Six years ago, Heidi was lonely. And at Christmas, that loneliness felt even more isolating.
Heidi had moved into her own flat and was working part-time as a teaching assistant. She loved her independence, but opportunities to meet people and build friendships were limited.
While others were enjoying Christmas meals, meeting friends and making memories, Heidi often felt she was missing out.
Often, it’s the simplest moments that make Christmas special. A festive quiz. A meal with friends. A trip to the pantomime. But for learning disabled adults who face barriers to meeting others and being part of their communities, those moments aren’t always possible. Christmas shouldn’t pass anyone by.
Will you donate this Christmas to help someone like Heidi find friendship, feel less alone and make memories that last well beyond Christmas?
For Heidi, things began to change when she discovered Hft’s friendship programme, Luv2meetU. She wanted to meet new people and enjoy more experiences, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
She reached out to Simon Clarke, the Bristol coordinator. It was a nerve-racking first step, but Heidi decided to give it a go, and attended her first in-person event: mini golf. Before long, she was joining all sorts of activities in person and online and making new connections.
“We did pub quizzes, Dungeons and Dragons sessions and even a women’s craft session,” Heidi explained. “I was online doing something and meeting new people every day.”
And when Christmas came around, Heidi had people to share it with.
“I even had my Christmas dinner while taking part in the festive quiz online!”
It might sound like an ordinary moment, but for Heidi it meant being included, sharing a festive experience and making Christmas memories with friends.
Your gift could help more learning disabled adults build friendships and have people to share special moments with at Christmas and beyond.
Today, Heidi’s social life is busier than ever. Friendships that started online have grown into lasting relationships, with even more opportunities to meet in person and enjoy new experiences together.
She’s even become a social ambassador for Luv2meetU, welcoming new people and helping them feel confident about getting involved.
This Christmas, she’s looking forward to a local pantomime, a festive pub quiz and a Christmas dinner with friends. These are the little moments that become lasting memories. And they are made possible by the friendships and connections built throughout the year.
Will you give £10 this Christmas to help make more moments like these possible?
For Heidi, those friendships have made a lasting difference.
“The group has transformed who I am. My network is so much bigger now and I have made lifelong friends. It’s given me a lot more confidence in me as a person.”
There are more learning disabled adults who want opportunities to meet people, develop friendships and enjoy the moments that matter to them.
With your support, Luv2meetU can continue creating opportunities for connection, helping people build friendships that last long beyond Christmas.
Please give £10, or whatever you can afford, to help learning disabled adults build friendships, make their own choices and enjoy the moments that make life special.
Thank you.