Do you have a Learning Disability?

Would you like to talk to and meet other people with a Learning Disability? Share your interests, find old friends and make new ones in your area and around the world?

Parents/Carers

Would you like to make friends and meet other parents/carers, share your stories, gain information, mentor others and discuss topics?

Volunteers/support workers

Have you ever supported/ worked with someone with a Learning Disability? Have you ever wondered what they are doing now? Want to find old friends and meet new ones?

Yes…. Read on!

What is Special Friends

Special Friends online is a social networking website for people with Learning Disabilities, their families, volunteers and carers. We aim to open the world of the internet to you, whilst communicating in a safe, fun and interactive way. Special Friends will enable you to keep in touch with old and  make new friends not only in your area but all around the world.  You can share experiences and inspirational stories and stay in touch with people who really understand you.  Parents/ carers we will provide you with the tool to contact other families that will enable you to take the unknown out of the challenges that you may meet on a daily basis. You can discuss your concerns and goals, share your  positive stories and rewards with others who would be grateful for your advice.

Is it Safe?

Safety is very important to us, that is why we have worked with solicitors and top web designers to bring you a site that  is not only easy but very safe to use..  Special Friends employ moderators to watch the site 24 hours per day who are experienced and trained to not only monitor the site but to also help with any online problems. An exit button will also be available and any members who use offence language or abuse the site will have their membership terminated immediately.
Other security procedures will be in place to offer maximum safety.

The idea for Special Friends Unite was conceived during 2007 by Martin Harris, founder of a national charity and businessman, who has spent many years working with people who have learning disabilities. He is a member of BILD - The British institute for People with Learning Disabilities and The Institute of Fundraising Managers.  For the past seven years Martin and his team have worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness via road shows, exhibitions and many other events around the UK, looking for those special heroes and also creating workshops that build both confidence and self esteem for the youngsters.

In 2007 Martin played a big part in raising much needed funds to send British athletes to the World Special Olympic Games held in Shanghai China. Martin was lucky enough to attend the event himself and following an incredible two weeks of watching the athletes train, prepare and then compete in their events Martin was struck by the sincere friendships that were forming all around him. It was during the closing ceremony that Martin noticed everyone having to say farewell to the people who had bonded and had become firm friends.  Martin then saw the need for an online community  and the idea of Special Friends Unite was born.  He was amazed that despite so many of the visitors and competitors having and using computers, there was not an online community where they could safely keep in touch with each other. Upon his return to the UK, Martin immediately began to plan the launch of Special Friends Unite in 2008, he put together a team to help him and took on the mammoth task of researching the technology to make the site happen with the main criteria being a site that was as safe and accessible as possible.

Within the first few weeks of research it became apparent that there was also a need for the parents and carers to keep in touch and share information, especially for those who have babies and infants with a learning disability to meet people having similar experiences and perhaps being united with support groups and people in their own area.  The Special Heroes page is just a sample of the inspiration and encouragement that people with learning disabilities have achieved

Martin called on the help and assistance of two web designers who have in depth IT knowledge.  He also called on the services of Logistic Software who since 2002, have worked with a wide range of blue chip organisations and small/medium enterprises delivering web sites, bespoke software and database solutions in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to clients such as British Airways, BMW, the NHS.

Martin also commissioned one of the foremost design agency's in South Wales, Lime Green Tangerine, who have strong marketing, branding and digital expertise, this along with the constant monitoring from a leading firm of solicitors, means that the website has been designed to provide a safe and secure environment for all its members.