There were two sessions. An afternoon session sharing personal stories and hearing from Scottish Stay Up Late Ambassadors. And an evening session celebrating Scottish Stay Up Late Ambassadors.
The afternoon session kicked off with some photos of people at previous Stay Up Late events. We then had a welcome from the Stay Up Late Scotland National Committee Chair, Michael McEwan.
We watched videos of Stephan Tait, David Weir and John Gallon talking about why they are Stay Up Late Scotland Ambassadors and what the campaign means to them.
Michael shared the Stay Up Late Scotland Manifesto and we were introduced to the Stay Up Late Scotland National Committee members who were present.
John Gallon explained to the group what it means to be an Ambassador. And we then went into a breakout session to have small group chats. We shared personal experiences and barriers people with a learning disability often face when they want to stay up late.
There was a short break, and we were kept entertained with some music from Shaun and Stephan. They are both Stay Up Late Scotland Ambassadors, and members of the Stay Up Late Scotland National Committee. After the break we all came back together to share our thoughts from the breakout session.
It was a great afternoon session, with lots of good conversations happening.
“I wanted to be an Ambassador to represent all the voices from Get2gether.
To me Stay Up Late means #nobedtimes!
…meeting people, dancing and partying the night away.”
-Stephan, Stay Up Late Ambassador and member of the Stay Up Late Scotland National Committee
“Stay Up Late is important to me because it means I can meet with my friends a bit later. Some of them have support that finishes early.
So get involved with the campaign to stay up late!”
-David, Stay Up Late Scotland Ambassador
“We’re just trying to improve things…give people the opportunity to stay for the full night instead of being told “You have to leave now” because of support hours.”
-John, Stay Up Late Ambassador and member of the Stay Up Late Scotland National Committee
The evening session was kicked off by Sam on his guitar, playing a live session and taking requests. We were then had a host of local and international DJ’s from Edinburgh to L.A.
The night was a great success and continued past midnight, they sure did stay up late!
“Let’s make more memories.
It’s not all about meetings and campaigning, it’s about having fun!”
-Alistair Minty, Stay Up Late Scotland National Committee
We agree!