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.

[Zilah_Atfield]

Hi,

I hope you don't mind me commenting on this post, I am currently researching this topic and just wanted to ask if you or your son would have any interest in discussing this further with me as part of my project? I have some more information in my Bio but please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any interest in talking further about this topic and sharing your experience to help others in a similar situation to you!

Research study advert for project mentioned in comment.