An inspirational showcase of inclusive dance hosted and performed by Dance Syndrome, joined by guest artistes.
Saturday 3rd August 2013 at 3pm
The Studio,
The Lowry Theatre,
Pier 8, Salford
M50 3AZ
July 2013
DanceSyndrome (DS), the social enterprise that aims to improve people’s lives across the North West (namely Greater Manchester and Lancashire) has recently attained charitable status (charity number: 1152664).
Founded in 2009 by Jen Blackwell [ who herself has a learning difficulty ], DS provides dance and dance leadership opportunities for people with learning difficulties. The opportunities aim to increase physical health, personal well-being and develop transferable skills that aid employability. DS’s small team of dance leaders with learning disabilities and professionally trained dance artists create and deliver inclusive workshops in local communities, tailored to the needs of individuals with learning difficulties.
Graham Wood, partner at Manchester law firm Kuits Solicitors advised DanceSyndrome through the process of achieving charitable status. Graham said:
“In reaching charitable status DanceSyndrome will be able to continue to develop and ultimately create significant social impact in the lives of individuals with learning difficulties.”
On 3rd August DanceSyndrome will be hosting a showcase event to highlight its achievements since 2009 and to allow people to gain an insight into the organisation’s unique approach.
The showcase, which has been supported by Arts Council England, will include Mission 25 a newly commissioned contemporary dance work directed by nationally and internationally renowned Stopgap Dance Company.
ENDS
For more information contact Liam Bottomley – liambottomley@kuits.com / 0161 832 3434 or
Karen Hobson – Karen@dancesyndrome.co.uk / 07411 082599
20th June 2013
Press Release
For immediate release – Photographs and images available on request
Inclusive Community Dance Company dance their way into the hearts of new Patrons
- Photo opportunity: Monday 24th June (2pm -3pm)
15 Christie Way, Christie Fields, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 7QY, 07411 082 599
Following DanceSyndrome’s involvement in a performance with Miranda Hart on ‘The One Show’ as part of Red Nose Day 2013, DanceSyndrome is delighted to announce its new National and Regional patrons, Lucy Siegle British journalist, writer and TV presenter, Sian Lockwood OBE, Chief Executive of Community Catalysts and Terry Snowden MBE Founder & Principal of The Heroes Project and LDOK.net Radio.
Lucy has kindly agreed to take on the Patronage of DanceSyndrome. Sian and Terry have been keen supporters of DanceSyndrome for some time, whilst undertaking extensive and commendable work within the arena of learning disability.
They will be joining DanceSyndrome’s first patron Zimbabwean born, Latin dancer, Andrew Cuerden who is famously known for partnering Jayne Jacobs in the third series of Strictly Come Dancing and has been the patron of DanceSyndrome since 2011.
Dr David Lee, Chairman of DanceSyndrome comments;
“We are so pleased to have Lucy, Sian and Terry join Andrew Cuerden as patrons for DanceSyndrome as the Company moves into its next phase of development. These eminent individuals provide a perfect mix of complementary skills and experience relevant to our cause and we are all very excited at the prospect of working with them.”
DanceSyndrome who have been supported by Awards For All, Arts Council England and Comic Relief alongside other funders and individual donors, have developed so much from their small beginnings. In less than 3 years, with the initial idea of their founder Jen Blackwell to use dance to tackle social isolation; the company have touched the lives of over 750 people directly and hundreds more indirectly. They are embraced as a model of good practice and have enjoyed national publicity.
On Monday 24th June 2013 the dance company will be formally meeting their new patrons and sharing the developments and successes achieved over the last few months particularly with work developed via the support of Arts Council England.
Ends
Notes for editors
DanceSyndrome (DS) is a social enterprise (currently pursuing charitable status) that aims to improve and empower people’s lives through the vehicle of dance across the North West, namely Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
DanceSyndrome provides dance and dance leadership opportunities for people with learning disabilities, enabling individuals to be more active and visible citizens. Offering creative, cultural and social opportunities that increase physical health and personal well-being, DanceSyndrome are driven by the model of co-production which recognises people as assets to develop creative partnerships between disabled and non-disabled individuals in the context of dance and community work.
DanceSyndrome is at a stage of development where they are endeavouring to strengthen their infrastructure and capacity to deliver work that is really needed by the learning disabled community. Their fundamental aims over the coming months are to develop the artistic and creative strength of the company and to secure sustainable funding in order that the organisation can grow to create significant social impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and local communities.
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For further information please contact:
Karen Hobson
Managing Director
07446 634231
Let’s Get Started is a new project led by Brothers of Charity Clare, funded by the Genio Trust. Our aim is to help individuals with a disability to explore and plan a micro business or social enterprise in their local area, with family and community involvement.
We started by learning from other people and programmes in Ireland and around the world. We wanted to know if self employment is a real option for individuals with significant disabilities; what types of small business people have set up and what is needed to support entrepreneurs with disabilities.
We found many good examples in England, America and Canada. In Ireland, business support programmes for people with disabilities are at an early stage but we can learn a lot from people with more experience.
Supported self-employment’ is a good model, developed in England and America. People with disabilities are empowered to run their own business, with supports and ongoing assistance. While these individuals receive support and help in setting up and running their enterprise, they own the business and are key decision makers. Support comes from service providers, families and community supports.
2013 news items
https://dancesyndrome.co.uk/category/news/
