Supported Loving is a national network that promotes best practice with the goal of getting people with learning disabilities and autistic people the support they need, to enjoy the same sexual and romantic freedoms as everyone else. It was started by Dr Claire Bates, who’s research found that relationships were important to people, but that they often relied on staff support to begin and maintain these relationships.

Founded by Claire in 2017, Supported Loving has been supporting the rights of people with learning disabilities and autistic people and working to identify the barriers they face in having intimate relationships.

Through research, training, creating resources and accessible information on sex and relationships, Supported Loving wants to make love a reality for everyone.