LIVING IT UP

Living It Up (registered charity 1199155): Empowering people with learning disabilities and/or autism to reach their full potential through events, social projects and education in the performing and creative arts

Living It Up is a user-led charity providing social, educational and creative opportunities to adults with learning disabilities and/or autism in and around Bedfordshire. Living It Up was initially set up to promote Mencap’s ‘Stay Up Late’ national campaign. This campaign was to promote the rights of people with a learning disability to stay up late and have fun. 

The charity’s mission is to reduce social isolation, promote social inclusion and enhance life opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism by providing spaces and services through which members can build skills, make friends, and participate confidently in the community.

What Living It Up Does

Living It Up current has 5 services, including:

  • Events: Bi-monthly club nights where members can enjoy music, dancing, and social time in a supported setting.

  • Performing Arts Centre: Daytime sessions in creative arts — music, drama, dance, podcasting, film editing and more — helping participants explore and develop artistic talents.

  • Gig Buddies: A befriending scheme pairing members with trained volunteers who accompany them to social outings, concerts or events. We also have a matched pair who regularly run at Runfest.

  • Gr8 Mates: A friendship and dating service, hosting events that support adults with learning disabilities/autism to make connections and explore relationships.

  • Accessible community centre: The charity runs a fully wheelchair accessible community space to host events, sessions, and gatherings.

We are proud to be a user-led organisation that listens to the voices of people who use our services. We have a Trustee who uses our services, and all of our services have committees and focus groups formed of people with learning disabilities and/or autism; these groups are integral to shaping the existing organisation and future services.

Why It Matters For many adults with learning disabilities or autism, opportunities for a safe, fulfilling social life can be scarce. Living It Up addresses this by combining creativity, social access and peer support. By doing so, it helps members to:

  • form friendships and reduce isolation;

  • develop new skills and creative expression;

  • enjoy access to nightlife and cultural life in an inclusive way;

  • gain confidence in social settings.

In short - it’s about living life to the fullest!

Contact - events@lovelivingitup.org

Living it up website