Meeting people is good for your mental wellbeing. Learn what you can do to get out and make friends in Dorset.
Find out where to meet people near you as an adult
There are times in our lives when we do not see as many people as we would like. As the NHS tells us, friendship helps us to keep our minds and bodies healthy.
Whoever you are, there are activities for meeting people who share interests with you. And places you can help in your community while making friends.
You can meet more people by:
- learning why meeting people is good for your health (NHS)
- finding out about meeting people while helping in the community as a volunteer (Gov.uk)
- seeing places where you can volunteer near you (Volunteer Dorset)
- getting the details of a group to meet people near you (Help and Kindness)
- finding out about groups where you can meet people if you have a learning disability
- learn about going out if you have dementia (NHS), and find a dementia-friendly cafe or group near you (Alzheimer's Society)
- thinking about moving to be near to people and community in future
- signing up to an activity where you will meet people at Live Well Dorset
Get help to change your habits, go out and be social
It might feel difficult to make changes to your life, like going out more and meeting people. You can get help.
Get tips and free coaching to start making new habits and changing your life. Or ask for some expert help if thoughts and feelings hold you back from doing things.
Take steps to change your life:
- be inspired and read ideas for connecting with people. Take the 5 Ways Challenge (Live Well Dorset)
- help yourself to live life to the full with an online course. Take the Live life to the Full online course (Five Areas Ltd)
- get free personal coaching to change your habits. Find out more about the Dorset Council service Live Well Dorset and register to get it
- try smartphone Apps that might help that the NHS in Dorset tested for you. Find an App to help calm anxiety or lift your mood
- find out about help with low mood or feeling anxious (Steps 2 Wellbeing). There is a wait. You can ask for help yourself or you can tell your GP about your issue
- learn about counselling with a local charity (Dorset Mind). There is a fee and a waiting list