DH and making friends in a new area

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Moved to London from abroad during lockdown. While I've met a few mums, DH still doesnt really know anyone. He'll be mostly WFH and is now getting increasingly depressed that he'll never have friends again. We are in our 40s and have lived abroad for the last couple of decades, little kids does mean that free time is precious. He used to be into football but now feels too old. In fact, he feels too old for most things now.

I keep trying to keep positive and tell him that it'll be ok. Does anyone have any tips on how their partners successfully made friends later in life or is DH right that it's just not going to happen?

Invite other families to casual things - bbq park meet ups with kids. Ensure you say dads too.

Dh met quite a few other dads this way they formed their own group some of them do a hobby together. Are you on a friendly street? Invite couples with kids over in the day.

I’m in SE London too and generally find people super friendly. If your kids are at primary school really suggest he tries to chat to other dads, we moved schools and even though there were established friendship groups among parents we have managed to make lots of acquaintances and some friends. There are also so many people leaving from round here that most people are happy to meet new people who are staying! PM me if you want some more local suggestions

Sport is a good one. Plenty of local football clubs are really just a kick about down the park and drinks afterwards. Likewise cycling, running, tennis etc.

Volunteering is a good one. Beavers/Cubs/Scouts are always looking and your DC could join him when they're old enough.

He could also get involved in any kind of hobbie for your kids if they're old enough - kids football, rugby etc.

I’m also in se London, there is an exercise group near me they meet up outside every week which something similar to that could be an idea? Also we have a local Facebook page and I’ve seen people post on there asking to meet people into the same thing if he has a particular hobby