Speed is of the essence at disabled dating night (From Southend Standard)

Speed is of the essence at disabled dating night

12:00pm Thursday 14th June 2012 in Echo News

THE WORLD of speed dating is being opened up to offer people with disabilities a new avenue to meet a partner.

Angela Walford, who is deaf, and her daughter Carly Mullholland, have started a lonely hearts service, exclusively for disabled people.

Angela, 44, is now in a happy relationship having met her partner, Paul Collins, at a local deaf and blind club last year.

Her daughter now wants to help others find happiness.

Carly, 20, said: “My mum is a carer working with disabled people and I go with her a lot to visit them. They are always saying how much they want to meet someone, and they are so worried they will never find anybody.

“I have grown up in that environment, so I do understand and I do know how they feel.

“There isn’t really anywhere for disabled people to go to find like-minded people, except maybe in their care centres, but even then it’s always just the same people.”

In speed dating, singles get to spend four minutes getting to know each other before a bell sounds and they move on to the next person.

If any of the couples hit it off and want longer to chat, there is time at the end of the session.

Monkey Bizzness Adventure Play, in Eldon Way, Hockley, will be transformed into a wheelchair-friendly venue for the special occasion.

Carly, who works at the play centre, added: “It’s amazing how many people are interested.

“I hope that by doing this they can find someone and be happy. People with any disability and whatever age can come along, and, if it’s successful, we’re hoping to do something every few months.”

The event is on Wednesday, July 11, from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.

Call 01702 202066.