This is a press release that was sent to the newspapers and radio

A group of people with learning disabilities supported in Liverpool have performed some dance.

This was to celebrate Liverpool as the 2008 European City of Culture.

United Response was one of ten community organisations asked to take part in the dance event, which was organised by Liverpool's Empire Theatre.

Eight people did workshops with the theatre. Then they performed the dance to an audience last month.

Anthony Kennedy who took part said:

"I enjoyed the acting and dancing it made me feel good and made my family proud."

Eileen Molloy took part as well. She said:

"I liked the sound effects, the music and lighting. It was exciting to dance too, it gave me so much confidence to go out in front of an audience."

Two members of United Response staff danced too. Senior Support Worker, Diane O Leary, said:

“We all grew in confidence as the performance went on and the group worked hard for each other, supported each other, and wanted to do it all again!”

Service Manager, Veronica Astor, said:

"We were really pleased to be asked to take part in the dance event. It was a lot of fun and it was great to be able to play our part in the city's celebrations."

"It was also great for people to show off their talent. Over the years we have built up strong links with several local groups. People have done lots of things like making animations or films about local history.

"Last year was the tenth anniversary of the Oakfield Service. With the help of the WEA some of the people supported by United Response made a stunning mosaic to celebrate the event.

"These projects and the dance event show just what can be achieved when the community works together to create opportunities for people with learning disabilities."

United Response works with people with learning disabilities across the Liverpool area.

United Response works with other organisations and provides people with everything from 24 hour care to supporting them to find work and be active in the community.

To find out more about the organisation, and the work they do locally, contact Alexandra Badwi or Mike Crawford on (0151) 4873605.