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

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

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

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

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: