The Bodmin and District Horizon Club: A social and recreational club for adults (18+) with learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities.
The club has been running for over 30 years and meets on a Thursday night from 6.30 - 8.30pm at Bodmin College for a lovely get together supported by experienced & dedicated Volunteers.
Memberships are £10 annually and subscriptions are currently £1 a week.
They run a ‘50 weeks a year’ programme of events, such as Discos, Club nights, Live Music, lots of Entertainment/ Arts & Crafts and occasional weekend activities, with extra opportunities due to funding from the Big Lottery Fund. They also provide a tuck shop, raffle and bric-a-brac stall.
One club member has said that, ‘he particularly enjoys the outside entertainment that comes in. He likes that he can have a drink and mix with people when he is there. He says it’s “electrifying”.’
Some of the fun events they have held recently have included a skittles night at St Breward Football Club and a visit from Bodmin Fire Brigade with their crew & two fire engines who spent their training night talking to the Horizon Club members. They have even had a Horizon Club Bake Off!!
A parent of one of the members told the Horizon Club, “I love the fact my son can socialise with like-minded adults. You have all supported him for the last 5 years and boosted his confidence to try new things. Thank you.”
Since Covid, they are building their Volunteer numbers up and are always looking for individuals who can spare a couple of hours weekly, fortnightly or even monthly.
Experience isn’t necessary as all the support you will need is provided by the club in a friendly, relaxed environment and DBS checks & expenses are covered.
Are you interested in becoming part of something wonderful?
Here is what current volunteers and club leaders say about being part of the Horizon family…
“I have been a volunteer with the Horizon Club for approx. 20yrs and the biggest reward on a Thursday evening is to see the joy and delight on our members' faces as they meet, make and create new friendships and develop new skills.” M – Chairperson of the committee
“I have volunteered with the club for about 13 years now. I needed to focus on something else in life and heard about the club and came along. Initially, I didn't know what to expect and it was a very daunting experience, but after a couple of weeks I began chatting to more people and I enjoyed helping the members to get teas & coffees, having chats and playing board games.
Now, I feel like I am part of a great team of not just volunteers, but the members that come who really appreciate the time given to them and the safe environment that is provided for them so that they can come along and be themselves.
I always feel alive after a club night, the members have such a good time and that is what makes me feel good about myself. I have really found somewhere I can go & be myself too.”
MJ – Volunteer & Secretary of the committee.
“It’s the most empowering Club to be involved in! To be able to offer a safe enriching space for the adults with a learning disability, mixing with their peers is so important. Especially since the pandemic, services have been affected due to closure of local facilities, offering even less opportunities for vulnerable individuals making the Club a hub of activity and a reliable weekly social club.
It is amazing to think we were originally set up by parents who saw a need for their children with learning difficulties and now 30 years on, we are still going strong! A huge achievement and it couldn’t happen without the wonderful, dedicated support from all the Volunteers, Families & Carers.” K – Team Leader
COMING UP…
A Charity Night Bingo is being held for the Club on the 31st October 2022, kindly hosted by the lovely Nicky Cooper. This will take place at the Shire Hall in Bodmin – eyes down at 6.30pm.
The Horizon Club will also be taking part in the Lions Christmas Fayre on the 26th of November 2022 in the Shire Hall. Expect lots of homemade Christmas goodies!!
If you are interested in learning more then please email hello@horizonclub.org.uk or take a look at the website www.horizonclub.org.uk and use the contact form.