Dating service Luv2MeetU helps people with learning disabilities find love

People with learning disabilities or autism can now find a love match during the coronavirus pandemic thanks to a new dating service which has been set up by learning disability charity, Hft.

Dating service Luv2meetU was launched virtually in Flintshire in Wales and aims to bring love and friendship to people who have felt socially-isolated and lonely during lockdown.

Zoom dates, an online supper club and web-based karaoke are just some of the virtual activities offered.

'Crucial to wellbeing and happiness'

To limit ‘the increased risk of loneliness and isolation which may be particularly affecting people with learning disabilities during the pandemic’, the charity Hft says Luv2meetU's events will help people get connected.

After a socially-distanced ribbon cutting on 12 October in Flintshire, the dating service is now inviting adults with learning disabilities or autism living in Flintshire to sign up to taster sessions.

Karen England, Luv2meetU manager, said: “Despite the unusual circumstances, we couldn’t be more excited to be launching Flintshire’s very first friendship dating service for people with learning disabilities or autism.

"Now more than ever, people with disabilities need support to enable them to continue to forge the social connections that are so crucial to everyone’s wellbeing and happiness.”

Luv2meetU will run seven virtual events a week including quizzes, cookery sessions, art workshops and social drinks.

The virtual events will get people socialising without increasing their risk of COVID-19 infection or breaking potential lockdown restrictions.

Luv2meetU was first set up as a pilot in the Leeds and Wakefield area in 2007, helping 40 people to go out and make friendships.

It now helps 350 to 400 people with services across the country including Bradford, Kirklees, Bristol, Sheffield, Newcastle, Cheshire and Leeds and has helped many forge relationships.

As well as providing the chance for people to chat, members may also get the chance to take part in ‘chaperoned virtual dates’ in future.

Interest for the service is already growing with people connecting with Luv2meetU members across the country and enquiries about future face-to-face events.

click here for more details or to contact Hft