Feeling down and lonely

On_My_Lonesome

Hi All,

First time poster so hopefully I have put this in the correct place.

I moved several years ago to a new city and have a few friends locally but most are in a different city, I do go back fairly frequently and see them but am feeling lonely at home.

I work from home so don't get to meet new people through work and although I have a few friends they are all happily settled down with kids so not really free much to go out/visit for dinner etc.

I need to widen my social life I know that but I really don't know where to start, I thought about taking a college course or something but can't find something that interests me and is cheap to do and am not sure what else I can do to get myself out and about. Its really starting to get me down I seem to spend the vast majority of my life at home on my own either watching TV, working or just messing around on the internet.

Can any of you kind folks give me any ideas on where to start or what I can be doing to meet some new people?

Many Thanks.

Plans_all_plans

Volunteer! Go to www.do-it.org.uk to find opportunities locally.

Join a reading group at your library

Organise an event in your neighbourhood

Generally make yourself chatty and helpful to neighbours/invite them round for dinner if you're already on speaking terms

Join a Church (if you're a believer) - it's a ready made social circle

ETA: I moved to a new city where I knew no-one 2 years ago. It took a year to make proper friends at mums and toddlers groups, so it wasn't a quick process. I also volunteer at 2 separate places locally, get on with the neighbours and help them out when I can and we go to Church. All of these things have helped us make new friends.

On_My_Lonesome

Thank you, I know my neighbours already but they are all considerably older than me and usually tucked up in bed with their cocoa by 8pm, Im only 33 so although we all get on am unlikely to get much further with them.

I am def going to have a look at volunteering though, bonus of meeting new people and the chance to feel like am doing something positive.

Sally_A

Join a local netball team, (am guessing by your posts you are female).

We stopped playing about 5 years ago, but still go "on tour", we are just planning our Still Nifty at Fifty in Cardiff shortly.

Lots of new friendships made through netball, and loads of secrets shared in the car on the way to matches, not to mention racing back from evening matches to make last orders.

salduck

Must be something abvout the name Sally but i was going to suggest the same thing! netball! I moved to a new city 2 years ago to the day!! I joined a netball team having played at a high level 10 years ago for the social- best move ever!! made great mates who i go on holiday with, out a night, round each others houses etc and getting fit again! I am 32 so your never too old! we have all sorts from 18 years to 63 is our oldest!! Get out there and do it best move you will make!
x

On_My_Lonesome

Thank you Sall's Netball is a good idea, I have a dodgy arm so prob won't be any good but will certainly have a go.

Any suggestions at where I would find out about local teams, is there a webiste of leagues or something?

salduck

Where in the UK are you? It really doesnt matter about standard of play there arte all sorts of players from those who have never to htose who have lots of experience so i wouldnt worry about dodgy arms or anything like that!! Find the right club and they will welcome you with opopen arms x

joolsybools

Have a look at a website called meetup.com, that should give you loads of ideas. Also voluntary work in something you are passionate about. Good luck

On_My_Lonesome

Im in North Manchester near Bolton Salduck.

Glad they accept all levels cos last time I [played netball was when I was about 13 at school.

Joolsybools will have a look at that site as well have just signed up to be a volunteer my local race for life as well.

Thank you all!

salduck

Bolton run a back to Netball class! If you go to https://www.netballengland.co.uk there is a back to netball section on the front page that you can pop your postcode in and see whats on! Sounds ideal! And either free or very low cost! Good luck to you xxx

On_My_Lonesome

Excellent news heading over to the website now Thanks!

Better get the Kinect turned back on and try and get a bit fitter as well!

Feel brighter already just having some ideas on what I can be doing.