By Quentin Paimparay 

The LATE, Scotland’s first fully inclusive night club event which is especially devoted to people with learning disabilities, will return in the Arches nightclub in Glasgow on the 16^th October 2014.

This show is becoming a key event for people who want to go out, to meet people and to enjoy their life as much as possible. It is run by “Dates-n-mates” and “C-Change”. “Dates-n-mates” is an agency which helps people with learning difficulties and C-change is a supporting living charity. They are both based in Glasgow and work hand in hand for the wellbeing of their members.

The Dates-n-mates service which is a project hosted by C-Change was launched in 2008. It has approximately 150 members and it organises up to six social events each month including karaoke nights, talent contests and book groups. However, the nightclub event is definitely the most popular one. It’s for this reason that on the 16^th of October the Arches nightclub in Glasgow will host the 7^th of LATE’s fully inclusive night club events.

What you can expect

This event is open to all people over 18 and approximately 300 people attend the event. The feedback has consistently been positive and people are looking forward to taking part again. They feel safe and some of them discover the nightclub experience for the first time.

Most of the time, well-known and talented local DJ’s are on site to add to the vibe. During the last event which took place in the Arches the 19^th June 2014, Capital FM’s Garry Spence and resident LATE DJ JP performed to great acclaim. The music played suits everyone and there’s a great atmosphere. Tickets are very reasonably priced; only £8 at the door and £6 for the Dates-n-mates members.

The event enjoys a good reputation. It is a huge revolution both for the organisers and the participants. This kind of event caters to a diverse audience and the “Arches” is a pioneer as it is one of the first nightclubs to provide such an environment for people with learning disabilities. Members of Arches staff are always happy to attend this type of event because the crowds are very enthusiastic. The event has acquired a certain reputation leading BBC Scotland to report on it.

The Daily Record published interviews with participants on the 3^rd of July 2014. Among them, Jackie Dooley, a member of the Dates-n-mates service said: “I want to meet new friends […] I would be also happy to meet someone in a romantic sense. There are lots of events and the staff always makes sure you are OK and that you feel safe. I definitely feel more confident.” Capital FM’s Garry Spence also said: “The minute I arrived, I realised this wasn’t your typical token charity event. There is absolutely no difference to any mainstream club night and this is why I absolutely love these events. There is no welcoming party, no daft badges, nobody forcing fun on you – just a cool, inclusive night where you can enjoy yourself on your own terms and without being patronised. It’s 100 per cent inclusive of all backgrounds and the more the bar makes, the more likely they’ll give us the venue again next time round”

The LATE’s inclusive night clubs are getting to be renowned all over the UK. If you want to get more information about the event, click here.

You can also click below if you want to get more details about:

-          Dates-n-mates

-          C-Change

-          The Arches

-          The article written by Lisa Gray and published on the Daily Record

-          A video on Youtube