Living It Up

Living It Up is a vibrant, user-led charity based in Bedfordshire dedicated to providing life-changing social, creative, and educational opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

Founded in 2009—originally inspired by Mencap's national "Stay Up Late" campaign—the organization challenges social isolation and smashes barriers. They ensure that having a thriving social life, learning new skills, and enjoying community nightlife are opportunities open to everyone.

Driven by the belief that individuals should have total agency over their lives, Living It Up is proudly user-led, meaning their members sit on advisory committees and actively make the decisions on how the charity's projects are run.

The Core Services They Deliver

Living It Up translates our mission into action through five main projects:

• The Living It Up Club Nights: Throwing the best parties in town! They host massive, accessible, bi-monthly club nights in Bedford, providing a safe, authentic nightlife environment where hundreds of members can dance, socialize, and meet friends.

• The Performing Arts Centre: A four-day a week daytime educational hub. Experts teach sessions in musical instruments, singing, drama, dance, songwriting, podcasting, and film editing. It is also home to the Living It Up Bands and their own live internet radio station

• Gig Buddies Bedford: Part of a worldwide franchise, this project pairs adults with learning disabilities or autism with trained, DBS-checked volunteers who share the same taste in music or culture. Together, they head out to live gigs, sporting events, concerts, or movies once a month  -whatever your gig may be.

• Gr8 Mates: A dedicated friendship and dating service holding regular social meetups to help members form meaningful relationships and find friends or partners.

• The Arty Giraffe: A creative online and physical shop showcasing and selling unique arts, crafts, and clothing made directly by the charity’s learners

  In Short: Why It Matters

  
  

   

Without spaces like Living It Up, many adults with disabilities face severe social isolation once they leave full-time education. Living It Up creates a community where individuals don't just get supported—they get to perform, DJ, socialize, find love, stay active, and truly live it