June 2026 Cover Story
Join us at the next Learning to Date event!
This month’s cover features get2gether members and Ambassadors Natalie and Philip at last year’s Learning to Date event at the fantastic Leith Depot, a cool and accessible pub on Leith Walk!
Meeting new people and exploring dating can feel exciting, but also a little nerve-racking. That’s why Learning to Date is such an important part of our events programme. It gives members of the get2gether community the opportunity to practice their dating skills in a fun and relaxed space where they can take things at their own pace.
We are excited to be hosting the second Learning to Date event of 2026 in June. For this month’s cover story, we spoke to members who have already taken part to give you an idea of what to expect!
What is Learning to Date?
Learning to Date is a space where get2gether members can meet new people, build confidence, and explore dating. It is not a real date. Instead, the event gives people the chance to try things out, learn as they go, and get a feel for how dating works.
People come along for lots of different reasons. Some are new to dating, others want to build confidence and meet new people. The event is about trying things out, learning as you go, and taking things at your own pace.
During the practice dates, volunteers are there to help things run smoothly and offer a friendly face and advice. Lauren, a get2gether member who has volunteered at Learning to Date since the very beginning, says the event gives people an important social opportunity that many members of the community have never had before:
“Everybody deserves the opportunity to practice dating in a safe and supportive space. I’ve never heard of anything else like it before, and I think that’s incredible because there is such a need for it.” – Lauren, get2gether member and Learning to Date volunteer
What to expect and members experiences
The night is set up so people can take part in a way that suits them. In one room, there’s a speed dating-style setup with short one-to-one conversations. It’s a simple way to practice meeting people, and there are prompts on the tables if you need a bit of help getting started. In the other space, people can head into the bar area for a more informal group chat.
The bar area also gives members the chance to chat together about the experience. Some people go there before their practice dates to talk through nerves, share ideas, and think about what they might want to say. Others use it after their dates to reflect on how things went and share what they learned from the evening.
We have volunteers and staff in both spaces throughout the evening, supporting the flow of the event and being there if needed.
For many members, one of the biggest surprises is how quickly conversations start to feel natural. David, who attended previously, said he surprised himself with how easily he was able to keep conversations going throughout the night.
“It was great and interesting to practice and get the chance to meet the new volunteers. I was surprised at how well I was able to keep the flow of conversation! I usually cope better when I can prepare, but you can’t prepare because you don’t know who you’re going to be paired with…the fact if someone starts talking, and you just go with it and reply. I was so surprised by myself!” – David, get2gether member
For some people, coming along is about pushing through nerves and realising it’s not as scary as they thought it would be and is actually a lot of fun! Sophie shared that while she felt nervous at the start of the evening, she left feeling proud of herself.
“I was so nervous, but at the end I was proud of myself. My first date went really well… It was easier than I thought, and they gave me some good advice.” – Sophie, get2gether member
For others, the experience has had a lasting impact beyond the event itself. Elliot said Learning to Date helped them reflect on boundaries, confidence, and relationships.
“Learning to Date was absolutely awesome. I learned so much about myself and how to relate better to other people. I now do much better at defining my boundaries, and I know I am worthy of friendship.” – Elliot, get2gether member
Join us!
You can find all the details about the next Learning to Date event in your June 2026 Community Magazine, or email us at office@get2gether.org.uk to find out how to get involved. We can’t wait to see you there!
Not a member yet? Click HERE to fill out our membership application form, or email office@get2gether.org.uk for more information about joining the get2gether community!