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In this special Carers Week episode of Dates-n-Mates Direct, we shine a spotlight on unpaid carers and the vital role they play in our communities. This year's Carers Week theme, Carers Week 2026, focuses on creating places where unpaid carers are recognised, valued, supported and included. To explore this important topic, we are joined by Sharlene Ramage, who shares her knowledge, experience and insights into the challenges carers face and how we can all help build more carer-friendly communities. Whether you are an unpaid carer yourself, know someone who is, or simply want to learn more about the support available, this is a conversation not to be missed. Host: Danny McLeanGuest: Sharlene RamageProduced by: Danny McLeanEdited by: Heather Simpson 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation as we explore how we can all play a part in building more carer-friendly communities.

In this inspiring episode, we hear from Stephen Lauder — the winner of Dates-n-Mates We’ve Got Talent 2025. Stephen shares what it was really like to take part in a talent show, what motivated him to take the stage, and how it felt to win in front of friends, members, and supporters. 🎤 Expect real talk, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of heart as Stephen reminds us all that confidence, passion, and being yourself are what truly shine. Host: Andrew McCartney & John Paul Moffat Special Guest: Stephen Lauder Produced by: Andrew McCartney Edited by: Heather Simpson Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday

This episode, podcast host Andrew is joined by last years We've Got Talent winner - Tony Young! Andrew and Tony talk about Tony's experience taking part in We've Got Talent, as well as his life and work with Dates-n-Mates since! We'll also announce this years contestants! Host: Andrew McCartney Produced by: Andrew McCartney Edited by: Heather Simpson

In this episode, John Paul and Andrew share some important news about the future structure of Dates-n-Mates as we make some big changes to the teams and the organisation. “Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license”

Dates-n-Mates Falkirk Director, John, is joined by Joanne and Vicky from the Forth Valley NHS Learning Disability Team to discuss the new Making Choices and Keeping Safe guidance. This guidance is for people supporting someone with a learning disability and shares information around relationships and sexual health. This is a topic we are very passionate about in the work we do.

Dates-n-Mates National Director, John Paul Moffat, shares a summary of our first annual report as an independent charity. You can read our report on our website, including an easy read version at www.datesnmates.org.uk

This episode of Dates-n-Mates Direct, we celebrate International Happiness at Work week. Our Directors, John, Katrina, Andrew and Kirsty share what makes them happy at work. Happiness at work is so important, we hope this episode helps you think about the positive aspects of your job too! Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday License: ⁠https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode of Dates-n-Mates Direct... Katrina shares her quick top tips on what a scam is, how to spot a scam and what to do if you think you have been scammed. Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode our Directors introduce you to the theme of Scottish Learning Disability Week 2024: Digital Inclusion... what does digital inclusion mean? Why are some people with a learning disability digitally excluded? and how can you get involved in the week? Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode of Dates-n-Mates Direct, Andrew explains the relationships section of the LDAN* Bill currently under consideration by the Scottish Government. The Learning Disability, Autism, and Neurodiversity bill. The current consultation for this bill is open until the 21st of April. Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode of Dates-n-Mates Direct, Falkirk Director John Clarke, interviews Sarah and Charlie from SCLD all about human rights. They discuss what human rights are, who they are for, why they are important and how you can find out more about your human rights. This episode is being released around Human Rights Day 2023 to encourage more people to find out about their human rights and how they can champion them in their own lives. Thank you to Sarah and Charlie for joining John and sharing all your wisdom! Dates-n-Mates: https://datesnmates.org.uk/ SCLD: The Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities - SCLD

The 1st-7th of May 2023, is Learning Disability Week in Scotland, with the theme of leadership #LeadtoChange. Dates-n-Mates are led by a team of Directors who are four fantastic colleagues with lived experience of a learning disability themselves. Andrew, John, John Paul and Sarah have all completed the SCLD 'Future Leaders' course. They discuss how this course has improved their leadership skills in their roles as Dates-n-Mates Directors. Dates-n-Mates are proud to be led by people with a learning disability who help us shape the charity and offer the best opportunities for our members, making valuable change in the community.

In this episode you will here from Dates-n-Mates Directors Sarah Paterson and Andrew McCartney. They discuss completing Our Futures Leaders course, delivered by Inspiring Scotland and Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities. We hear what learning they took from it and how they are putting it into practice in their roles at Dates-n-Mates

Hear about what it's like to be part of the Dates-n-Mates team and listen to colleagues talk about the events.

Do you find the Christmas period stressful? In this episode, Dates-n-Mates Aberdeen Director, Sarah, shares her tips and experiences on reducing stress and overwhelm in the lead up to Christmas.  Welcome to Episode 8 of Dates-n-Mates Direct – a new podcast filled with friendly conversations brought to you by dates-n-mates Directors and members. Dates-n-Mates is a Scottish charity project tackling social isolation and supporting love and friendship for adults with learning disabilities. This podcast will discuss a variety of topics, sharing direct experiences and opinions from people with learning disabilities in Scotland. Find out more about the dates-n-mates project on our Facebook Page and website Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license