Bored teenager in search of some new nice, kind friends

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hello there, my 16 year old ds is going through a surprisingly lonely period at the moment and wants to make some new friends to preferably 'hang out' with/go places with - the usual nice, teenage activities/places/events . Ds doesn't have a vast amount of extra curricular activities however, really enjoys football, swimming, cinema, travel, the gym, x-box, and socialising when/if he can/could. Ds is kind, chatty, great sense of humour/fun, just a really sweet/good lad tbh. Does anyone have a kind/pleasant/considerate DS or DD in a similar situation? Our locality is Merton/SW London. Local youth clubs seem to cater for younger children and not teens unfortunately. I just don't want him to be lonely to be honest.

Volunteering? Esp. if he has a 'helping' personality.

Have you thought about scouts? It’s a great opportunity to meet lots of new people even around the country/world. There’s so many adventures and fun things you do. I did it 11-16 and it was amazing, I’ve made some of my greatest memories there. He would join the explorer part of the group at his age.

Also he could start work? There’s a lot of great friendships to be made in a bustling work environment

Explorer scouts 14-18 age range. Sounds perfect

Has he considered cadets? We've just been to an air cadets open evening and they seemed like a lovely bunch, amazing activities they do too!

Thank you so much. Will put these ideas to him. I'm sure something will be of interest/worth a go.

Possibly Army Cadets? Depends what he's into really.

a youth theatre club. Honestly. If he's shy, he can get into the backstage stuff (sound, lighting, music direction). Doesn't have to have a burning dream to want to act or write, it's just a fun way to be creative and meet a wide range of other interesting young people.

Another vote for youth theatre.

Air cadets or scouts.

Ds aged 14 just joined the Explorer scouts and loved it. In 4 weeks, he’s had a night hike, discussion session, Christmas party and some cooking.
They’ve got loads planned for the year.

We have Fire Cadets. Worth checking out if that might interest him and is available locally. Ours seems to go camping, does charity events and attends community days to do demonstrations.

Climbing is a very friendly community if you have any local facilities.

Or St John's Ambulance.

I'd second the Explorer Scouts - DS is off to Norway for a week with his group this summer after his GCSEs. He also loves swimming and has joined a lifesaving group at the local pool - it's a mixed group of 14-18 yr olds doing silly swimming drills, but also learning how to lifesave. Another option could be the Air Cadets or Sea Scouts - friends with teens say they are having a blast in our local ones - but it may depend on the leaders at your local ones.....

Scouts would be good.

Wish we were nearer to you! DS 18 in the same boat.

Sadly my DS16 is in the same position, and his group of friends are rubbish at making plans together. I worry about him a lot. We are nowhere near you, unfortunately. Good luck!

Drama
Been a game changer here - so many lovely people!

Duke of Edinburgh's award?

Watching with interest, as we actually live in the same area as you but my DS is only 12. Your DS sounds lovely and very much like my son. It's comforting to know there are other similar children around. I hope your DS finds something he enjoys and some lovely new friends too

Army / Air / Sea Cadets
Explorer Scouts (14 - 18 yr olds)
Stand alone DofE Group
Theatre Group
Is there a group that meet at a local climbing wall he could join ?
What about working?

See if you can find a local Explorer Scouts group. My DS has some fab friends through scouting and they do some wicked activities.

A sports team?

Thank you all for some excellent suggestions/ideas. This is just what we have needed. Appreciate all of the contributions. I will definitely investigate/look into them. When your child gets into a predicament such as this, you want them out if it fast. It’s a very lonely place for them. If anyone has more additions for this thread, please continue to make them as I’m sure it will help other DS’s/DD’s.