We honestly couldn’t do what we do here at dates-n-mates without the help and support of our wonderful volunteers. They give up their time to help us support love and friendship for adults with learning disabilities. Thank you to you all – from admin volunteers to event supporters, fundraisers and more!
Also, our member volunteers are a very important part of dates-n-mates, from selling raffle tickets at big events, promoting the project or helping as Friendly Faces to help new members feel welcome. Our member volunteers are fantastic!
A massive thank you to everyone who helps out at dates-n-mates – we absolutely couldn’t do this without you!
]]>In the newsletter you can find:
Click Here to view our latest e-newsletter (via Mailchimp)
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]]>Contents include:
Click here to view our April / May 2020 edition now (via Mailchimp)
Click here to sign up and receive future e-newsletters by email (via Mailchimp)
]]>However, it will take a lot more than the Coronavirus to keep the dates-n-mates team down, so we are putting together a programme of “virtual” events to keep everyone connected, entertained and their spirits up!
All branch Facebook pages and groups are filled daily with fun activities, positive thoughts, chatty posts and more! We will also hold regular national virtual events on Zoom (a video call website) hosted by one of 4 staff members who are taking the lead on this (Louise, Janie, Stacey and John Paul). Information for joining the virtual events are shared in the dates-n-mates Facebook groups! These events are for all members from any branch and others in the learning disability community.
We understand many of our members do not use the internet, so we are also regularly making phone calls to some of them to stay in touch too. Our members are always our first priority and we are ensuring we adapt to this situation to still provide members with what we can!
If you would like more information on our virtual events please contact [email protected]
Dates-n-mates Falkirk Facebook Group click here
This includes our Gala Awards Dinner, planned for Thursday 19th March and Club LATE on Thursday 26th March.
The postponement applies to our branches in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Renfrewshire and Falkirk.
This action is in response to the current public health crisis and after taking direction from Health Protection Scotland. We believe that many of our members would be putting themselves or their loved ones at unnecessary risk by attending our social events. And as the Coronavirus continues to spread, our top concern is to make sure that our members, staff and volunteers are safe and remain well.
We hope that it won’t be long until our events programme is running again but at the moment we cannot say when this will be.
In the meantime, we urge all members to continue to follow the NHS guidance on how to avoid catching and spreading the virus.
We are now in the process of contacting our event attendees and our members and sincerely apologise to you all for the disappointment and frustration that this difficult decision will undoubtedly cause.
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We could win a £10,000 cash prize, a fabulous National Lottery Awards trophy and attend a star-studded glitzy awards ceremony to be broadcast on BBC One in November.
Dates-n-mates is in the running for Best Community and Charity Project for its work providing opportunities for members to meet new people, try new things and develop their social skills, confidence and independence.
John Paul Moffat, dates-n-mates’ National Director, says: “Our members are so proud and excited that dates-n-mates have reached the finals of the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards.
“The funding we have received from the National Lottery has allowed dates-n-mates to offer people the chance to get out and about, make friends and find love – and this absolutely transforms lives.
“It would mean so much to our members and their families for us to win this award!”
To reach the finals dates-n-mates beat off stiff competition from more than 700 organisations to reach the public voting stage in this year’s Awards. Now we are in the final 10 – and your vote could help us win.
To vote, please click here.
You can also vote on Twitter by tweeting #NLAdatesnmates #NLAs or by retweeting our tweet about the Awards.
]]>This edition has news and event highlights from the last few months. The newsletter covers dates-n-mates Falkirk as well as dates-n-mates in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Renfrewshire.
Please click here to view / download a copy (PDF)
]]>Celebrate the festive season with us at Falkirk Stadium on Thursday 20th December. We’ll be dancing the night away to our fabulous DJ, as well as enjoying some nibbles from the buffet. And maybe you’ll be lucky in our Christmas Raffle!
The party is free to attend. It is also a great chance to meet some of the dates-n-mates Directors and members and to see what dates-n-mates is all about.
You can either come along on your own or bring a friend – this event is open to non-members and members alike.
To book your place(s) please just give us a ring on 0141 427 2957 or email [email protected]
See you at the party!
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