Have you done an activity or hobby where you've made new friends?

[hedgehogsinthehedgerow]

And if so, what please. I would love to make some new friends this year. I have tried evening classes before a while back which was nice, but then when the course ended (8 weeks) nobody stayed in touch. I have tried the gym too but not met anyone there. I'm willing to give anything a try really except running or cycling! Any ideas?

Yes - I’ve made a lot of friends through being part of feminist groups, including Filia & the Women’s Rights Network, which has groups all over the UK.

I found them online & emailed offering to get involved. I fostered cats in my home for a couple of years before adopting, & now help with marketing & fundraising.

Craft club - held in a pub, like a knit & natter type thing but we do all different crafts

Women's institute- it's not just old ladies that make jam, at least ours isn't!

Some other ideas that friends do:
Tap dancing
Book club

Thanks for all of these great ideas. I'm going to go through the list and see if I can try one new thing every month or two this year.

What about setting up a group on meet up with something you'd like to do? I set up a cinema club a few years ago. The group is no longer running but there are about 5 of us who still regularly meet up and go to the cinema.

Another vote for amateur dramatics. A lot of fun.

If you like exercise - crossfit. It's such a great, supportive environment at mine. Everyone is really friendly. I'd really like to join a book club, sure that must be good for striking up friendships!

Also suggest horse riding. It's not the county set types you might expect, If you own or loan a horse you see the same people regularly on the yard and it's never hard to strike up a conversation. I'm friends with horsey people from all walks of life, some live on beans on toast and spend most of what little money they have on their horse. Being around horses is also sooo good for mental health.

Local politics. Pick your team then go out campaigning with them on a Saturday. They'll often stop for lunch or drinks. There'll be a WhatsApp group, during election times camaraderie builds. Sure fire way to mates.