'I felt safe': West London SEND nightclub holds its first event for neurodivergent adults
A brand new inclusive nightclub has hosted its first event in West London. The initiative aims to bring young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) together in a safe and fun environment.
Club House Hillingdon opened its doors for the first time on Thursday (February 27) at Brunel University in Uxbridge. The initiative was first launched by Orchard Hill College students in Sutton in 2023, and has been considered a 'great success'. The new club night is the latest event to be held as part of that.
Tia, 24, was a student at Orchard Hill College, a specialist college with centres spread across London. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the Club House has helped her grow her confidence, and urges others to join.
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She said: "It's been great to just be able to be an adult, and enjoy an adult life. Before the Club House, there weren't any places in my area I could really go to socialise with friends.
"It's not only me, but other people who don't go out, or have the advantage to go out to places, it gives them the opportunity to do that. I haven't been to any places like this since I was younger, it's nice to occasionally have a shandy or coke with friends.
"I felt safe with the staff there, and I brought a friend along, so I'd recommend people doing something similar to that, it's open and we have security there. I think people would feel safe coming."
The Club House also offers a chance for young adults with SEND to develop skills for future employment, whilst being paid. Past and present Orchard Hill College students developed the idea and now attend or work at the events.
The initiative began in Sutton in 2023 with the support of councillors from Sutton Council. The local authority provided six months funding to the programme which has 'gone from strength to strength since'.
Kelly Phillips, Executive Principal of Orchard Hill College, said the initiative is about giving young people with SEND the same opportunities that their neurotypical peers enjoy. She told the LDRS it is wrong that many people assume neurodivergent young adults can't enjoy a drink or a club night with friends.
She said: "The idea is that it will be run by people with SEND, it's totally set up and run by them. Everything around it is about breaking down barriers and just allowing people to just be, and be celebrated for who they are.
"There's never a dull moment, it's the only place I go on a Thursday night where I always have fun, you'll never leave the dancefloor. Sadly, provisions of local services are closing down, and money is tight at the moment, and for those young people, once their youth club finishes there is nothing for them to do at night time."
The Club House events take place monthly, with the next event on Thursday, March 27 at the Hamilton Centre at Brunel University. It runs from 7pm to 10pm and tickets can be purchased on the door or online via Eventbrite. Each ticket comes with a free pass for one carer.
Have a story you want to share? Email philip.lynch@reachplc.com
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