Forty-five people took part in M!NT Charitable Trust’s first ever winter ball on Saturday (July 6).

The long-running local charity supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and the ball was inspired by similar events in other parts of New Zealand, M!NT programme manager Charlotte Jackson said.

“The aim of the event was to provide an opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities to experience a fun, formal evening, as well as to forge new social connections and strengthen existing ones,” she said.

Social events can often be overwhelming for individuals with intellectual disabilities, she said.

Emma Pearce and Scott Welch

To manage this, attendees were familiarised with the space in advance, expectations were set, and attendees were provided with noise cancelling headphones and a quiet space if required. 

“This allowed attendees to feel confident, whether it was through meeting new people, dressing up for the evening or hitting the dance floor,” Charlotte said.

Attendees ranged in age from eight to 60, and - as well as 30 M!NT members - attendees came from community groups in Alexandra, Arrowtown and Invercargill.

Morgan James

The ball featured a local DJ, a photo booth and catering from Edgewater Hotel, which hosted the event, plus a team of 20-or-so local volunteers who supported the attendees throughout the evening. 

“It was heartwarming to see the support and dedication from the volunteers to make new initiatives like this happen,” Charlotte said. 

Charlotte said M!NT hopes to make the winter ball an annual event and plans to invite groups from other parts of New Zealand to join in the future.

She thanked Edgewater Hotel and Te Hau Toka Connecting Communities for funding support, plus support workers and volunteers “who went above and beyond to make the night unforgettable”.

PHOTOS: MINT Charitable Trust