Making Friends / How to Join Groups / Lesson 03

LESSON 03 · HOW TO JOIN GROUPS

Local Clubs and Community Groups

Thirty-two easy ways to find local clubs and community groups, a quiet source of friendly faces near home.

Friends can be a short walk away. Look in your neighbourhood.

30 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

30 tips that really help

These ideas come from The Art of Gathering (Priya Parker), Bowling Alone (Robert Putnam), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Local groups are everywhere

Libraries, community centres, churches, schools and sports clubs host groups. They are friendly and often low-cost.

TRY THIS
Search near you.

TIP 2

Start with the library

Libraries have book clubs, craft groups, language cafes and talks. Staff can point you to others.

TRY THIS
Ask there.

TIP 3

Check community boards

Look at notice boards in cafes, shops and community centres. Small posters often hide gems.

TRY THIS
Look around.

TIP 4

Ask neighbours

Ask neighbours and colleagues what groups they know. Word of mouth works.

TRY THIS
Ask.

TIP 5

Check local websites

Council websites and local social pages list clubs. Search by town name.

TRY THIS
Search.

TIP 6

Check places of worship

If you are religious or curious, many communities welcome newcomers with activities.

TRY THIS
Ask kindly.

TIP 7

Check sports clubs

Walking football, running clubs and yoga often welcome beginners.

TRY THIS
Try one.

TIP 8

Check volunteering centres

Volunteering centres match you with causes and people. Great for purpose and friends.

TRY THIS
Contact one.

TIP 9

Check adult education

Evening classes in art, languages and crafts combine learning and friendship.

TRY THIS
Browse.

TIP 10

Check parent and carer groups

Children’s centres and school groups help parents meet each other.

TRY THIS
Ask.

TIP 11

Check workplace and university clubs

Many employers and universities have clubs. Use them.

TRY THIS
Look.

TIP 12

Visit once with an open mind

Attend one meeting and decide later. First visits give information.

TRY THIS
Go.

TIP 13

Script: asking

Do you know any good clubs or groups around here? Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 14

Script: checking

Is there an event at the library this week that I could join? Say it kindly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 15

Script: visiting

I would love to come along to your next meeting if that is okay. Say it lightly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 16

Script: signing up

Can I sign up for the next session? Say it cheerfully.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 17

Script: closing

Thanks for the tip, I will see you at the club. Say it sincerely.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 18

Mistake: only searching online

Offline notice boards and people know more, so ask around.

TRY THIS
Look offline too.

TIP 19

Mistake: expecting a perfect fit at once

Try a few, so give yourself time.

TRY THIS
Be patient.

TIP 20

Mistake: not checking times and cost

Check times and fees first, so avoid surprises.

TRY THIS
Read details.

TIP 21

Mistake: going once and judging

One visit may not show the group, so try three times.

TRY THIS
Try again.

TIP 22

Mistake: hiding your newness

Say you are new, so people welcome you.

TRY THIS
Be open.

TIP 23

Troubleshoot: when you are new in town

Start with the library and a community centre. Both are welcoming.

TRY THIS
Start there.

TIP 24

Troubleshoot: when groups are far away

Ask about carpools or online options. Creativity helps.

TRY THIS
Ask.

TIP 25

Troubleshoot: when you feel too shy

Go with a friend or contact the organiser first. Small steps.

TRY THIS
Prepare.

TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when no group fits

Consider starting one with a friend. Small groups can grow.

TRY THIS
Start one.

TIP 27

Troubleshoot: when schedules clash

Look for weekend or monthly groups. Flexible options exist.

TRY THIS
Search again.

TIP 28

Drill: make a local list

List five local places that host groups. Check each website.

TRY THIS
List.

TIP 29

Drill: visit the library

Visit your library and ask about groups. Take a leaflet.

TRY THIS
Go.

TIP 30

Drill: ask three people

Ask three people about local groups. Note their answers.

TRY THIS
Ask.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.

ASK

“Do you know any good local clubs?”

CHECK

“Is there a library event this week?”

VISIT

“I would like to come along.”

JOIN

“Can I sign up for the next meeting?”

THANK

“Thanks for the tip.”

CLOSE

“See you at the club.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Search the library

DAY 2
Check community boards

DAY 3
Ask neighbours

DAY 4
Check local websites

DAY 5
Visit once

DAY 6
Return

DAY 7
Join

Further reading

• The Art of Gathering (Priya Parker)
• Bowling Alone (Robert Putnam)
• Platonic (Marisa Franco)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.