Disco for people with learning disabilities celebrates six month anniversary

Organised by Alternative Futures Group team leader Trescka Mullin, Belong in Babylon is held on the first Thursday of each month at Babylon on Bridge Street with regular guests saying the disco has helped them enormously.

For the Christmas disco there will be presents, Santa hats and festive decorations.

“Everyone who has been coming for the past six months paid £3 to get in and that money we have saved up and we’re going to get vouchers or presents to give back for Christmas,” said Trescka.

“It’s something to give back.”

Most of the members have never missed an event and regular Joanne Davies is especially looking forward to the Christmas disco because she enjoys dressing up.

“She has a new outfit every time!” joked support worker Becky Irwin.

“She spends ages doing her hair and the biggest debate is do you have it straight or curly?”

The DJ plays hits from the nineties and Luiz Quaresma, who enjoys dancing, says his favourite music requests are songs by Michael Jackson and Abba.

Younger people are beginning to come to the disco too and Richard Clarke, who regularly attends, said: “We hope more people from different backgrounds, with different types of mental illness, come along so that we can all befriend each other.”

Babylon bar staff serve up cocktails and mocktails for those who do not drink and everybody agrees there is a great atmosphere.

“We have a few staff who come just for the fact of the atmosphere,” said Trescka.

“It’s quite nice that it’s open to everyone and you don’t have to have support either.

“It’s open to anyone with a disability in mental health or a learning disability.

“We’ve had lots of support from Babylon.

“They have a ramp for the door and they move it to the dance floor.

“They have been really good.”

The disco takes place tonight, Thursday.

For more information about January's event, call Trescka on 07738 329696.