Insync Bikes pushing ahead with special needs trike design
Manchester-based Insync Bikes and inventor pushing ahead with special needs trike design A part-time inventor whose design for a special needs trike for children caught public attention earlier this year says progress is being made to bring the design to a global market. Les McMahon and his trike shot to prominence in June when the media reported he is working with designers at Insync Bikes in Manchester owned by India’s Hero Cycles, the world’s biggest bike maker by volume, to perfect the trike he has engineered for his young neighbour. Media reports on the trike included BBC TV North West which has been seen nearly 500,000 times on BBC News’ Instagram with a further 85,000 views on BBC NWT’s official Twitter feed with scores of comments praising Les’ caring gesture. Meanwhile a Manchester Evening News report has received more than 700 likes and 70 comments on the MEN Facebook page praising the idea. Les said the special needs trike, which will be much cheaper than expensive alternatives already on the market, is undergoing stringent testing at Hero’s site. Once plans are finalised, it will be made available in a flat-pack kit or as a downloadable design under Hero’s Insync family bike brand to enable more families with disabled children to enjoy the benefits of cycling. The special needs trike will cost in the region of £500 compared with alternatives that start at around £5,000. Les, from Ellenbrook, Worsley, made the original trike in his garden shed to enable 13-year-old neighbour Lewis Flint to get out on the roads with his parents, Dawn and Andy. Seeing an opportunity to allow even more people to benefit, he knocked on the door of Abhishek Pratap Singh, head of Hero Global Design, and was given ten minutes to pitch his design. Les said: “I talked my way into the office and showed Abhishek my plans for the trike and he said ‘everybody in the office gather around – this is why Hero has come to Manchester, to meet people like this’. I couldn’t believe it.” Lewis, who has an undiagnosed genetic condition, communicates through an aid, has no independent mobility and relies on other people for his personal care. He enjoys rock climbing and skiing, but cycling was the one hobby his family had struggled with. Les’s solution involves a ‘sidecar’ fitted to a bike, with a ramp to roll on the wheelchair. While Lewis is still enjoying his special needs trike, Insync’s designers have recreated it in a computer programme to allow them to make and test alterations before it is rolled out to others. Areas they have concentrated on have included the attachment points, the flatpack design and the width of the vehicle. Work has also been carried out on the advantages of using weight-saving materials and the stability and weight distribution of the outer platform. Les said brainstorming sessions with Insync’s experts had proven useful to address problems such as the width of the special needs trike, which had always been its ‘Achilles heel’. He said: “It might take ten goes for us to get the design right but bearing in mind we want this to go worldwide then we have to get it right. I’ve been amazed with the engagement and the interest we have had since the trike went public, which just shows that something like this is needed for disabled people.” Prior to his link-up with Insync, Les teamed up with the University of Bolton, which incorporated the trike into its engineering degree course for two years. Danny Evans, chief executive of Avocet Sports, the UK subsidiary of Hero Cycles, said they were keen to get the trike just right to benefit more people around the world. He said: “Insync is a family bike brand and we want to support families to improve their health and quality of life through cycling. We were given a lot of confidence in the concept when we first unveiled it to the media in June and saw the story go viral with reports across TV, social media and newspapers. All the public comments online showed us how much goodwill and support there is for this trike in the UK and overseas to help improve the lives of children with special needs. “We have been absolutely blown away by Les’s invention and his enthusiasm for helping Lewis. We now want to translate that and help families with a trike that is affordable. We have been told that the present trike models are way too expensive at £5000 for families with disabled children already shouldering a lot of additional costs. “Our design team are making good progress with Les to develop his original design before we release it to a mass market, and we have already had interest from around the world. Insync Bikes’ partnership with Les matches our outlook and ethos to champion cycling as a force for good.” For an update read this article: Manchester-based Insync Bikes and part-time inventor get backing of global manufacturer for special needs trike
Coffee van run by learning disability charity is a hit
People with learning disabilities have been brewing up a storm at a coffee van run by national charity Hft. Situated at Bradford Foster Square train station, the initiative allows people to gain work experience skills and spend time in their community. Three people with learning disabilities and their support workers are at the helm of the venture, taking on duties including serving hot and cold drinks and refreshments to the city’s commuters and visitors. The van and its budding baristas have proven popular since the project’s launch in June, with many visitors stopping to have a coffee and find out more about the work Hft does locally. As well as boosting the profile of the charity, the scheme offers people with learning disabilities the chance to spend time within their community and develop their confidence and independence, while also building new skills ranging from customer service to communication and problem solving skills. Open from Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 2.30am, Hft’s coffee van serves cakes and croissants alongside a variety of hot and cold drinks. Following a successful launch, the charity is now exploring options to take the van to bigger events and has opened a suggestion box where customers can put forward any new ideas. Malcolm, who works at the coffee van, said: “I enjoy coming to the van, it makes me happy. I enjoy serving people their drinks, collecting their money and chatting to them.” Maxine Kneeshaw, Area Manager at Hft, said: “We’ve been delighted by the public’s response to our coffee van. This initiative is a great way for people we support to experience something new and develop their skills and experience, acting as a stepping stone to valuable new opportunities including paid employment. As the weather gets colder, we’re looking forward to seeing plenty more people popping along to our van for a hot drink and a chat!” Hft currently supports more than 2,500 people with learning disabilities across the country to live the best life possible. This includes supporting people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes, providing employment services to help people develop skills and experience for work and helping people to pursue hobbies, make new friends and get involved in their local communities.
OmniServ signs on as PurpleSpace Strategic Partner
OmniServ, the leading provider of assistance for disabled air passengers in the UK, is excited to be a Founding Strategic Partner of PurpleSpace, a networking and professional development hub for disabled employees, network and resource group leaders and allies aimed at supporting employees coping with the experience of ill health, disability or the repercussions of an accident or injury, while also flourishing at work. Sam Saunders, OmniServ’s Head of Innovation & Regulatory Compliance, says: “Employing people with disabilities is the right thing to do in an increasingly responsible, accessible and inclusive business world. But it’s more than just a moral imperative; it also is a logical move for us which strengthens our team. If we’re going to deliver the best possible experience we can for disabled passengers, then disabled employees can contribute particularly valuable skills and insights based on their personal experiences. They have first-hand knowledge of what it is like to travel with a disability, and they can communicate that knowledge to the rest of the OmniServ team. Being a PurpleSpace Strategic Partner will further enhance our understanding of how we can deliver a better service built around real experience.” OmniServ will be participating in this year’s #PurpleLightUp on 3rd December 2019, a global solidarity campaign recognising the economic contribution of people with disabilities. This is held to coincide with and celebratethe International Day of Persons with Disability, which was established by the United Nations in 1992. Kate Nash OBE, CEO and Creator of PurpleSpace, says: “It’s great to have OmniServ on board as a Strategic Partner. They not only have real experience of helping disabled people navigate the airport and airline experience so they can have a holiday like everyone else, they are also committed to extending employment opportunities for disabled people within their own organization.” In March 2018, OmniServ announced plans to achieve Disability Confident Employer status as soon as possible. This is a UK Government-backed programme to encourage companies to invest in supporting disabled employees, whether existing staff or newly recruited ones. OmniServ will see the company launch a range of initiatives aimed at integrating disabled staff across all its operations and ensuring they get the same opportunities as everyone else to grow their careers. As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, OmniServ has committed to: ● Ensuring its recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. ● Communicating and promoting vacancies. ● Offering an interview to disabled people. ● Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required. ● Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work. According to Civil Aviation Authority statistics, UK air travel grew 19% between 2010 – 2017. During the same period of time, the numbers of passengers requiring assistance has grown an incredible 47%. OmniServ is the UK’s leading airline and airport assistance services provider, and provides assistance for People With Reduced Mobility (PRM) passengers at Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest international passenger airports, as well as at Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Stansted. Every year, it helps nearly 2 million PRM passengers. While many passengers may have visible disabilities, OmniServ recognizes that there are many people too who may have hidden disabilities. OmniServ actively works with a range of charities to ensure assistance is available to those with hidden disabilities too, including autism, impaired vision, hearing problems and medical conditions such as Meniere’s Syndrome or colostomies. Antony Marke, Managing Director of OmniServ, says: “At OmniServ, it is our fundamental belief that every customer, regardless of their assistance needs, has the right to enjoy air travel with comfort and dignity. We support more than1.7 million passengers with every type of disability every year, and look forward to partnering with PurpleSpace to continue vital work to ensure that travel is accessible for everyone, including those with visible or hidden disabilities.”
Devon attractions equipped to welcome more disabled visitors
Three heritage attractions in Devon are now able to welcome more disabled visitors through their doors than ever before. Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Kents Cavern and Seaton Wetlands, have introduced a full set of products to help improve accessibility for disabled and Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users. The products were developed by Heritage Ability, in partnership with each of the sites, to help more disabled visitors enjoy their visit by feeling more inclusive. The written tools help to ensure disabled visitors receive information in a format that aids their understanding, or by proving mobility equipment to help people access outdoor sites they were previously unable to visit. Heritage Ability is a three-year project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to support over 20 heritage sites in the South West to become more accessible for people with disabilities and Deaf BSL users. The products were developed after discussions with the disabled community, on specific conditions and the barriers they face when visiting heritage sites. The produced included: BSL Tours, Easy Read Guides, Online Visual Guides, Large Print Guides, as well as Disability Awareness training for staff and volunteers. Seaton Wetlands also received an all-terrain scooter as part of the project. · BSL tours for Deaf BSL users – consist of a number of short film clips, presented by a volunteer BSL signer. The BSL tours are then transferred onto a tablet, which can then be used by visitors as they walk around the site. They are also uploaded to the Heritage Ability YouTube channel for viewing on personal devices. · Easy Read Guides are created to help people with learning disabilities understand more complex information presented at the sites. The guide is written using a simple ‘Easy Read’ format and supported with images to help clarity. The guides also include activities and points of interest. · The Online Visual Guides are also now available to view on each of the heritage site’s website. These guides are primarily aimed at autistic people and visitors with complex needs. They were created to enable visitors to plan their visit in advance, helping to reduce stress and anxiety on the day. · Large Print guides are aimed at people with visual impairments to help them see the information more clearly. These guides use many techniques to help people that suffer from Macular Degeneration or Glaucoma to view the information presented at the sites. · Staff and volunteers at the attractions were also given Disability Awareness training to help them understand how to engage better with disabled visitors. It also enabled them to identify different tools available on site that could help improve accessibility for disabled visitors. The Heritage Ability project also provided an all-terrain mobility scooter (called a Tramper) for Seaton Wetlands, as it has large external areas of parkland. The Tramper was introduced to help visitors with permanent or temporary mobility issues travel around the park and see areas previously inaccessible to them. Elliot Ling, Education Officer at Kents Cavern, said: “It has been great working with the Heritage Ability team over the last three years, seeing first-hand the improvements that they have made in making our site accessible to a much wider range of people. It’s amazing to see people that might not have visited before actually able to engage with the heritage. “We’ve had great feedback from BSL users about being able to use the tablet in the cave. We’ve also had feedback from parents and teachers of autistic children that have praised the Visual Story for helping their children to prepare for their underground visit.” Royal Albert Memorial Museum Manager, Camilla Hampshire said: “We are keen to share the city’s treasures with everyone. The Heritage Ability project has provided expert guidance and the impetus to expand our offer and make RAMM even more accessible to Disabled and Deaf BSL users. It’s all about listening to visitors, consulting experts, finding a balance and providing options to suit the widest possible range of needs. We are committed to this as an ongoing process and grateful to Heritage Ability for being a critical friend, identifying needs, giving sound advice and helping to produce the materials that disabled and Deaf BSL users have asked for.” Heritage Ability is one of the projects managed by Living Options Devon (LOD), a user-led charity, where all of the initiatives are developed or supported by people who have a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by disabled and Deaf people. Heather Brown, Deputy CEO of Living Options Devon, said: “This is such an important project for LOD. It allows us to help more disabled visitors go to heritage attractions with their family and friends, and just have a fantastic day out. “We will continue to work with our partners around the South West to help disabled people and Deaf BSL users, have the same experience on site as any other visitor. Helping sites to introduce accessible products to help gain understanding or access to areas previously unreachable.” Tim Dafforn, Countryside Team Leader for East Devon District Council (that manage Seaton Wetlands), stated: “We are proud to be part of this project and have seen the improvements on site make such a valuable difference to visitors. The pre-visit information is first class, and we can now offer improved access allowing more people to enjoy their visit. I encourage everyone to visit Seaton Wetlands in the future. It is probably now one of the most accessible nature reserves in the South West. “
Retreat at Ellasfield Opens Accessible Holiday Accommodation
Accessible Holiday Accommodation & Mindfulness Retreat in West SussexKim & Ella’s StoryThe Retreat at Ellasfield is the inspiration of Kim Bryant-Cuddis and is the result of the many battles she has fought on behalf of her daughter Ella, who has cerebral palsy. Kim has opened her own accessible holiday accommodation.Kim knows only too well the problems associated with wheelchair access and inclusion within a holiday setting, as well as the uphill battle to maintain a daily routine whilst staying away from home.It was this that led Kim to install a suitable hoist to allow all Ellasfield guests the opportunity to enjoy the wood-fired hot tubs. In the same way that a fully fitted wet room has been created and their Shepherd’s Hut adapted from ceiling hoist to taps, so people using wheelchairs can function as they would at home.Kim explains, “I have a deep understanding of travel with a family member who has a disability, so if it is required, I am in a good position to assist guests at Ellasfield should an extra pair of hands be needed”.It was also Kim’s experiences with Ella that drew her to Mindfulness.“Living with disability has been a roller-coaster. In the early years I found myself in a state of ‘Fight or Flight’. Constantly battling on behalf of Ella, my mind would get caught in a loop about the future or going over the past, which I could do nothing to change. It was through the practice of Mindfulness that I learned how to deal with negative thoughts, how to take back control and ultimately discovered a sense of wellbeing, happiness and creativity.It was at this point I wanted to share everything that I have learnt, and Ellasfield was created”.Many guests come to stay at Ellasfield that is set in the peaceful Sussex countryside of Billingshurst, to enjoy the lovely surroundings. Others come to learn more about mindfulness or equine facilitated meditation, both techniques that create a reduction in stress and help enable us to adjust emotional and often physical aspects of our lives.Kim prides herself on every aspect of Ellasfield, whether it is providing a surprise plate of freshly made chocolate brownies and fresh strawberries or a personal welcome card with a home-made treat. Ellasfield’s 100% positive reviews on Trip Advisor speak for themselves.“Simply my happy place”, wrote Sasha Alyssia. “There is so much I could say about this little bit of heaven. Two blissful nights of total peace and the only noise was a horse neighing whilst we sat in the hot tub with the twinkly lights around us. It was like a magical garden.Kim our host, could not have been more accommodating and makes the most beautiful yummy breakfasts and delivers to your door. We cannot wait to return. I could not recommend it more. We had the loveliest weekend and the cabin is gorgeous”. Find out more about the Retreat at Ellasfield’s accessible holiday accommodation here: www.ellasfield.com
The Calming Effect of Horses
There are many benefits of horse riding for children with autism, autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people and this can cause considerable anxiety. The rhythmic movement experienced during horse riding has been found to calm this distress and the actual physical contact with the horse may also help to build other relationships and reduce negative reactions. Communication and empathy may also be increased by the interaction with the horse as their excitement of riding encourages them to speak to their horse and they begin to understand that their reactions can have an impact on how the horse behaves. Riding different horses, introducing new activities and the rotation of volunteers that help out during riding sessions can assist with the resistance to change that is often associated with autism. The Calming Effect of Horses on Cameron Branchett Cameron Branchett has riding been since 2011. When he began to get frustrated with his progress, Malvern Riding School, an Accessibility Mark accredited centre, stepped in to help. Here his Dad, Jonathan, tells his story. Cameron’s Story Cameron was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in December 2006. In 2011, after discovering that the rocking motion on the pelvis when riding a horse released oxytocin that can help calm people, Cameron tried his first riding lesson. The effect on him was immediate. Trying to cope in a main stream school, Cameron was showing symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome alongside his ASD. All of this stopped every time he sat on the horse. He was hooked and we were amazed that a half hour lesson could have such a profound effect on him. They say certain animals have an affinity with humans and this is certainly the case with every horse Cameron has ridden. He forms a genuine bond with them all and they seem to instinctively understand his needs. The calming effect of horses on Cameron has been absolutely amazing. With ASD comes difficulties, listening to and understanding complex sets of instructions can be challenging at times. Cameron never expressed any desire to be a champion rider, or show jumper, he just enjoyed riding and trotting. However, he began to get frustrated with his own limited progress and was starting to find the lessons troubling. In 2016, he was on the verge of giving up. That’s when we turned to Malvern Riding School. Julie and the staff there are simply wonderful. Within a few months he had mastered his rising trot, something he had never managed in five years! He now canters and jumps with ease and he is so much more confident and enthusiastic about his riding now and determined to become as good as he can be to help him with his dream of becoming an actor. Julie and the staff, have a way of sensing when Cameron is getting a little disengaged with his riding and quickly change the lessons to keep him interested. The way they communicate with him really resonates and he responds well to them. The little things like stopping the horse and talking towards him rather than shouting to his back as he rides past make all the difference. They also know the best way to challenge and support him even when he doubts himself. Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by the RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that it can offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure it provides a first-class experience that aims to be hugely beneficial to riders of varying levels of disability. There are currently 53 Accessibility Mark-approved centres across the country. To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk
Accessible Staycations in the UK
From seaside towns along the coast to quaint country retreats, Great Britain has plenty of amazing spots for Accessible Staycations. Here are Rough Guide to Accessible Britain’s top places around the country for an accessible weekend away or day out adventure. Head South West to Bath for your Accessible Staycations Roman remains, fine architecture, and leafy waterways. The entirety of this stunning city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is not surprising because visiting Bath is truly delightful. The Romans spent 300 years building a bathhouse but ancient legends say King Bladud founded Bath and created the hot springs using magic. Celtic tribes visited the waters to communicate with their goddess of fertility. Wander the green spaces, have a cup of tea in the superb coffee shops, and of course, visit the world-famous Roman Baths. Enormous effort has gone into making this ancient site accessible, with four lifts giving access to ninety percent of the complex. Wheelchair-users may need help to negotiate the uneven paving around the Great Bath. Induction loops, BSL audio-tours and an enhanced audio description guide are also available as well as three wheelchairs and one mobility scooter to borrow. It is not only the historical hot springs that’ll impress you, you’ll find Britain’s most elegant Georgian architecture, a unique and fascinating abbey, and an array of quaint boutique shops. Escape to nature in the Lake District Take a drive through some of the finest scenery in Britain. Starting at Cockermouth, a handsome market town on the north western edge of the Lake District, head south west onto a mile-long fully accessible path that leads from Maggie’s Bridge car park down to the lakeshore. The views from here across to the undulating slopes of Fellbarrow are lovely, and visitors with good mobility can continue through the lakeside woods. As you head south, the scenery gets wilder and more dramatic at every turn particularly as you drive over the 1167-feet-high Honister Pass, hemmed in by steep, craggy hillsides. Once over the pass, the road loops north through the Borrowdale Valley, treating you to classic Lakeland vistas in all directions. Accessible Staycations in Norfolk As part of the National Trail, there is a 45-mile-long Norfolk Coast Path that runs from Hunstanton to Cromer, but you don’t have to walk it all – the one-mile stretch linking the busy harbour of Wells-next-the-Sea to its beach and coastline makes an easy, accessible and enjoyable stroll, with plenty to look at along the way. Start at the harbourmaster’s office on Beach Road, where the level asphalt footpath then heads north towards the lifeboat house and beach car park. This footpath runs parallel to the road and narrow-gauge railway line. As you follow the path, you’ll be treated to great views of the lively harbour full of working boats, a pleasure craft, and the saltmarsh and sandbar running alongside it is rich with birdlife. There are plenty of rest benches along the way, including a few with spaces for wheelchairs next to them. After about a mile, the path reaches a steep concrete slipway that, with care, can be used to access the sandy beach. After you’ve had your fill of the sea views, and perhaps stopped for a bite at the Beach Café, go back the way you came. For more information on the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain or to view other accessible venues, please visit accessibleguide.co.uk, follow www.twitter.com/accessibleguide or ‘like’ www.facebook.com/accessibleguide.
Tamworth Castle Grounds toilets re-open with Changing Places facility
Tamworth Castle Grounds refurbished toilets re-open with town’s first ever Changing Places facility A major project to refurbish public toilets in Tamworth Castle Grounds is now fully completed and the facility re-opened on Friday, August 23, just in time for the busy summer bank holiday weekend in the grounds. The new toilet transformation includes the town’s first ever Changing Places facility – an assisted accessible Closomat Palma Vita wash and dry toilet with a height adjustable changing bench, hoist that moves across the room and its own coded door access. In addition, the new facilities will have longer year-round opening hours, individual unisex cubicles with automatic WC with warm water washing and air drying functions; plus baby changing, disabled access toilets and an outside re-fill drinking water station. The refurbishment has been carried out by Healthmatic, which specialises in the provision of smarter public conveniences for local authorities, ensuring that facilities are truly accessible for everyone. Cllr Robert Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, was one of the first to check out the new facility with his children. He said: “The new toilet facilities are a truly amazing transformation of the previously dated facilities we had in the Castle Grounds. “The project is something we have wanted for some time and I am delighted to say they are now open every day and provide modern facilities that everyone can use. “The Changing Places room has been fully fitted by Healthmatic and we are very proud to have this in Tamworth. “My two children joined me to see the new toilets and were very impressed with the new automatic WC with the soap, warm water and drying functions! I’m sure other families will find the new facilities comfortable and very accessible, plus the addition of the outside drinking water re-fill station will be popular with anyone using the park.” Cllr John Chesworth, Cabinet member for Culture and Operational Services, said: “This project represents a significant investment into our public conveniences and has the overall aim of providing facilities that are more accessible to more people. The design of individual cubicles, which can be remotely activated, will enable us to keep the toilets open longer and at all times of the year. “The provision of Tamworth’s first Changing Places facility is also really important for the older children and adults in our community with additional needs who need full changing conveniences. The lack of such a facility can actually prevent some disabled people and their carers from being able to go out and visit a certain place. Having a Changing Places facility in Tamworth will remove that particular barrier and will hopefully enable everyone to come and enjoy our wonderful park and town.” Contact Michelle Eldred on 01827 709572, or email Michelle-Eldred@tamworth.gov.uk. Or Linda Ram on 01827 709571, mobile 07791 782802, or email Linda-ram@tamworth.gov.uk Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/TamworthCouncil, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TamworthBoroughCouncil/ or visit our website www.tamworth.gov.uk/news Tamworth Borough Council, Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Staffordshire B79 7BZ
Friendship & dating agency for adults with learning disabilities launched
First friendship and dating agency for adults with learning disabilities and autism launches at event in Bristol Bristol’s first friendship and dating agency for adults with learning disabilities and autism launches this month with a party. The new Luv2meetU service, which is run by national learning disabilities charity Hft, will celebrate its launch with music, food and games at Bristol’s Za Za Bar on the ground floor of Za Za Bazaar on Monday 23 September. There will also be information about the service available for potential members and their families, as well as carers, support workers and service providers. The new service will be focused on supporting people with learning disabilities and their families to develop and sustain relationships, improve health and wellbeing, and extend their social networks. It has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Simon Clarke, Project Development Worker at Hft, said that the team plans on running ten to twelve events a month in the community, including trips to cafes, bars and the cinema, outdoor activities and gaming, and any other activities that members express an interest in. They will also be running singles events, chaperoning dates and running events for different age groups and people on the autistic spectrum. As Luv2meetU’s ninth branch, the new service extends from existing operations in the north of England. It is hoped that a further 80 – 100 individuals with learning disabilities will benefit from the service, which is open to people from Bristol and the surrounding areas. Simon Clarke says programmes like Luv2meetU are essential for the wellbeing of people with learning disabilities and autism. “We’re delighted to be able to extend Luv2meetU into this new area, which doesn’t have any other friendship and dating agencies of this kind,” he says. “We all have a right to make friends, go dating and maybe find love, and people with learning disabilities are no exception. We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of new members from Bristol, and offering them a new way to socialise, have fun and be themselves.” 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 250 to 300 people with services in areas including Bradford, Kirklees and Leeds, and has enabled dozens more to make friends and forge relationships. The launch event takes place from 4pm – 8pm on Monday 23 September at Za Za Bar on the ground floor of Za Za Bazaar, Harbourside. It is open to any adults with a learning disability or autism, as well as families, carers, support workers and service providers. To confirm your attendance, call Simon on 07825 218111.To find out more about Luv2meetU, visit www.luv2meetu.com or contact luv2meetU@hft.org.uk.