What is Open Hearts Social?

Open Hearts Social dating events are for young adults living with intellectual and cognitive disability (aged 20-30). Many people in this community are eager to form meaningful romantic connections but can face challenges finding like-minded peers or taking the first step in expressing interest.

 

These events help you to practice some dating (or pre-dating) skills, socialise, and meet people who you might want to go on a date with in the future.

 

Open Hearts Social events provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where young adults can build social and relationship skills, gain confidence, and have the opportunity to connect with someone special.

When?

The first dating event is on Thursday 26 March

This event runs from 6.30 to 8.30pm and is at the Crows Nest Community Centre. The venue is about three minutes’ walk from the Metro station and about ten minutes’ walk from St Leonards Station.

 

We tell you more below about the event, who can come, the registration process, and how to book a ticket.

 

Tickets

Tickets are $95 and registration is essential.

The event is pre-sale only and there will not be tickets available on the door. Numbers are limited to keep the event a comfortable size.

 

There is a registration process and we will wait to receive your registration form before offering a ticket link, so you don't need to pay anything yet.

Register for the event by emailing us here

atopenhearts@gmail.com

What happens at an Open Hearts Social event?

Before the event:

Fill in the Registration form to tell us a bit about you, some of your interests and preferences, and what you are hoping for by coming along. This helps us to plan ‘who might talk to who’ in the dating part of the event.

 

At the beginning of the event: 

We start at 6.30pm and meet as a big group first

●     the facilitators and people on the team will introduce themselves

●     we will describe what happens during the event

●     you all can briefly introduce yourselves to the bigger group (if you want to)

●     we’ll discuss some agreements to help make the night fun and respectful

●     we’ll answer any questions

This event is for you all, so we want it to feel safe enough for each person: for you to choose what feels right for you, and for everyone to help create a respectful and fun night together.

 

During the dating part of the event:

At about 7pm or soon after, we start the ‘dating’ part and you will get to have several short conversations - with one person at a time. During this dating part, we all stay in one big room, with people moving table to table, and we’ll help with where to go and when!

 

This is how it works:

  • we will give you your list of people to talk to before we start

  • your list is based on what you and others have told us on the registration forms

  • you talk to the first person for a short time (about 7 minutes)

  • we’ll give you some questions or topics that might help start the talking

  • we’ll let you know when its time to stop, thank each other, and move on

  • you then meet the next person on your list

  • then you talk to the next person for 7 minutes

  • this goes on until you have met several different people for short talks

  • the team will be available to help out if you have questions, or want to pause, or stop

  • in between meeting each person, you can note down which of the people you met you might want to contact after the event

  • they also have to agree: so if you are both interested to meet again, then you will get each other’s contact details after the event

 

Coming to the end of the event:

  • at about 7.45 pm we will meet as a big group and talk about what to do (and not do) next: such as how to contact someone, ideas about dating or meeting up online or in person, how to stay safe, and we’ll answer any questions you have!

  • we will give you a “Mini dating guide for fun and safe dating”

  • there will be time for socialising before we close at 8.30pm

 

Who are the organisers?

We are a team of allied health professionals noticing the lack of opportunities for young people with ID in Sydney to meet others interested in dating.

 

Susanna Goodrich - Psychotherapist, parent of young adult who has Down Syndrome

Sarah Jacek - Clinical Neuropsychologist, runs the PEERS Program

Stella Topaz - Consent education, Wheel of Consent® facilitator

 

We bring skills in healthy relating, emotional regulation and communication,

and choice, boundaries and consent in dating.

 

 

Bringing a support person and the role of parents

You can come on your own, or if you want to, you are welcome to bring one support person, who can come free of charge. We’ll ask you for their name when you book.

 

For this event, your support person should not be your parent.  Why? Our aim is to create an adult social environment, similar to other dating events, so that you can explore aspects of dating without parents present.

 

Parents are welcome to drop you off and pick you up, but they will not be able to stay in the room during the event.

Interested?

Email atopenhearts@gmail.com to let us know you are interested to attend and we will send you a Registration form, if you don't already have one!

About the Registration Form

The questions on the form are to find out a bit about you, and hear any questions you may have for us (Susanna, Sarah and Stella, the organisers). It helps us to hear what you and other people are wanting, so we plan well for the event.

 

Some things we consider is the mix of people across age, gender, dating preferences, interests, and what people hope for in coming along. It also help us make a list of ‘who will meet who’ in the dating part. 

 

If we are unsure if the event is a good fit for you, or it is full already, we’ll get in touch. We will also keep a waiting list for future events. This is our first one and there will be more!

 

More about us: the organisers

Susanna Goodrich Psychotherapist, PACFA Reg. Clinical; SEP (Grad.Dip Gestalt Therapy; Master Gestalt Therapy) is a supervisor, educator and clinician working in private practice in Crows Nest. Susanna has over 25 years clinical experience, including working with neurodivergent adults. Susanna is also the proud parent of a young man with Down Syndrome and understands the challenges and complexity of dating and relationships for people with ID and their families.

 

Sarah Jacek Clinical Neuropsychologist (BA [Hons], MA [Clinical Neuropsychology], MAPS CCN AADPA) is a clinician working in private practice in Ultimo. Sarah has 18 years of clinical experience and currently works in private practice working with neurodivergent adults. She also facilitates a PEERS program, supporting young people develop social competence.

 

Stella Topaz Registered Nurse (retired), MA Health Policy, Certified facilitator and trainer in the Wheel of Consent®; she sees clients in person and online, co-works with other practitioners, holds workshops, and speaks at events. Stella was a registered nurse for 40 years, in women’s health, youth health & housing, and sexual health & wellbeing, and is now a solo practitioner in embodied consent and consent education.

 

 Feel free to share about Open Hearts Social with others who might be interested!