Make contact with experienced people

Make contact with people who are experienced at mixed abilities socialising e.g. inclusive theatre and dance groups; SEN teachers and assistants in schools; people with learning disabilities who work or volunteer in your community; those who work as personal assistants. You can learn a lot from watching those who are already confident at mixing

Look for places

Look for places potentially attended by both people with and without learning disabilities e.g. arts or other community groups, places of worship. Is there good mixing between people of all abilities? If not, what could you do to encourage it?

Find some friends

Find some friends – with and without learning disabilities – and talk about what you would like to do socially together, e.g. bowling, arts and crafts, cooking, keep fit, martial arts. Get everyone involved in the planning – do it with not for each other

Start a regular activity

If you’d like to start a regular activity, how about finding a local café or other small venue where you can meet. If you’re visible to passers-by you might find others joining you – and in the meantime you’re showing what inclusion looks like