North East venue hosts UK’s only fully-inclusive gala ball

Hundreds of people from across the UK travelled to the North East so they could be part of a special ball – the only of its kind in the country.

The Kudos Ball, hosted by Salutem Healthcare, welcomed guests with a range of disabilities to attend the event.

Together with their families and carers at Rainton Meadows Arena, they enjoyed a fully-inclusive and accessible black tie gala, complete with red carpet, musical entertainment and disco.

Salutem Healthcare is a

UK-based residential healthcare operator and investor. Its service users have a range of complex needs, living with both physical and learning disabilities.

Colin Welding, regional director, said: “Many of our service users have never even worn a tie, let alone been to a black tie event.

“Most people, during their lives, will get the opportunity to go to an occasion like this. So why shouldn’t our service users? That’s the reason we run the Kudos Ball – to give people equal opportunity, so that everyone, for one night, can enjoy the excitement and buzz of a glamorous party.”

John Godden, the organisation’s chief executive added: “The Kudos Ball is a fantastic opportunity for everybody, whatever their background or capacity, to enjoy a proper, formal gala.

“At Salutem Healthcare we are determined to make every opportunity available to our service users, because providing care isn’t just about day-to-day support, but about ensuring everybody can live their very best life.”