I want to be able to meet people as a Disabled person

OliverB

Hi,

I’m getting rather frustrated as it’s very difficult to meet people, my disability gets in the way of this. I don’t know what websites online to go too. Dating apps are all rubbish and don’t work. Nobody seems to know, how disabled people like myself can meet people, it’s very frustrating. I’m single and alone and don’t have many friends, they only seem to be  interested when it suits them. I’m getting quite tired of it now. Please someone must know how to help 🙂, I’m interested in getting to know people via video calls. Are there WhatsApp groups i could join etc.
Thanks 🙂

glowstick

I don't know about any disabled-specific sites, but I've had a good time using Bumble! I've matched with quite a few other disabled people on there and have generally had a good time with it, but I am quite new to the dating scene in general.

Albus_Scope

Hey @OliverB, thanks for sharing with us, I always appreciate sharing how we're feeling, as we're all here to swap our experiences.

Have you looked into any hobby groups online? I've made some great friends from getting involved in various wargaming groups and such, I often chat to them on Discord in video calls.  There's also disability specific dating apps out there, I'll try and find some more information for you in a bit if you'd like?  

Albus_Scope

I'm finding Discord is great for online communities with active members.  But you need to find the groups online first.  Many youtubers and FB groups have Discords linked to them, so that's always a good place to start?

As for Bumble, it of course has it's bad points and I urge everyone to be super careful with dating apps, but they do have the 'BFF' section, which is specifically for making friends. Just please be on the look out for scammers.

Ian1951

Hi Everyone
I live in the North East of Scotland and would love to meet people, any ideas? I don't want to use dating sites and things like that. I'm 72 and can't be doing with all the hassle of such places. Any ideas would be gratefully received. 
Thanks.

Jimm_Scope

Hey @Ian1951, I'm not your age demographic but I decided  to look into this as I was curious. I've seen some suggestions, I remember you saying you found it difficult to get around. While it might be difficult at first, are there any fitness clubs with sessions dedicated to helping seniors? It's possible something like that could have a two fold effect of helping you get around more and meeting people.

Also, the NHS can sometimes cover these with a GP referral. I know a great uncle of mine got a gym/club membership on the NHS to help him get healthier when he was in his 60s.

My partner also felt very shut-in during lockdown, but found gardening got her out much more while not requiring much walking around. I know that might not be possible if you don't have gardening space or an available allotment, but there are often gardening clubs that have community gardens too. You can meet people at these and get out!

Also, I remember an earlier comment from you about you bursting into tears when it comes to talking about your partner. It's okay to cry. It's not pathetic at all. I know society has often this expectation that men shouldn't cry, but it's actually okay to cry. It's good to cry when you are sad. It's much better than suppressing and bottling it up. I don't think you're pathetic at all, in fact I think it was brave for you to admit that, and I think more highly of you for it.

I hope you're doing okay today Ian. As ever, we're here for you.

Ian1951

Hi
Thanks for your reply and advice. I have a medical problem that limits my ability to walk more than a few yards  at a time, and that's on a good day. As for gardening, I used to love it and my wife and I were very proud of our garden. Not only did I enjoy it, but my wife used to love sitting in the back garden feeding the birds etc; which became quite tame and would often eat from her hand. However, my health faded and I fell over too often doing it, so had to give up. It's frustrating because people see me and say 'you don't look your age and I hope I'm as fit as you when I get to your age. However, sometimes the book cover is better than the contents, as is the case with myself. Then add to that I live in the North  East of Scotland, and if I want milk it's a seven mile round trip!
I know this all sounds like excuses, but they're not, it's how it is. Thanks also for your comment about me crying etc. I've never been one for that sort of thing and not only is it embarrassing but I also feel a complete fool.
Take care
Ian  

Strawberry1

In my view disabled people are far nicer in temperament than people who are not disabled. 

WhatThe

Thanks also for your comment about me crying etc. I've never been one for that sort of thing and not only is it embarrassing but I also feel a complete fool.
Take care
Ian  

   no no no crying is a healthy release of pain  

I hope you can still enjoy the garden and birds on your good days