A HALLOWEEN party in Radcliffe will offer young people with disabilities a unique opportunity to improve their social skills.

Care provider Ansar Projects and Bury-based charity Jigsaw have teamed up to organise the disco at Radcliffe Borough Football Club next week, which will be the first event of its kind in the borough.

The aim of the night is to help the youngsters meet new people and learn how to build relationships.

Andrew Cairns, of Ansar, said: “There is nothing in the area where people with disabilities can go and meet each other. It is a chance to learn about making friendships and relationships.

“A lot of the people we help want to be in relationships but there is nothing that really caters for them. Hopefully this is an event that can help them build up their social skills, like how to start conversations.

“They want to have that kind of experience, but don’t always have the opportunity.

“If this goes well then we will be looking at setting up similar things in future.

“Radcliffe Borough have been absolutely brilliant, it was very generous of them to give us the venue for free.”

Ansar provides everyday support for adults aged 18 to 65 with a learning disability, autistic spectrum disorder or dual diagnosis.

The event is being held from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on October 28 at the football club, in Colshaw Close East. Tickets are £5, and are available only to Jigsaw members or Ansar clients.

As well as entertainment from a DJ, there will also be games and activities based around building social skills.

Ellen Smith, of Jigsaw, added: “Ansar approached us about putting this event on and we thought it would be a really good idea to get involved with.

“It is our first time doing an event for Halloween and everyone is excited for it.

“We have not worked with Ansar before, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“It is something a bit different for our members to enjoy. We have done discos before, but having a Halloween-themed event is new for us.

“We have got plenty of people going along, so it should be a really good night.”

Jigsaw is a sports and social group for young disabled people, based in Bury, which aims to promote fun, freedom and independence.

For tickets or details, email clarew@ansarprojects.co.uk.