Helping Disabled Young Adults Live Their Best Lives
Through our focus groups and conversations with our community, we have been told over again about the difficulties people face when trying to make new friends or form relationships.
Whether its lacking opportunities after school, feeling anxious about it or not knowing how to approach it - we understand the frustrations.
Through Mates and Dates we are creating a relaxed environment tailored to people with additional needs so they can meet new people and form connections.
The events will consist of a number of different fun workshops for attendees to engage with in small groups.
These workshops are designed to bring people together, and take the pressure off meeting new people. The idea is attendees enjoy these workshops with new people, and form relationships through common activities and hobbies.
Groups are planned ahead of time based on peoples age and interests. Everyone participating will fill out in an initial assessment form that helps us make sure that groups are suitable, and their needs are met.
We have rigorous safeguarding policies in place so all are kept safe. There is a designated safeguarding lead and specific dates and mates safeguarding policy in place. Chaperones will be in attendance at all times.
Relationship and Sexual health practitioners who are experiences working with those with additional needs will be part of the events. So attendees, parents or carers can refer to them if they need advice about any aspect of relationships.
Mates and Dates is a monthly event launching in March 2025. Dates will vary month by month based on venue availability.
Sutton United will be the main venue for this initiative, however we are looking at other venue options so we can change the scenery every few months. 1 in 4 Dates and Mates events will be held outside our usual venues and out in the community. For example cinema trips or games bars like flight club.
Attendees first three events will be free to trial for anyone interested. Thereafter there will be a small contribution per session which will include everything involved.
More about mates and dates...
Who can come?
Who can come?
Who can come?
This event is for young disabled people aged 18 and upwards. This event is for people with any form of disability, whether it is a learning disability or physical - their needs will be met.
Although emphasis is on forming new connections and making new friends - people already in relationships are encouraged to come along and enjoy the fun event as a date!
Workshops
Who can come?
Who can come?
The workshops will vary and change every month and will always be fun and engaging!
Workshops we have in the making:
- DJ and mixing sessions
- Mocktail Making
- Video Games
- Darts and Pool
- Cooking Sessions
- Art Sessions
- Sports sessions and games
Practitioners
Who can come?
Practitioners
It is important that throughout this initiative, our service users and their support feels comfortable. And it is important that some learning occurs as it could be new territory for people.
We have partnered with local relationship and sexual health practitioners so that they are there to answer any questions people may have, and advise people on how to navigate this new environment.
With thanks to our Funders and Facilitators
Meet The Police!
21st August from 11am
This is your chance to learn about hate crime, how to report it and ask the police anything!
This fun and engaging afternoon is being run with local Met Police officers. Have some food, try on police uniforms, have a go at mock stop and searches and take part in a Q+A!
Sign Up Below!