Celebrating the highlights of 2026!

As we near the end of 2026, we’re looking back on another busy year for the get2gether community. From members helping shape the future of get2gether at our Steering Group Away Day, to exploring dating and relationships through our Learning to Date project, and taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise money for get2gether, there’s been a lot happening across the community. For our December cover story we are looking back on just a few of the highlights that have made 2026 such an amazing year!

picture from 2026 Steering group away day of 2 tables at the thistle foundation with 8 people around each table. There are posters and post it notes on teh table and members are writing on notes together around the table.

Steering Group Away Day

On Thursday 9th July, get2gether members, Trustees and staff came together, both online and in person, for our 2026 Steering Group Away Day. It was a chance to share ideas, discuss what makes get2gether so important and help shape our priorities for the future.

We heard how much members value the friendships they have made at get2gether, as well as having a safe and accessible space where everyone can be themselves and connect with others.

On the day, we looked at what members would like to see more of through a series of ‘Would You Rather?’ questions, covering everything from social events and courses to dating and relationships. But what have we done with all this feedback?…

title 'would you rather' with a pie chart that says '21% said events led by project partners vs 79% said member-led events. then at the bottomg beside a tick it says : over the past 6 months 70% of our events have been members led

Over the past six months since our Steering Group Away Day, we’ve been putting members’ ideas into action! We’ve hosted more member-led events, started weekly Facebook LIVE sessions with Natalie and guests, and organised a Bring a Friend event.

Graphic with the text :You said... it’s easier to join when you are encouraged by a friend. So we are hosting a ‘Bring a Friend’ event in October (Thursday 22nd)

get2gether is a member-led organisation and it’s great to see members’ ideas helping shape the direction of the organisation. We’re looking forward to continuing to take the findings from our Steering Group and the 2026 Away Day and using that guide where we go as an organisation.

You said...you would like to have ‘learning to date’ events online as well as in person so we are... hosting our first ‘learning to date’ online event in October (Wednesday 21st)

Learning to Date Project

The development of our Learning to Date project has been another huge highlight of 2026! Our Learning to Date events give members the chance to practice their dating skills, meet new people and try out conversations in a safe and non-judgemental space. This year, we’ve been lucky to have students from Edinburgh Napier University join us as Conversation Catalysts. along with the support from a Community Grant from Napier University, the students have volunteered their time to chat with members and help them practise starting conversations, getting to know someone new and keeping the conversation flowing. It’s a great opportunity to meet people they might not otherwise have the chance to chat with, and to build confidence with dating. We can’t wait to see what ways the Learning to Date project continues to develop and grow in 2027.

“It was great and interesting to practice, and get the chance to meet the new volunteers. I’m surprised at how I was able to keep the flow of conversation… I was so surprised by myself”- David, get2gether member

Ambassador Natalie stands on the stage with a microphone out of shot of the camera while people sit in chairs or stands around the room watching them do the opening speach for Learning to Date.

2026 Kiltwalk for get2gether

photo is at finish line of the 2026 Kilwalk, 6 get2gether medals pose with their kiltwalk medals and are smiling at the camera, you can see the finish line banner of the kiltwalk in the background.

2026 Kiltwalk for get2gether

On Sunday 13th September, 40 self determined members, staff members and supporters took part in the 4.5-mile Wee Wander to raise money for get2gether. It was our third year taking part, and together we raised an incredible £5,410 for get2gether!

At get2gether, we believe in the value and importance of self-determination: having the choice and opportunity to make things happen in your own life. The Kiltwalk was a brilliant example of this in action. Members chose to take on the challenge, support their community and help make sure other adults with disabilities have the same opportunities to meet people, make friends and build relationships. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped make it happen!

Looking ahead to 2027!

From sharing ideas and shaping the future of get2gether, to building confidence through Learning to Date and taking on the Kiltwalk together, 2026 has been full of opportunities for members to make things happen. We’re proud of everything our community has achieved this year and excited about what’s still to come.

We’ll be kicking off the new year by looking ahead to what 2027 might have in store for get2gether! Join us for our 2027 Predictions event in January, where we’ll share our hopes, ideas and predictions for the future of our community. Details for this event and others will be in the January Community Magazine.

Here’s to another year of love and friendship!