The Alexandra Pub in Sunderland played host to an unforgettable evening—the Swanton Ball. Organised by Sue and Kelly, with support from Team Leader Donna, this heartfelt celebration honoured the achievements of the People We Support across our North England services.
The event welcomed services from across the region, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with joy and community spirit. Adding a touch of prestige to the occasion, the Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque and Councillor Lynda Scanlan, joined the festivities, mingled with guests, and personally presented the awards to the evening’s winners. Their presence made the night even more special, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.
We spoke with Lyndsey, who shared the inspiration behind the Swanton Ball: “We wanted to create an event where people could socialise outside their homes and celebrate each other. Our hope was to give them a sense of achievement, importance, and motivation to be their best selves.”
The Alexandra Pub was chosen for its welcoming atmosphere and history of hosting inclusive events. Planning focused on accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring everyone could enjoy the evening—from halal food options to non-alcoholic drinks and even blenders for those with dietary needs.
Standout moments included the presentation of personalised medals featuring the Swanton logo and the joy of seeing people from different services come together to celebrate achievements and spend time with one another. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with staff, families, and even the Mayor and Mayoress praising the event as “the best they’ve attended in a long time.”
The success of the Swanton Ball was the result of dedicated teamwork—creating posters, visiting services to deliver invitations, collecting nominations, and arranging seating plans. Trophies and raffle gifts were generously donated, and every detail was carefully planned to make the night inclusive and memorable.
Divisional Director Neil also shared her thoughts on the event: “The Swanton Ball was a fantastic example of what happens when we come together as a team to create something truly special. It was inspiring to see so much joy and pride in one room, and I’m incredibly proud of everyone who made it happen.”
When asked about future plans, Lyndsey said: “We would love to make this an annual event. Seeing everyone come together and celebrate was a real highlight of the year. It can only get bigger and better from here.”
The Swanton Ball was a wonderful celebration of togetherness and achievement, creating lasting memories and paving the way for even more exciting events in the future.
