Prom night set to MAKE a difference

Sarah Mitas has been overwhelmed by the support she has received from businesses and the local community through contributions to support this event.

On Wednesday 11th December at the Royal British Legion club in Lucknow Street Portsmouth, MAKE – a project of local charity the Aldingbourne Trust based in Cornwall Road Fratton, will be hosting an evening of fun by organising a special Winter Wonderland Prom.  It is not only for the people they support, but for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism throughout Hampshire and West Sussex.

Sarah Mitas, Team Leader at Make said “We love to create opportunities for the people we support to have fun and live the lives they choose.  This is a great opportunity for people to make new friends and new connections within the local community.  Many people have not been able to experience a traditional school prom – so this will make many dreams come true.”

In September Sarah posted a request on social media asking for prom dress donations, hairdressers and make up artists to support the event.  Their social media went wild with responses from local businesses and the local community offering their time to support.  Some responses were even from as far as Liverpool, sending good wishes for the event and wishing they were closer to help.

Sam Butler, from Sammy B’s Hair Designs, Felpham said “I would absolutely love to help, obviously no charge for such a rewarding honour xxxx.”

Jenna Ahmed from Hair in Bloom, Portsmouth said “I would love to help. I’d be truly privileged to be a part of it”.

Along with the Prom, the Trust will be hosting a shopping evening on Friday 8th November from 6-9pm, at their MAKE@Aldingbourne enterprise in Cornwall Road, Fratton.  The prom attendees can come along and browse of a collection of beautiful prom dresses, suits, shirts, ties and accessories.  With drinks and nibbles on offer while they shop, it will be fun and sociable evening with friends as they choose their dream outfit ready for their evening out.

On the day of the Prom the team will be hosting a ‘get ready event’ at their Make@Aldingbourne enterprise.  Over fifty local hairdressers and make up artists will be turning the centre into a salon for the day, offering free hair styling and makeup for attendees to get ready for their evening.

Louise Hanby, one of the people supported by the Trust says “I am really excited as I have never been to a Prom before.  I am can’t wait to dress up and have my hair and make up done”.

The Winter Wonderland Prom is open to anyone over the age of 18 with a learning disability and/or autism.  Tickets are available at £10 each from Make@Aldingbourne, Cornwall Road in Fratton, please call Sarah on 02392 822026 or email sarahm@aldingbourne.org for more information.

Visit our website www.aldingbournetrust.org for information about MAKE@Aldingbourne Enterprises, and more about our award winning charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to live independent lives.