Oxford's Yellow Submarine to hold 15th anniversary ceilidh

Founded in 2009 by Toby Staveley, Yellow Submarine has committed itself to providing opportunities to those with learning disabilities and autism across Oxfordshire.

To celebrate its 15 year milestone, the charity is organising a ceilidh in a bid to unite the community in celebration while raising funds.

Yellow Submarine supports people with learning disabilities and autism (Image: Yellow Submarine)

Mr Staveley initially launched Yellow Submarine to provide residential holidays for individuals with additional needs.

Over the years, the charity has broadened its scope considerably, adding adult daytime programmes, social clubs and activity days during school holidays to its roster, alongside the residential holidays.

It also offers training and operates social enterprise cafes in Oxford and Witney.

Yellow Submarine's projects focus on increasing the confidence and independence of its members as well as providing respite for families and carers.

A Yellow Submarine activity day (Image: Yellow Submarine)

Kate, Yellow Submarine’s co-director, said: "We are immensely proud of the progress and achievements of Yellow Submarine over the past 15 years.

"Each year, we support more individuals and adapt our projects to meet the evolving needs of our members.

"We look forward to many more years of empowering individuals and making a positive impact in our community."

The anniversary ceilidh, taking place at The Corn Exchange, Witney, on September 21, promises a night of live music, dancing and a raffle, as well as an insight into Yellow Submarine’s 15 year journey.

A Yellow Submarine activity day (Image: Yellow Submarine)

Doors for the event will open at 7.30pm.

Ella O’Brien, Yellow Submarine’s community fundraising officer, said: "We are thrilled to announce our 15th birthday ceilidh.

"This event promises to be an unforgettable evening with live music from Bowreed and plenty of dancing.

"We warmly invite everyone from the wider community to join us, whether you are long-time supporters of Yellow Submarine or simply looking for a fun night out.

"Come celebrate with us and make this milestone truly special."

A Yellow Submarine activity day (Image: Yellow Submarine)

Tickets for the Yellow Submarine ceilidh can be bought via the Eventbrite page.

All funds raised during the event will directly support the charity, ensuring Yellow Submarine can continue its work for those with learning disabilities and autism within the county.

The charity aims to tackle the issue of many people with learning disabilities leaving school with limited life skills and as a result poor life chances, which it says often leads to isolation and being marginalised.

Its projects start working with young people in community settings from the age of 11 onwards, to build their social skills, confidence, independence and employability.