Love was in the air at Love4Life’s Valentine’s ball
Members of Love4Life, FitzRoy’s friendship and dating project for people with learning disabilities and autism, got together to celebrate love at their Valentine’s ball. Hayley Ostler, Love4Life Coordinator told us all about the event.
It really felt like love was in the air at our Valentine’s ball! It was such a wonderful event. We had food, dancing, a disco, and a photo booth which was in use all night long by over 50 members!
For many of our members it’s one of the biggest nights of the year. Without Love4Life, Valentine’s Day can be a very lonely and isolating time, as people may become very aware of being single or on their own. However, there was a feeling of love in the room at the ball, as couples and friends danced and joined in with each other. It was a brilliant evening, and there was a real feeling of togetherness in the room.â
We asked Love4Life members what they thought of the Valentine’s Ball
The Valentine’s ball was fab! It is so great to see other couples like us having fun socialising with each other. It’s lovely to see everyone being involved in having food, dancing, chatting and sharing things. I loved being able to request music and it was really nice to see people relaxing enjoying themselves. It was at a Halloween disco with these people where I met my husband!
Christina
The Valentine’s ball was amazing both as an event and as with all events – an outstanding reflection of Love4Life. We had food that was the same as quality as you would get from professional caterers, a great DJ, selfie mirror.
But more importantly the truly outstanding volunteers that attended the events, there wouldn’t have been a Valentine’s ball or other events if it wasn’t for the team of dedicated volunteers Love4Life is so lucky to have. And of course Hayley who is quite simply the heart and soul of Love4Life, I honestly don’t think I could be a member it wasn’t for Hayley.
Alex
The Valentine’s ball was an amazing event for couples and friends to meet up and socialise. Hayley did a great job by using her time and effort to put it all together.
What is truly wonderful to see is disabled people and people in wheelchairs all having a good time dancing with their support workers and meeting up with other people making new friends. Love4Life is all about making everything possible for disabled people. It  is hard for people who have a disability to make friends, find love, and gain confidence. Love4Life is great and the only place for friendship and love. It builds confidence going out with friends to events. It also gives people hope and a meaning in life.
Joe
I am still fairly new to Love4Life and although I’ve only attended three events so far I have really enjoyed each and every one, one in particular was the Valentines Ball. It was well put together with great music, brill DJ, glorious food, and the photo booth was an excellent feature. The company of a particular Love4Life young lady member added to the fun of the night.