2021-01-28 09:51:22
People in Wrexham and Denbighshire are being invited to join a virtual Valentine’s Day event to mark the launch of a brand new friendship and dating service for people with learning disabilities or autism.
Luv2meetU, which is run by the national charity Hft, supports people with learning disabilities to develop and sustain relationships, improve their health and wellbeing, and extend their social networks.
The Wrexham and Denbighshire service will join another ten branches across the country, which are already offering a programme of virtual events to combat the risk of loneliness and isolation while in person events are on hold during the pandemic.
To mark the occasion, a virtual launch party is being streamed on 13 February to coincide with the Valentine’s Day weekend. During the one hour event, attendees will receive a flavour of what is on offer, as they enjoy a special welcome in English and Welsh, followed by entertainment from current Luv2meetU members, including an accordion performance and a comedy sketch. The event, which will be streamed on Facebook Live, features video snippets from previous virtual activities, an interview with the parent of a member, and even a live ribbon cutting to mark the branch opening its virtual doors. Potential members will also have the chance to put any questions they might have to the Luv2meetU team during a question and answer session.
The event marks the opening of Luv2meetU’s second branch in Wales, following a successful launch of Luv2meetU’s Flintshire service in October, which has now has over 20 members. Luv2meetU was originally set up as a pilot in the Leeds and Wakefield area in 2007, supporting 40 people to get out and about, socialise and build friendships. The team now supports around 350 to 400 people with services in areas including Bradford, Bristol, Sheffield, Newcastle and Leeds, and has enabled many more to make friends and forge relationships.
Karen England, Luv2meetU manager, said:
“We’re so pleased to be introducing Wrexham and Denbighshire locals to Luv2meetU on a weekend when love and friendship are on many people’s minds. Connecting with people, making friends and looking for love are all particularly difficult at the moment, but especially so for people with learning disabilities or autism, who are more likely to be struggling with loneliness and isolation.
“We’re hoping to build those all important social connections by bringing people together at our virtual events, and look forward to brighter days ahead when we can meet in person. If any potential members and their families would like to find out more, we look forward to seeing you at our Valentine’s Day event.”
To register to join Luv2meetU’s launch event, visit www.facebook.com/L2MUNorthWales
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.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
