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15 years of facilitating relationships for adults with learning disabilities

  • Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 28th August 2023

Dates n Mates celebrates 15 years facilitating friendship and connection for people with learning disabilities.

A Scottish charity that facilitates social events for adults with a learning disability is celebrating 15 years of love and friendship. Dates-n-Mates was first established in Glasgow by social care charity, C-Change Scotland, in June 2008 to tackle social isolation and offer a welcoming environment for adults with a learning disability to form meaningful connections. They launched as an independent charity in April of this year and now have six branches across Scotland including in Falkirk.

We all know the importance and positive impact of having an amazing group of friends and the opportunity to find a loving partner. Dates-n-Mates have 15 years’ experience of supporting people with learning disabilities to socialise and make friends.

Dates-n-Mates Scotland director, John Paul Moffat who has worked with the charity since day one, 15 years ago, tells us; “As someone with lived experience of a learning disability, being able to advocate for our right to love and friendship is so important and something I will continue to fight for. Here is to the next 15 years!”

The charity organises events such as club nights, meals outs, bowling, relationship workshops, confidence building workshops, speed dating and so much more! All events are run in ‘mainstream’ venues across Scotland. Any adult over the age of 18 with a learning disability can become a member. The charity has seen their members’ confidence grow, new friendships blossom, people dating for the first time and finding love.

Dates-n-Mates member, said: “I like coming to dates n mates making friends and meeting a really good friend. Doing events helping each other”

Two women smiling looking at the camera holding a red love heart frame
Images from the C-Change Dates-N-Mates Aberdeen Valentines Party, 9th February. Pictures by Scott Cameron Baxter – www.scottcameronbaxter.com

Dates-n-Mates are excited in their 15th year to announce that they are one of four lucky winners in the STV inclusion awards receiving free commercial airtime on live TV. The creative team at STV have worked with the charity to create a 20 second advert that showcases the fun events they hold. You can view the advert on STV live TV and STV online player between the 28th of August and 6th September.

A man stood to the left of a large screen reading "welcome Dates n Mates" with two women stood to the right. This photo was taken at the STV offices.

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