YOUNG adults with Downs Syndrome or learning difficulties got the chance to waltz off into the night at a fundraising ball.

On December 15, around 70 people and their families or carers were glammed up for the inaugural Shine 21 Christmas Fundraising Ball.

The dance was conceived by parent Zoe Binns as a way to raise some much needed funds for the community group, which provides social situations for young adults to have the opportunity to experience independence that their peers who go off to university would normally have.

Initially, the ball was planned as a traditional fundraiser to raise as much money as possible. However, organisers soon realised those who should attend were the young adults themselves, as they so rarely get the opportunity to be invited to a ball or party.

“This is especially poignant at Christmas time, the time of giving, when there are lots of events happening but invitations for this group can be scarce,” a spokesperson said.

Zoe, whose 20-year-old son Jake attends Foxes College in Minehead, realised most charity groups focus on supporting younger children, with the 16+ age group often forgotten.

“It was a spectacular evening held at Port Regis school who kindly donated their banquet hall,” Zoe said. “There was an up and coming photographer, Ben Tettmar, taking professional portraits as the party goers entered the hall.

“Then there was a formal three course meal and entertainment from Caron Parry’s school of Dance.

“Caron Parry’s two children, Adam and Megan Parry, provided a Strictly Dance show and then taught the young revellers how to waltz themselves.”

Brook McCullough was responsible for co-ordinating teenage volunteer helpers, a crucial aspect of Shine 21.

“This is the trickiest and most expensive element,” a spokesperson said. “Trying to source the appropriate young support staff to help these young adults with learning delay is extremely expensive and hard to find, hence disabling them further.”

Proceeds from the ball will help fund staff at more events in the future.

Last summer, Zoe arranged for a group of eight young adults to go to Camp Bestival for the day. And next year, she hopes to arrange a group to go back to the festival and have a chance to camp overnight.

Shine 21 thanked sponsors who made the evening possible: B&K Bristol Properties LLP, Clinical Partners, Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club,Johnson’s Stalbridge Linen and Port Regis.

To make a donation to the Shine 21 Dorset Down Syndrome Buddy Group, email zoe@shine21dorset.org.uk, or call 07429 523940.