Safety Tips
Whether speed dating or online dating, it's important to remember that your own safety is paramount.
Online dating is great fun. It is a safe way to meet your ideal partner without even leaving the security of your home!
Remember - you choose how much information you want to share with others. Read on for ideas of ways to do this sensibly.
 Imagine meeting someone for the first time. There are things about yourself that you won't reveal immediately. This will happen with time and the more times you meet.
It's the same with dating online. Get to know the other person through the private messaging service as well as you can before agreeing to meet.
Don't be drawn into any conversations if you don't feel comfortable with them. It can be fun to flirt online but be careful not to get led into something more.
If you don't feel comfortable with the contact you're getting 'trust your instincts' and terminate contact with that person, or alternatively 'block' them. Please inform us if you feel that the service is being abused.
Use your common sense. If someone doesn't seem genuine, tell you things you're sure are untrue, remains mysterious or falsifies information on their profile, then use these as warning signs and think carefully about continuing contact.
Smwch encourage all members to submit photographs. If you are corresponding with someone who has not submitted theirs, or indeed if you haven't submitted yours, it might make it more difficult to arrange a date. Members are going to want to know what their potential date looks like! If you meet someone who doesn't look anything like their photograph they've submitted, let us know. We can investigate!
Meeting A Date
Whether arranging a date from meeting at a speed dating event or online dating, there are important considerations to be taken into account. Use our tips below to guide you.
Meet for a coffee first, before committing yourself to a long evening with someone who you know from the start might not be the person for you.
Take your time. Nurture the relationship and don't rush things too quickly.
Always let someone else know where you are. Have your mobile fully charged and in credit. Get a friend to call you an hour or so into the date, so you can have a 'get out clause' if necessary.
Leave the contact details of the person you're meeting with friends or family.
Make sure the place you meet is well known, that it is easily accessible and that transport is not a problem.
Do NOT arrange for your date to pick you up from home and don't accept a lift home if it feels uncomfortable to do so.
This might sound obvious but it's surprising how the most sensible person can get drawn into something unwittingly. Remember, even though you might have had some form of contact with this person, the bottom line is they're still a stranger. Trust your instincts. Be sensible. Be careful and if you have any concerns regarding a fellow member please let us know in the strictest confidence.
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