
Episode 107: Special Guest, Dr Claire Bates (Academic Researcher, Founder and Leader of Supported Loving)
From 21andsensory Podcast by Emily @21andsensory
April 30, 2026 · 58 min · Episode 107
About this episode
Dr Claire Bates discusses her work on relationships for adults with learning disabilities and the mission of Supported Loving.
On this month's 21andsensory Podcast I have Dr Claire Bates as my special guest. Claire is an active academic researcher holding honorary research associate positions at the both the University of Kent and Manchester Metropolitan University. Claire is the Founder and Leader of Supported Loving which she founded in 2017 (having joined Choice Support in 2002) as a response to her PhD exploring relationships for adults with learning disabilities. It 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. Through research, training, creating resources and accessible information on sex and relationships, Supported Loving wants to make love a reality for everyone. Supported Loving Website: https://www.choicesupport.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/supported-loving Choice Support Links: Website: https://www.choicesupport.org.uk Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chsupport/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choice_support/ More info and research from Dr Claire Bates…
People in this episode
Host: Emily
Guest: Dr Claire Bates
Topics covered
- relationships
- learning disabilities
- sexual freedom
- academic research
- support networks
Keywords
- learning disabilities
- sexual relationships
- academic research
- Supported Loving
- Dr Claire Bates
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Supported Loving, Choice Support, University of Kent, Manchester Metropolitan University
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