Finding romantic relationships

[AlooChana]

Hello. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or sources of information on where a young man (27) with a learning disability might meet or contact young women with whom he might develp a romantic realtionship. Sorry, that sounds bad... I mean social groups or events really 😊

My son has a job, drives his own car and if very physically able but has autism and struggles with emotional attachments and friendships. He's had one or two fairly problematic online 'relationships' and a couple of real world ones but he's struggling to find the right girl who might offer him something more stable and permanent.

Any ideas?

[PurpleHues]

Hi there,

I would suggest looking for a Mencap local group in your area. They are run independently so their services vary but many of them offer activities and events. You can find them by searching online 'Town/City Mencap local group' or using the search bar on Mencap's website page on local groups.

Your local council website should also have information about local groups/organisations in your area that offer social events.

I hope this helps.

[AlooChana in reply to PurpleHues]

Thanks very much. I've checked out the local self-help website that Notts County Council directs people to and didn't find anything suitable. I'll certainly have a look at the local Mencap group though.

[parasiticworm in reply to AlooChana]

If your in Nottinghamshire there are a few places that have disability friendly nights in pubs and clubs, I know of places in Mansfield and Newark that do monthly disability friendly nights so I would imagine that Nottingham and Worksop have similar nights too. It's a great atmosphere and very safe if you have vulnerabilities. My friend who also as a LD met her husband at the Mansfield disco for people with disabilities and they've been happily married for 5 years now.

[angela13345]

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[Waxwing99]

I really empathise with your situation! My daughter is 24, works and is on the surface pretty capable but struggles with the idea of a romantic relationship and although she has friends I think she is probably rather lonely. It would be great if there was a safe online forum but as you say it can easily become problematic. I don’t have any answers I’m afraid, but I do hope your young man finds the relationship he is looking for ❤️

[1994EJED]

There are two that I've come across - Safe Soulmates, in the Cambridgeshire area, and Meet'n'Match in the North West. Both have face to face and online groups and are managed by trustworthy people.