Where to find a strong sense of community and make a difference

[Strawberriesandpears]

Hi everyone,

I hope you don't mind me starting another thread. I created one not long ago addressing some of my fears as a childfree only child. I'd like to make this one a bit more specific though.

I am increasingly coming to realise that friends are going to be crucial in my life to replace the family I lack.

I do have some friends now, but not nearly enough. I could obviously do shorter term things to meet people like taking classes or courses, but I am trying to find longer term causes or activities that I could make a positive contribution to over my lifetime (I am 36 now) and build long lasting relationships.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

The kind of things I am interested in are:

Outdoors / conservation
Music
Arts
Design
Crafts
Animals

But I am definitely open to any suggestions.

I'd also love to hear from anyone or any older people you might know who this has worked out well for.

I want to make a difference in my life, not wallow in pity over my lack of family. I want to give as much as I can, but I can't deny that I would also like to receive in terms of a bit of love, respect and support when I reach the end of my life!

This might sound a bit morbid, but when I think ahead to my funeral I would like people to be there. There won't be any family, but I would like at least a few people to attend because I have made a positive contribution over my lifetime.

I think you sound really interesting and thoughtful. Sure if you explore any of these suggestions that appeal to you you'll make connections with likeminded people and soon you won't be thinking too much of your funeral any more.
Group holidays can be a good way to travel and make friends too.

A little more information.

https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/

https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteer/volunteering-with-scouts/

Join the Soroptrimists?

https://www.soroptimistinternational.org

It does depend on your dog tho. I used to chat to people but my dog is more reactive these days, so avoid most people out on a walk. He's not reactive with people, just their dogs so it's easier to not engage.

Thank you for loads more great ideas everyone!

@Almahart Thank you. I definitely think I'd enjoy something to do with nature reserves and the brownies/scouts idea is a good one too.

@Wibbleswombat Brilliant! Thank you for sharing this. I hadn't heard of Breeze. I got a bike a few years ago actually but haven't yet ridden it much, so that's a great idea.

@BunnyBetChetwynnd Thank you. I had recently heard of Cinnamon Trust but will definitely look into it more. My boyfriend I do a lot of walking so I think we would be ideally placed to take along a doggie friend and help someone out in the process.

Re funeral - I had thought similar actually. I'm not sure I want one, although I guess it depends when I die. If I were to go tomorrow, I'd have plenty of people to attend. If I go in 50 years time, I will be struggling to find people to come. I suppose really it's a pointless thing to worry about, at least in the grand scheme of things. A funeral lasts maybe an hour at most? Better to live a long life not thinking about something so short at the very end.

@AnnaMagnani Thank you for your good ideas too. I would actually love to learn to knit!

@LoobyDop Thank you. I don't think feminism is for me really, but I can see how it would be a good way to make connections. I appreciate the idea.

@hattie43 Thank you. That's a good idea. Technology and the internet is a tool we have available to us to help prevent loneliness which wasn't there for past generations.

@Mmhmmn Aww thank you. That's really kind of you to say.

@Alvie22 Brilliant! Thank you for those links.

@stargirl1701 I had never heard of the Soroptrimists, so that's a great idea. Thank you.

@Wibbleswombat Ah true! I'd need to find a dog with a calm kind of personality!

You know @Strawberriesandpears - you have been so lovely on here. You have loads to offer any community.

Please come back when you've made some plans!

Aww thank you so much @Alvie22 That is so kind of you to say! You have put a smile on my face 😊 I am really grateful for all the contributions to this thread, as they have definitely given me some really good ideas.