Parties for people with additional needs

Dear Readers,

Back in July, my college asked me to set up an event for their mental health charity, Mindgreen. This not-for-profit organisation aims to foster a culture of mental wellness within Activate Learning, a business that operates multiple college and university campuses around the Oxfordshire area. The charity is committed to providing essential support, resources and a safe space for students and staff to navigate the challenges they may face with their mental health during their educational journey.

In preparation for my first meeting, I was asked to propose a small fundraiser that could be held on campus before the end of term. And after some extensive research into Mindgreen’s focus and the links between hidden disabilities and additional needs, I decided to present an event that I called ‘The Spectrum Ball’. The main aim was to create a relaxed, sensory friendly atmosphere in the form of a party. This meant that neurodivergent students could come and enjoy themselves, without having to worry that challenging situations, such as a loud noise or a flashing light, would ruin their evening.

Having felt a lot of anxiety around these types of events when I was little, I knew exactly what needed to be done to make the event work. I organised a meeting with my mentor and the person buying resources to make sure that the sensory friendly atmosphere could be achieved. I asked questions about decorations, ensuring that there were no balloons that would pop, and that the noise from the speakers could be controlled to an appropriate volume. We spent an hour discussing swapping helium balloons for Chinese lanterns, writing instructions for operating the sound system. We also planned a small quiet corner in the party room, complete with activities for guests to enjoy if they needed some time away from the excitement. There was all the usual food and drinks too, making sure that there was something that everyone would enjoy.

The event was held the last day of term, giving neurodivergent students the chance to celebrate the academic year’s achievements in a more relaxed way that particularly suited them. Attendees loved the quiet Jenga and Connect 4 area, whilst others enjoyed being on the dance floor and partying the night away with their neurodivergent friends.

At the end of the event, lots of students came to express how thankful they were that this event was accessible, some even adding that they felt less worried, knowing that the party had been planned with their needs in mind.

As I look forward to starting my Business and Enterprise Degree at Oxford Brookes University in September, this gave me a great idea for my future business plan. How can I develop the Spectrum Ball further? How can I make popular party themes, such as pamper parties or discos, more accessible? I would love to use my studies at University to make more of these types of events possible for people who are neurodivergent or have additional needs, organizing celebrations such as birthday parties for people who might otherwise struggle to find ways to celebrate.

I am aware that setting up a business like this takes time, patience and learning, particularly when I’ve only just started the planning process. But I am hopeful that, with the help of Oxford Brookes, and my dedication to learning, I can bring my business to life within the next few years. So for those looking for a fun and relaxed party atmosphere, you never know, I could be available soon!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post, and I can’t wait to see you back next time!