STOCKTON Arc’s regular Arctic Piranha club nights are helping to change nights out for learning disabled adults in the Tees Valley.

A recent report by the leading charity Mencap shows disabled people are often discriminated against in mainstream clubs and at music gigs.

Mencap asked disabled people aged 18 to 35 how they felt about going to clubs and music gigs.

The report showed one in four had been bullied, 13 per cent were worried about asking for help if they needed it and 24 per cent often felt they could not go to clubs.

In Stockton, Arc has been working for nearly two years with a group of learning disabled club planners to run the Arctic Piranha club nights.

They ensure learning disabled adults enjoy a club night experience without worry or feeling out of place or afraid.

Vici Wreford Sinnott, for the Cultural Shift project, said: “Since the club nights were introduced, staff have seen a steady increase in numbers and positive feedback.

"Learning disabled clubbers have enjoyed club night themes including Hollywood red carpet, Summer Nights as well as Hallowe'en and Christmas club nights.”

Learning disabled people have a say on themes and suggest ideas for music and the cocktail list at planning meetings.

The next club night on Saturday, February 11, has an I’m A Celebrity jungle theme. A space themed night follows on Saturday, March 18.