Hobbies and volunteering to make friends - which?

[SheWoreYellow]

Obviously I want to do something that I enjoy, but I’d love to hear where people have actually made friends. Not running. Can’t run. But I could try most other things.

I’m just wondering where there’s more opportunity for chatting or a greater sense of camaraderie.

Following for ideas as I'd love to make more friends. I know someone who goes to Women's Institute who has made loads of friends, I wanted to join but they're not open to new members at the moment.

Ours only has daytime meetings which is no use for me.

If you can hold a tune, join a choir. Musicians tend to be friendly

For volunteering Parkrun is great; no need to be a runner, they always need people to be marshals, scan barcodes or or do timing. I am a runner but never run our local one, volunteering is so much better. And we always head to the cafe afterwards for a chat - although we have to sit outside at the moment!

Rambling is good for chatting. People tend to mix and you chat with different people, all mixed in with a bit of fresh air and exercise but nothing too rash, like running

I'm not sure choirs are great for meeting new friends, as obviously you can't sit there and have a chat. I mean, I've met lots of people over the years through singing, but it isn't the best way to meet new people.

Agree with WI (or Guilds etc) - though they vary hugely in terms of programmes and age of other folk there. See also Inner Wheel, Lions Clubs, Roteract , Soroptimists (don't know what age you are).

What about becoming a sports coach ? Or a Guider or a Scouter ?

Going to Church?
Joining team of cooks for a lunch club?

Our local Hospice has fundraising Groups that arrange things like Quiz nights

Book club (though tend to be a small circle of people so you won't always 'gel')

This would be easier if we had more info...... if you are looking for weekends / evenings/ / daytime...... if you have particular interests or skills...... etc etc

@emummy

For volunteering Parkrun is great; no need to be a runner, they always need people to be marshals, scan barcodes or or do timing. I am a runner but never run our local one, volunteering is so much better. And we always head to the cafe afterwards for a chat - although we have to sit outside at the moment!

Was just coming to suggest the same 😊 I adore parkrun

I don’t know how much info is helpful really!

I work almost full time, so needs to be evening or weekend.
Happy to volunteer in any shape or form. I’m more interested in social help, like homeless people or drug/alcohol groups. Animals where you can’t bring them home.

I’m kind of interested in the following evening classes but I don’t know if they’d be very sociable - art, beginner ballet, book club, um some sort of learning connected to my job. I dunno.

I'd say you're most likely to make friends if you do something that interests you because you'll find people with a common interest.

Contact local library and see if they have a book club, local dance schools and see if they do adult classes, try adult learning for those or art etc.

I have made lovely friends over the years through choral societies and drama groups!

I've made friends volunteering as a gardener, it's perfect for chatting while you work.

You'll hate it, but PTA. The women I've met through that are brilliant.

@Oatsamazing

I've made friends volunteering as a gardener, it's perfect for chatting while you work.

@Oatsamazing oh that’s a different one. What sort of place did you volunteer at?

Volunteering wise I dog walked for a charity, that was sociable and fun
Class wise - aerial hoop and pole fitness

Our local Hospice has volunteer gardeners

I think National Trust places might do also (?)

Choir and WI for me

Thanks all!

I’ve had a bit of a ponder and thought that it either needs to be something that I love/is really worthwhile or something set up to be sociable. I can imagine me spending a couple of hours gardening away on my own, with no one to talk to, thinking I could be sorting out my own garden.

So, I’m going to do two things, go to the other WI group that is in the evening. And looks to be full of people my age and up and down, and then think about a hobby/volunteering that I actually want to do.

What about helping with weekend deliveries of meals on wheels. I'm not sure they take place everywhere but they do in my area.
I also met new friends learning to play bridge. I started as a complete beginner.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs is great, you do collections events with Guide dog puppies, working Guide Dogs and retired Guide Dogs. The public flock to meet the dogs and are very generous.

How about some kind of dance class? Like salsa or swing dance?

They're normally on in the evenings, and you tend to practice with everyone in the lesson so you get chatting to loads of people