Supported Loving toolkit
Dating and friendship agencies
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There are a number of dating agencies across the UK that specialise in supporting people with learning disabilities.
Many are run by learning disability providers and others have been set up independently.
In the Supported Loving toolkit, we have some useful information about dating. Please read this before approaching any dating agency, so that you are well informed. Please note that we do not endorse any dating agency or social club on this page.
South East
- Heart Venture
This friendship agency is based in Brighton and Hove. It helps people to meet and socialise in a safe and secure environment, hosting one or two events every month. These events include karaoke, quiz nights and disco evenings. - Love4Life
Run by FitzRoy, Love4Life is a friendship and dating project covering Hampshire, which has been running for over 10 years. Membership is £10 per month. - Mates N Dates
This friendship and dating network is for people living in and around Oxfordshire. It runs social events like coffee mornings, park walks, barn dances, karaoke nights, nightclub events and speed dating. Annual membership is £60. - Nice 2 Meet Ya
This dating and friendship agency in Hertfordshire helps adults with autism and learning disabilities to develop and maintain friendships and relationships, and support them to build meaningful connections.
South West
- Luv2MeetU
Run by Hft, Luv2MeetU runs a range of activities from bowling and swimming, to meals out and club nights. It also offers a one-to-one dating service for members based in Bristol
East
- Compatibles
Run by Southend Mencap, this service is designed to help people expand their social circle, whether they are looking for friendships or romantic relationships. Subscription is £12 per year. - Friends and Places Together A friendship group for 13 to 25 years old. To support friendships and relationships outside of school and college and help families with letting go and inclusion.
- GR8Mates
Living It Up Gr8 Mates is a friendship and dating project funded by the National Lottery in Bedford. It holds events to support people to make new friends and possibly find a partner. - Safe Soulmates
Safe Soulmate helps diversely able 18+ adults in Cambridgeshire, who have additional needs, disabilities, autism or anxiety or perhaps just feel vulnerable when searching for companions and want a safe way when meeting new people. The fee is £120 per year.
London
- Happily
This friendship and dating agency is based in central London. - The Outsiders Trust This is a social, peer support and dating club, run by and for socially and physically disabled people (so not-learning disability specific). Members have a wide range of impairments, including visual and hearing impairments.
Midlands
- Stars in the Sky
This friendship/dating project is run by Our Way Advocacy and is based in Worcestershire. It arranges various trips out and activities, as opportunities to meet new friends and form new relationships.
North
- Luv2MeetU
Run by Hft, Luv2MeetU runs a range of activities from bowling and swimming, to meals out and club nights. It also offers a one-to-one dating service for members. Based in Bradford, it also runs services across Calderdale, Cheshire, Kirklees, Leeds, Newcastle, North East Derbyshire, Sheffield and Wakefield. - Meet N Match
Run by Spring into Action, Meet N Match is run by people with learning disabilities for people with learning disabilities. Based in Lancashire, we cover Lancashire and Greater Manchester. It's a friendship and dating agency that costs £40 a year. - Wirral Mencap
Monthly singles nights and events take place in a central Birkenhead location. There is a different theme or activity each time – including games nights, karaoke, bingo and quiz nights. - Embrace Wigan
A dating agency offering support to people with disabilities including learning disabilities and/ or autism in Wigan and Leigh
Scotland
- Dates-N-Mates
This dating and friendship agency is run by and for adults with learning disabilities. It has divisions in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Renfrewshire and Falkirk.
Wales
- Like 2 Meet
Vale People First ran this group, but are currently looking for funding to continue their work. Their website suggests contacting the Innovate Trust who are running meet and greets and events in Cardiff and The Vale.
Disclaimer
The organisations and services listed on this page are included in the Supported Loving toolkit to assist you and are provided in good faith.
Their inclusion in the Supported Loving toolkit does not imply that Supported Loving nor Choice Support endorses or supports them, nor does the absence of any other organisations or services, who are not included, imply that Supported Loving and Choice Support does not support them.
Supported Loving and Choice Support cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy in the Supported Loving toolkit, or on linked sites/pages. Supported Loving and Choice Support cannot control and is not responsible for the privacy practices of any site to which a link is provided. It is recommended that you read the privacy policy of any site you visit, particularly if you are asked to give personal data.
Every care is taken to ensure that the information listed in the Supported Loving toolkit is accurate. If you discover any information which you believe to be inaccurate, please let us know.
Supported Loving toolkit
The Supported Loving network has produced a series of guides to help support people with learning disabilities with issues around sex and relationships.
Read more
What is Supported Loving?
For people with learning disabilities finding love is often more than just chemistry – it can come down to getting the right support from your staff.
Read more
Supported Loving network
Supported Loving is not a formal membership organisation. Anyone can take part, it is free.
Read more