New venue for BNO

Hi everyone, it’s Emily and Kerry here writing this together over zoom, while also planning a presentation, so ever busy! This week we wanted to share a little adventure we’ve been on.

So, picture this. Last week, a wet Thursday morning, stood on the platform of Dorchester South station with our PFD colleagues. We were also joined by our brilliant Management Committee member, Nathan, and all headed to Bournemouth for a team get together, and to check out a new possible venue for the Big Night Out with Suttles.

Now, if you don’t read our column regularly, you won’t know that the Big Night Out (BNO as we call it) is the best club night out in Dorset. Twice a year, around 400 people with a learning disability come along to this fun, safe night where we can dance, meet friends, and just have the best time.

We used to hold it at Cameo, but sadly that’s no longer possible. People First Forum (a charity like us covering Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) who run it, found another venue, the Old Fire Station, that could work.

So, what do we look for? Well, it has to be accessible. That’s more than thinking just ramps. What’s it like when dark? Trip hazards? Toilets? Are staff friendly? Is there room for a quiet zone? How much are the drinks? Will the staff be able to communicate ok with members? How easy is it to get there from the station? Luckily that was easy, even when we had to keep stopping to dodge the rain.

After asking all our questions and a tour of the venue by Jasmine, our verdict? We loved it! We think it could be the perfect spot for the next BNO in April 2026.  Watch this space…!

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff