Discos combat loneliness for adults with complex needs
Disco Buddies was founded after the Covid pandemic lockdown by friends Ann Gray and Bill McKinley to try and boost opportunities for social interaction among adults with additional support needs.
Ann's sister Lynda lived in supported living, where Bill worked. They each decided to start a party to help people interact while sticking to the rules of social isolation that were in place at the time.
The idea was inspired by Lynda and her partner Tommy who both 'loved music and good dance'.
Four years on, Disco Buddies now attracts hundreds of party-goers across Lanarkshire with organisers saying the events can be 'transformative' for those who attend. STV News Disco Buddies runs in Coatbridge every Monday and Wednesday.
'The difference in some people who've come in very, very quiet and shy and now they're mixing with everybody else and dragging their friends up onto the dancefloor – it's like a big happy family.'
Bill added: 'Before they came in and wouldn't even look at you, whereas now they interact and show you things.'
When Lynda died at the age of 70 in January this year, Ann said the discos became a way to honour her memory. Les Gray Lynda and Tommy at a previous Disco Buddies event STV News Bill McKinley helped launch Disco Buddies after lockdown
'Lynda just loved music. Sadly, I lost her in January, which has been a huge loss to everybody here. But she loved music and so did Tommy, her partner, so really it was their idea as well.'
Les Gray, Ann's husband, said: 'We've got all age groups from 18 up until the late 70s coming along.
'So out plans are to try and get regular funding so we can employ people to do it full-time.
'All the volunteers, apart from one, are in their early 60s, and at some point we would like to make it a charity because we'd hate to see it fall.
'We want this to go on for years and years and years.'
The group carries out themed events throughout the year, from Halloween to Easter. There will be a short break over the summer before they return in the Autumn.
To find out more visit the group's website.
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