Village Freehouse runs 'invaluable' disco for adults with disabilities

The event is held from noon each Monday at the Village Freehouse, on Wilton Road, and invites people living with disabilities to come along for an afternoon of social entertainment.

Carer Rachel Noble has been organising the gathering for the best part of ten years and explained how routine is crucial and people love getting involved.

The idea came after she discovered that the 30-year-old non-verbal man she cares for, Jack, loves singing and dancing.

Rachel Noble started hosting the event because of Jack. (Image: Newsquest)

"It's the one thing he asks to do all the time. For a lot of guys, this is the only activity they do and it doesn't cost anything," she said.

Pippa Jugg, 27, has been going to the karaoke since Mrs Noble started running it. She said: “I like singing, dancing and meeting people.

"It gets me out of the house and it’s part of my life now so I like coming here and chatting to people."

'Running a pub is like running a care home'

Adrian Leonard, 54, started hosting the event after the previous venue in the city centre closed down roughly six years ago.

He said: “It was a case of doing something to give back to the community. They need somewhere to go.

Adrian Leonard. (Image: Newsquest)

“They love it and they need that social aspect. It does them the world of good. There’s no one else doing anything like this in Salisbury.

“They always said that running a pub is like running a care home but I have taken it one step further.

Sheila Mitchell brings her son Wes, 35, to the weekly karaoke afternoon as it's mutually beneficial.

She said: "As a mum, it's invaluable to me because it gives me a bit of freedom. For Wes, this is the only social activity he enjoys. He just likes coming to the pub."

Sheila Mitchell takes her son Wes to the disco every week. (Image: Newsquest)

While the Village now opens early on a Monday to all customers, the downstairs disco is specifically for people either in supported living or living with disabilities.

It runs from noon until 4pm and Mrs Noble has invited anyone interested to come along and get involved.

"It’s a safe environment for them to be in and we’re welcoming to everyone who comes. We accept everyone and anyone really," she said.

Her daughter Lisa Noble, 33, is also a carer and said people "love" the group, adding: "Adrian is brilliant with all of the guys and knows most of their orders.

"My chap doesn’t really go to other groups but he loves socialising. This building is secure so it gives him that independence."