Service Spotlight: SOCIAL CLUBS

SOCIAL CLUBS

Bringing People Together: Orbit & Highbury Social Clubs...

We strive to feel like a community for our clients here at Plymouth Highbury Trust. Among our many services, we have two Social Clubs - Orbit and Highbury. Both these Social Clubs are vital hubs where people with learning disabilities can connect, enjoy themselves, express creativity, and build friendships.

What are the Social Clubs?

Orbit Social Club

• A day club aimed at people with varying levels of learning disabilities.
• Runs twice a week: Monday and Thursday, 10:30am to 2:30pm.
• Location: Crownhill Family Centre, near the Crownhill police station.
• Staffed by four members, with the aid of volunteers. Some members attend independently; others bring carers or personal assistants.

What Happens at Orbit Club

• Lots of entertainment: live‑music sessions, singing, dancing, karaoke.
• Table games: darts, table skittles, Jenga, tin‑can alley, etc.
• Quiet or creative time: puzzles, drawing, dominoes and socialising.

People attending bring a packed lunch with tea and biscuits available throughout the session.

Cost: full day - £14 / half day - £8.

Highbury Social Club

• An evening club for people with learning disabilities.
• Runs twice a week: Tuesday and Friday evenings, from 6:15pm to 8:30pm at Plymouth Highbury Trust.
• Over 140 members; attendances vary from 40 to 70 people each evening. Some come once per week; some come both evenings.

What Happens at Highbury

• The evening is lively: starting with a disco around halfway through the session. Staff take turns being DJ.
• Safe, welcoming environment ensured by staff and volunteers.
• Some social club nights include themed dances, raffles and tuck shops.

Why These Clubs Matter

• Social connection

Many people who attend might otherwise spend a lot of time feeling isolated. These clubs provide a chance to meet others, chat, laugh and have fun together.

• Choice & independence

Attendees who can make decisions get to choose which activities they want to join. Those who need support can bring carers or Personal Assistants. The clubs adapt to varying abilities.

• Entertainment & mental well-being

Music, singing, dancing, games - both clubs are a lot of fun. This has positive impacts for mood, confidence, self-esteem.

• Routine & structure

Having something reliable in the week (a club every Tuesday & Friday or Monday & Thursday) gives people something to look forward to and to plan around.

• Supportive environment

Staff and volunteers help ensure safety, inclusion, assistance as needed - offering both care and freedom.

“Amazing people love them, people that run it work their socks off if anybody’s disabled they should go, people are spoken to like human beings - it is an eye opener and they have time for you, love it.”

“A well-established professionally run organisation, with weekly clubs and disco. The client I support loves going to the disco.”

Volunteers welcome

Both clubs benefit from volunteers who help with care, supporting activities, helping socialise and assisting staff. For those who like busy, lively work, these are valued roles that may be perfect for you!

To sum it up…

Orbit and Highbury Social Clubs are an essential part of community life within Plymouth Highbury Trust. They’re about fun, friendship, expression, inclusion, and building a life beyond just care. For many who attend, these clubs aren’t just a part of the week - they’re highlights. If you’re looking for a place to connect, to be part of something, to enjoy music, dancing or simply being with others, these clubs are most definitely the place to be!