FAST FRIENDS

SMH Fast Friends initiative was developed in 2018 to create more opportunities for adults in St Michael’s House to socialise and meet new people in a structured by fun way. As the initiative grew more popular and several successful friendships were formed and reignited, the Fast Friends committee opened it out to include other disability services in the greater Dublin area. Today, Fast Friends has developed into a hugely successful platform facilitating opportunities for adults with disabilities to socialise with their peers and create meaningful relationships.

During Covid-19, Fast Friends came to a sudden halt and was greatly missed by everyone who attended these much-anticipated events. In 2022, as Government restrictions lifted the committee worked tirelessly to re-establish Fast Friends for everyone and were delighted to see the return of old, and new, faces wishing to reignite their old relationships and excited to meet new people and forge new friendships.

Fast Friends highly anticipated events are always a resounding success. Events include Valentines parties, speed-dating events, Summer Luau’s, St Patrick’s Day events, Christmas parties and the everpopular Halloween parties.

Joe and Geraldine

Joe and Geraldine had known each other for a long time as they were both members at the same bowling club and choir. At one of the very first Fast Friends events, Joe and Geraldine re-connected and started dating. One year later, at the Fast Friends Valentines party, Joe got down on one knee and proposed to Geraldine and she said “Yes!”. The crowd cheered them on as they danced to their song, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis. They still attend every Fast Friends event and are busy planning the next stage of their lives together.