Impact | Learning Difficulty Club Nights
Moon River
Luminous Frenzy is an Arts Production Company that
specialises in working with disadvantaged or socially excluded
groups - in the case of Moon River Club, its people with learning
disabilities (PWLD). The aim of Moon River is to reduce
the social exclusion that PWLD face and to empower them by running
a social event in a mainstream venue.
QUICK LOOK PROFILE OF THE PROJECT
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CLIENT: Luminous Frenzy; Moon River
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TARGET GROUP: People with learning Disabilities
(PWLD)
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LOCATION: Watermans
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DATE/ TIME: 3 occasions throughout the year
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NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 200 plus
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AGE RANGE: 18 years plus
PROJECT DETAIL
Moon River is a regular club night hosted at Watermans that
combats the social isolation of people with learning disabilities,
many of whom need support to be able to go out. Moon River provides
an opportunity for people to form friendships and social networks;
this in turn helps to prevent PWLD from becoming victims of crime,
especially 'mate crime' where lonely PWLD are targeted by
people/neighbours who befriend them in order to financially exploit
and/or abuse them.
In the run up to the event, Luminous Frenzy and Moon River
provide PWLD with the opportunity to learn new skills in the
performing arts such as being a DJ, MC, dancer or performer.
Participants have lessons in these art forms in the weeks prior to
the club night which allows them to take control of the event on
the night.
"Moon River has become one of the largest DJ training
schemes in the UK and the personalities of the participants have
been defined by the fact that they are now a 'Moon River DJ' and
their self- esteem and confidence has improved dramatically because
of this." Louise Wallis, Moon River
INTENDED OUTCOMES
Comments from the Moon River workshop leader, Louise Wallis,
demonstrate how the intended outcomes for the project were
fulfilled:
- Reduce the social exclusion of individuals as well as
improve integration into a main stream community
venue
"PWLD are less socially isolated and stronger as a community
as a result of the club [at Watermans], they also have increased
visibility in the media as Moon River has attracted positive press
coverage." Louise Wallis, Moon River
- To improve the confidence, self- esteem and technical
skills of individuals through learning and performance
opportunities
"Over 10 years many people have learnt how to DJ. We see
people learn this skill and then this has impacted on their life in
terms of raised self- esteem and confidence." Louise Wallis, Moon
River
- To increase the level of responsibility and
independence through management of the event
"PWLD feel a sense of ownership towards Moon River which is
very empowering." Louise Wallis, Moon River
"The club has allowed DJs to fulfil a personal ambition, and
members of the 'Moon River Ravers' - PWLD who oversee the club,
help to design the flyers, and decide on the themes and live acts -
have had the opportunity to learn new event promotion skills."
Louise Wallis, Moon River
- To establish/ reinforce personal identity through
becoming part of a disabled arts network and a 'champion' for
PWLD
"Most events are themed (e.g. Valentine's and Halloween) and
an important part of the club is the wonderful decorations which
have been specially made by groups of PWLD. This enables many PWLD
to participate and contribute to the clubbing experience, even when
they may not be able to attend the club themselves. It's gives
people the chance to feel part of something, to feel they belong to
something." Louise Wallis, Moon River
PROJECT IMPACT
- Moon River club has consistently attracted an average of 200
PWLDs to each event for 10 years now. PWLD often express a keenness
to have more than three events a year.
- The Luminous Frenzy/ Moon River team feel they are particularly
successful in providing a safe space in which romantic
relationships can develop. This can be a big barrier for this
particular client group and Watermans provides a controlled
environment for this.
"We have staged a Blind Date
style cabaret show (following the TV format), and we regularly have
speed dating which have proved very popular. We also hold dance
competitions where couples can compete for a prize, which helps to
break the ice and get people laughing and talking to each other."
Louise, Moon River
"One regular participant has
become a very skilled DJ. Initially he needed support to use the
equipment… but after several years he has now got to the stage
where he requires little if no support from us during a live
performance. He has his own DJ name, brings all his own music,
writes up his own set lists and has learned to appreciate that the
Moon River crowd enjoys a range of music (especially pop) as well
as trance music! This has given him the confidence to try his hand
to other art-forms for example taking part in a theme-based drama
show." Louise, Moon River