December 30, 2016
20th December was our final Stingray Night Club of 2016. In 2017, the night club will be ten years old. For those people who set it up, that time has flown!
My Life My Choice Trustee and one of Stingray founders Paul Scarrott says, “Back in 2007, Oxford didn’t have many opportunities for people with learning disabilities to enjoy themselves at night. So a few of us decided to set up a night club. I was already a DJ at my local community centre, so I became the DJ at Stingray and taught other people to DJ too.”
“I am really proud of what it is today. It’s been really fantastic to see all the members coming out and enjoying themselves. and meeting up with their friends in a safe place.”
Although there are more night time social activities for people with learning disabilities today, Stingray is still relatively unique because it is run by people with learning disabilities.
There is a management team of four – Paul, Pam, Dawn and Shaun – who manage a team of volunteers who act as DJs, front of house staff, and security.
Shaun says, “I’ve been involved for about a year. I started off as a security guard and now I’m on the management team as well. I find it really rewarding, the rest of the management team are really supportive. I’ve got more confident and learnt how to manage volunteers.”
Pam has been involved for four years, and works as part of the front of house team. She says, “It’s good because you meet different people and get to know everyone who comes into the night club. I’ve learnt new skills. For instance, I help our finance worker count the money at the end of the night. But most importantly, it’s great fun!”
Stringray takes place once a month on a Tuesday from 7pm to 10.30pm. Oxford’s “Plush Lounge” provides the venue, and My Life My Choice receives an annual income through entrance fees of £6000 from the project.
For more details see: http://mylifemychoice.org.uk/get-involved/stingray-club/
