Member & Director Stories – dates-n-mates Aberdeen

Director Tips: how to cope during the COVID-19 crisis

Hello, it is Sarah here. Hope everyone is keeping well. I know this is a very difficult time for us and it is a very chaotic time, especially when it’s affecting our mental health. So I am here to give you my top 5 tips that will hopefully help reduce anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tips have been very useful for me whilst I was furloughed and at home, so I hope these helpful tips will also be useful for you as well.

Member Interview: Richard

We asked dates-n-mates Aberdeen member, Richard, a few quick questions to share his thoughts on lockdown life.

Sarah’s Autism Awareness Interview

The 2nd of April is Autism Awareness Day 2020 so dates-n-mates Aberdeen Director, Sarah is chatting with us about her thoughts on her own Autism.

Director Top Tips: Sensory Favourites to reduce stress and anxiety

dates-n-mates Aberdeen Director Sarah, has now hosted two anti-stress sensory workshops for our members.

Member Stories: Chris and Liz’s dates-n-mates experiences

Good friend’s Liz and Chris are long-standing members of dates-n-mates Aberdeen. They have been members of the project since only a few months after the Aberdeen branch launched in 2015. Liz actually encouraged Chris to join!

Learning Disability and Autism Leader 2019!

Launched in 2018, by Dimensions UK, the Leaders’ List is the UK’s first national list celebrating achievements of people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Director Stories: Challenges & Achievements

Welcome back to part two of the Director stories, don’t forget to check out part one too!

Director Stories: Sarah’s tasks as Director

Sarah is a director at dates-n-mates Aberdeen. One of the role’s of the Director is an ambassador for the members, as they create a link between them and the other staff making sure everything is inclusive. The Directors also get involved in a variety of tasks to help the project run smoothly.

Autism Awareness Day: Sarah’s Story

I was diagnosed when I was 3 years old when my grandma who worked with children with special needs at the time, noticed I was showing signs. My mum and dad saw the health visitor & the doctor referred me for an assessment at the Raeden Centre, where I got diagnosed very quickly. I also had echolalia which is repetition of speech. I would only use single words. I didn’t talk properly until I was 6 years old, when I started school.

Member Article

Hi, I am Liz, I have been going to dates-n-mates since 2015. I have really enjoyed all the activities provided by dates-n-mates. I feel it has improved my confidence in going to events in Aberdeen, also being a friendly face and meeting new people.