Inclusive Masquerade Ball by Uppertunity

Uppertunity are hosting an inclusive ball for adults with additional needs, including individuals who are neurodivergent, have learning disabilities and/or mental health barriers. This will be held on the 15th of March 2024.

The aim of the ball is to offer a unique experience, often not available to people who may face barriers. This social opportunity will be inclusive and a safe space to get dressed up, have fun and meet new people.

The evening will involve:

We are looking to raise funds to help cover the costs, and to help keep ticket prices as low as possible so that cost is not a barrier. Due to the location, we are paying per person, including carers. Therefore tickets will need to be purchased for carers as well. The fundraising will help cover this, ensuring this too is not a barrier. Our members will also be part of fundraising activities including a sponsored walk and raffle prizes at our Burns Lunch in January.

The greatest challenge the people we work with is isolation, as well as barriers to access social, working and learning opportunities. We want to change that! And you can help!

Thank you in advance for your contribution, and to help make this a really special occasion!

About Uppertunity:

Uppertunity is a charity based in Dundee focused on empowering our community, working with individuals (16+) with learning disabilities, autism and mental health barriers. We provide a range of inclusive activities to nurture personal development, confidence, social interaction, and employability. Through this we can reduce social isolation as we build a community that’s based around every individual’s right to thrive, not just survive. We do this through: creative workshops, skill development, therapeutic mentoring, meaningful volunteering roles and paid employment.

We fill a gap in our community that is otherwise unmet despite a demonstrated need for more community minded and skill building opportunities for adults who are at risk of social isolation. Support for young people and adults with learning disability is critically needed within Dundee in particular, as the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership reported that Dundee has the highest proportion of adults with learning disabilities in Scotland (9.5 per 1000, 2017) yet there are minimal services for adults and young people within this population to maintain community connections. It is also stated that two thirds of the population with learning disabilities live in the most deprived areas of the city.