2023-01-19 12:10:13
Learning disability charity’s friendship and relationship service launches new 12-week programme
Luv2meetU, a friendship and relationship service for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, is launching an affordable 12-week programme where interested adults can access events, workshops and support, giving them the opportunity to make meaningful connections with like-minded people.
Luv2MeetU (L2mU) is part of national learning disability charity Hft, and is offering the Connections programme at a discounted rate of £25 for 12 weeks. The next face-to-face Connections programme starts on Wednesday, 1 March 2023 and will be available in Bradford, Bristol, Calderdale, Cheshire and Merseyside, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Kirklees, Leeds, Newcastle, North East Derbyshire, Sheffield, Wakefield and Wrexham.
By signing up to the 12-week Connections programme, you get:
- Access to Connection events: Three free connection events, giving people the chance to meet other club members from different L2mU areas, and make meaningful connections (events are not available in all areas)
- A Connection profile: A personalised profile which, with permission, can be shared with other club members also seeking meaningful connections
- Access to workshops: The chance to join five online workshops, held by Gemma Milburn, L2mU National Virtual Coordinator, to give people the skills to make new connections
- Support: Support and guidance by phone and teams when needed.
“L2mU’s aim is to support greater health and well-being for adults with learning disabilities by facilitating healthy, meaningful connections, the chance to meet new people, get out more, gain new skills and have new experiences,” explains Gemma.
L2MU’s membership has grown to more than 500 club members since the pandemic, through face-to-face events across England and Wales, and a schedule of online events open to anyone with an internet connection in the UK.
Once someone completes the 12-week Connections programme, they will get a certificate of excellence in healthy relationships, and their Connections profile will stay on file, available to share with other programme finishers, if they wish.
“We’re really pleased that our pilot 12-week Connections programme had fantastic feedback from those who took part.
“The Connections programme is a great opportunity to explore all sorts of topics around supporting healthy relationships, from how to make friends, keep safe online, and how to give consent, to discussing gender and sexuality,” says Gemma.
The Connections programme is also available virtually if people cannot access the areas listed.
Last year, Hft published a report, entitled Lockdown on Loneliness, which found that nearly a third (36%) of people with a learning disability surveyed after lockdown said they felt lonely nearly always or all the time.
“For many, feeling disconnected was a long-standing experience, with a third (33%) of those surveyed saying they did not feel part of their local community, and almost half also saying the pandemic had exacerbated their feeling of loneliness. This goes to show how important something like L2mU is in combatting loneliness and helping people make new friends,” she says.
To find out more about or flag an interest in joining future programmes, please email Gemma (gemma.milburn@hft.org.uk) or Charlotte (charlotte.narozanska@hft.org.uk).
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
–
For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
