The Park Inn Hotel and Conference Centre in Northampton is holding an event in aid of a charity that improves access to employment for people with learning disabilities after working alongside its internship service in 2022. Mencap’s Internship Service gives local people with a learning disability access to supported volunteering opportunities in workplaces with a view to securing full time paid work. The Park Inn team were so inspired by Mencap’s work and interns like 24-year-old Joel from Corby, who secured a full-time, paid role in a Northampton restaurant in autumn last year, they wanted to hold an event to help raise funds so that more people can access employment opportunities across the region. They will be working with Mencap for two more years in 2023 and 2024 and this flagship event will be the first of several that are planned in the coming months as part of the two-year partnership. The gala dinner on Friday, March 24, 2023, will be a black tie event with a sparkling reception and canapés on arrival, a threecourse gourmet dinner followed by a live band and disco. The late bar will also ensure dancing until dawn and guests will also receive a discounted overnight stay so that they can relax and enjoy the evening, followed by a hearty breakfast the following day. Many local businesses are already aware of the amazing facilities at the venue, which include several meeting rooms, conferencing

facilities and the modern banqueting suite which boasts a dance floor and stage. It is the largest event space in the town and bookings are now being taken for events, conferences, award ceremonies and exhibitions up to 2025 and beyond. Marie Brown from Mencap said: “Working with Simon, Chris and their amazing team has been an honour and we are looking forward to putting on a great event in March. Many of the guests who have already booked tickets said that they missed out on Christmas parties and this event will be the ideal chance to let their hair down and reward the hard work of their staff. It is so refreshing to see that during these difficult times for local businesses, people with learning disabilities are being celebrated through full-time, paid employment opportunities. The team are so determined to give back to their local community and are working tirelessly to make this event a success. We hope you decide to join us.” Recounting his experience of the Mencap Internship Service, Joel said: “I love going to work every day and meeting lots of people. I have a smart uniform and a badge with my name on. I work in the kitchen and every month I get the same wages as everyone else. I have learned to talk to customers, I help with some of the cooking and I get lots of tips too which I am saving up, so that I can buy a new PlayStation. It makes me happy that I could go shopping with my Mencap Support Worker on Christmas Eve and I bought my Mum a lovely present with my own money. This year we are saving up to go on holiday and I will be able to take my own spending money for the arcades.”

Tickets are £65 each or £600 for a table of 10 guests and can be ordered directly from marie.brown@mencap.org.uk or by calling 07929 709802 Find out more about The Park Inn and its facilities at www.radissonhotels.com/parkinn or call 01604 739988