Social Butterflies - inclusive activities

Uppertunity aims to fight isolation, and provide meaningful social activities for adults with additional support needs. We are seeking funds to help cover costs to run these events for 2025. Get involved!

Social isolation has a significant impact on physical and mental health, particularly for adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs. Research shows that social isolation increases the risk of mortality by 29%. For individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health barriers, the lack of opportunities to engage socially can exacerbate feelings of isolation, leading to further challenges in their personal development and mental health. Uppertunity aims to change this, and offer ways to tackle isolation!

Our Social Butterflies programme provides a variety of social activities that allow individuals to connect, have fun, and experience new things while gaining real-world experiences. This initiative focuses on breaking down barriers to inclusion for individuals with additional needs by offering a safe and supportive space for social interaction.

Key elements of the Social Butterflies programme include:

• Group Outings: Regular visits to local attractions such as museums, parks, and community spaces, offering opportunities to explore the city in a safe, supported group environment.

• World Lunches and Games: Interactive games followed by themed world lunches, where participants try new foods and share meals prepared by Uppertunity’s kitchen team.

• Larger Community Events: Themed events like masquerade balls and ceilidhs that encourage wider community participation, fostering an environment of inclusion.

• Bowling Stones League: A monthly bowling league for adults with additional support needs, providing a fun and competitive way to meet new people and connect with other local services.

Dundee has a higher-than-average population of individuals with learning disabilities, many of whom reside in deprived areas. Despite this, accessible social opportunities for these individuals are scarce. Our Social Butterflies programme addresses this critical gap by offering a consistent, safe space for social interaction, personal development, and skill-building. Participants report improved confidence, a stronger sense of belonging, and enhanced interpersonal skills.

We also aim to challenge the societal misconceptions of people with learning disabilities. Research shows that two-thirds of the British public feel uncomfortable talking to disabled people, and a quarter of disabled individuals experience discriminatory attitudes (Aiden & McCarthy, 2014). By hosting joint events with the wider community, our programme creates opportunities for interaction and understanding, working to break down these prejudices and foster a more inclusive society.

We are seeking funding to support the running of our Social Butterflies programme. Specifically, we need financial assistance to cover staff costs for planning and facilitating these activities, and to help offset the costs of social events, which are often a significant barrier for our participants. For example, attending a show or a ball can cost £30-£80, including the cost for a carer, making these experiences inaccessible for many. Or going to the cinema or a show can cost £15 plus a cost for a carer, plus costs for us to plan and arrange the trip.

Uppertunity is a Dundee-based charity that empowers individuals aged 16+ with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health barriers. Our mission is to nurture personal development, confidence, and social interaction through creative and skill-based activities. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we reduce social isolation and build a community where every individual is supported to thrive, not just survive.