December 14 in Benners Hotel, will give a chance for adults to enjoy a night out in a club environment with their peers and have some fun.
Conagh Forbes of Enable Ireland Kerry Services explained the idea behind the night, which is spearheaded by service users Tommy Cole and Josh Moore.
“It’s been done in Cork and Galway and we knew that there was a need for a safe space where people who may be viewed as vulnerable to come out and party. The boys [Tommy and Josh] were talking about it with a view to meeting other people, developing relationships and have fun safely.”
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“It went on from there so we approached Orlagh Winters of Benners and she booked us in. Laura Hartnett did the graphic design for the posters and Tralee Printers did the printing for us,” she said.
“On the night, the lights will be brighter and the music will be a bit lower. We’re conscious that some people might feel a little overwhelmed, so there’ll also be a chill-out area and Ray Stack will be the DJ,” said Conagh.
Conagh is also hoping that this won’t be a one-off event and it will become a community initiative, with partners coming on board to help transport adults with physical and mental disabilities from all part of the county to club nights or to help with organising the events.
Tommy Cole from Tralee says he’s looking forward to the night. “We haven’t seen an event like this in Kerry. It makes it easier for people who can’t go to clubs to experience a night out. Something like this allows us to have some fun. I just hope people come!” he said.
Josh Moore from Dingle will be the MC on the night and says it’s going to be a great event.
“Oh yeah, it’ll be somewhere where I’ll fit in more. I won’t be the only disabled person there because we’re all in the same boat and we can feel more comfortable talking to each other,” said Josh, who might even do a bit of freestyle rapping on the night.
Service users in other community groups like Inspired and the National Learning Network are also set to attend. Tickets are €7 (with support buddy going in for free) and it begins at 8.30pm, finishing around 11pm. For any queries about the event contact 087-1954707.
Hi , this is a great idea, my daughter is almost 18 and I’ve been looking for something like this ffor ages. She can’t attend until she is 18 I assume?
I hope it is a success, thank you for organizing it.
Regards
Amanda