Learning disability dating in the UK, kept simple and safe
A friendly place for adults with a learning disability to meet new people, make friends and maybe find love. Take it slowly, and bring someone you trust along for the ride.
Dating for adults with learning disabilities
Everyone deserves the chance to have a partner, go on dates and feel special. Having a learning disability does not change that.
Disability Dates is a dating site for disabled adults in the UK. You can make a profile, read about other people and send messages. You choose who you talk to. You can stop talking to anyone, at any time.
Some people call this special needs dating. We just call it dating, with a bit of extra care.
Learning disability dating sites in the UK
There are lots of dating websites. Some are kinder and safer than others.
Before you join one, check it does these things. Disability Dates does all of them.
- It is free to join, so you can try it first
- You can block anyone who upsets you
- You can report people to the team
- People can show they are real with a free ID check
- Nobody sees your address, your email or your real name
- Someone you trust can help you use it
How to get started
Make a profile
Write a few things about you. What you like doing. What makes you laugh. Ask someone you trust to help if you want.
Add a photo
Pick a clear, recent photo of your face. A friend or family member can help you choose.
Read and chat
Look at other people's profiles. Send a message to someone you like. Take your time.
Talk before you meet
Chat for a while first. Tell someone you trust before you agree to meet anyone.
What to put in your profile
Your profile tells people about you. Keep it short and friendly. Say if you want friends, a girlfriend or a boyfriend.
It is good to say what helps you. For example: “I like short messages” or “I read slowly, so I might take a while to reply.”
Good things to share
- What you like doing, like football, music or animals
- What makes you laugh
- If you want friends, love or both
- What helps you when you chat
Keep these private
- Your address or postcode
- Your phone number
- Where you work or go to college
- Your bank details and passwords
Six rules that keep you safe
- Never send money or gift cards to anyone, even if they say they love you
- Never tell anyone your passwords or your bank details
- Tell your family, carer or support worker before you meet someone
- Meet in a busy public place, in the daytime
- You can say no, or stop, at any time. You do not have to explain why
- If someone upsets you, block them and tell us
Good signs and warning signs
Most people are kind. But some people online are not who they say they are. These signs can help you tell.
Good signs
- They ask about you and listen
- They are happy to wait before you meet
- They are fine if you bring a friend
- They stop when you say no
Warning signs
- They ask for money or gift cards
- They ask for naked or sexy photos
- They tell you to keep them a secret
- They want to meet somewhere private
- They get cross when you say no
If you see a warning sign, stop chatting. Block them and tell someone you trust. You have not done anything wrong.
Dating website or dating agency?
Disability Dates is a dating website. You use it on a phone, tablet or computer. You read profiles, send messages and choose who to meet. Nobody from the website comes on your dates.
A dating agency for people with learning disabilities works in a different way. Staff get to know you first and help find someone for you. A member of staff may come along on your first date. Some agencies run discos and social clubs too.
You can use both. Your support worker or your local council may know what runs near you.
Helping someone you support to date
Wanting a relationship is normal, and so is worrying about someone you care for. The best support usually sits in between: helping with the practical side while leaving the choices to them.
Mencap has advice on relationships and staying safe online, written for people with a learning disability and the people around them.
- Help set up the profile and choose photos, then step back
- Talk through the safety rules together, more than once
- Agree that they will tell you before meeting anyone new
- Help plan the first meeting: where, when and how they get home
- Respect their privacy in conversations, unless they ask for help
Some people you could chat to
These are real members in the UK. Join for free to see more.
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ID verified nikki, 60
Coventry
i love the great outdoors enjoy exploring different places would love some company
Join to say hello -
ID verified Bebob, 51
Glasgow
I’m 51 years old, short, but regularly get told I look young for my age (the photos are a couple of years, and a few pounds out of date, but they are still me). I guess in some ways, I am still young at heart. I grew up in the 90s and have spent a lot of time in clubs and partying and that is no longer my thing. Looking for someone who wants to get to know me like I want to get to know them. I write; been working on a fantasy book for a couple of years. I like walks and the outdoors, pubs and restaurants, movies, art, theatre, sport, and being true to myself. Open to ideas and suggestions for things to do. I have bipolar disorder and have not been working for a year, so I can’t treat you in the style to which you might have become accustomed! But I’m honest, and romantic and looking for someone to cuddle. See you down the line.
Join to say hello -
ID verified Dizzigoth, 65
Stoke-on-trent
Basically, I'm a music-loving Elder Goth. Music is soooo important to me. I'm happiest at a live gig. I love to hop on a train with my little chariot & visit other cities or even countries (not managed this for quite a few years) I would love someone special in my life again but even a good music-loving friend would be great. I can't handle racism, intolerance of any kind. I need an intelligent man to get me to use my brain more than I currently do, my illnesses definitely don't help, I have rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, scolio/kyphosis, the worst pain is in my lower back where I have spinal stenosis & the bottom looks like a pile of Jenga after it's tumbled. My knees won't completely straighten either due to arthritis but I hide them with flowing goth skirts. I can still dance after a few glasses of anaesthetic. My pain relief is totally inadequate. I think that's enough for now?
Join to say hello -
ID verified Delbert007, 57
Ashford
I enjoy holidays, driving around the country, meeting people, eating out.chilling on the sofa with some good company and a great film and generally having a good time.
Join to say hello -
Happylady, 48
Chatham
I am friendly. I come from Slovakia. My English level is not very good, if you don't mind I would be great.
Join to say hello -
IntriguingCanary676, 38
Maidstone
I love animals, theatre, music and helping others.
Join to say hello -
Familyman, 57
Rubery
Playing with my twin boys and doing DIY and gardening on my house.
Join to say hello -
Shandra, 51
Cardiff
If you’re looking for a dynamic partner who can light up your world, look no further! I’m not just about deep conversations; I’m all for spontaneous adventures and discovering what life has to offer. I'm hard of hearing, but I promise, I listen with my heart. Let’s see where this journey takes us—are you in for the ride?
Join to say hello -
Racheal94, 32
Leigh-on-sea
What makes me happiest is spending time with my family and friends, having a good laugh and making people smile. I love comedy, especially Ricky Gervais and After Life, and I enjoy telling jokes and having a bit of banter. I also like going out for lunch, enjoying a nice cup of tea and spending quality time with people I care about. I’m happiest when I can be myself, have a laugh and enjoy the little things in life. I’d love to meet someone I can share laughs, good times and new experiences with.
Join to say hello -
Niknok, 37
Eastbourne
I’m a bit of a nerd, I like lord of The rings & the hobbit films. I enjoy long talks & meeting each other, being challenged intellectually. I love hanging out with my family & best friends. I love bantering each other.. being kind & sweet is always a good thing too
Join to say hello -
Jay847, 53
Cannock
Anything as I'm a glass half full kind of bloke what makes you happy
Join to say hello -
AuDHD_Proud, 28
York
Worship and prayer. Learning about something I am interested in. Forming connections with people that feel genuine and mutually respectful. Being in nature/hiking. Being with the people I love :)
Join to say hello - Join free to see more
Questions about learning disability dating
Are there dating sites for adults with learning disabilities in the UK?
Yes, this is one. Adults with a learning disability or a learning difficulty are welcome here from anywhere in the UK, and you can join for free.
Can my support worker or family help me?
Yes. They can help you write your profile, choose photos and plan where to meet. Your messages are yours, so you decide what to share with them.
Is it free?
Joining is free. You can make a profile, look at members and send a few messages each day for free. Paying for VIP gives you extra things, but you do not have to.
What if someone asks me for money?
Do not send it. Stop talking to them, block them, and tell someone you trust. Nobody who really likes you will ask you for money.
Is Disability Dates a dating agency?
No, it is a dating website. You choose who to talk to and who to meet. If you would like staff to find matches for you or come on a first date, look for a dating agency for people with learning disabilities near you.
Can I bring a friend or support worker on a date?
Yes, that is fine, especially for a first date. Just tell the person you are meeting, so they know who is coming.
Is this a special needs dating site?
Some people call it that. Disability Dates is a dating site for disabled adults, and that includes people with a learning disability or a learning difficulty.
Can I just make friends?
Yes. You can say in your profile that you are looking for friends, a partner, or both.
More from Disability Dates
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