Making friends can be tough, but expanding your social circle and having friends is important for your well-being and happiness. In this blog, we'll explore three ways you can meet people and start new friendships.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and meet new people at the same
time. Here are three ways you can find volunteer opportunities:
Check with your local community center. Many community centers need volunteers to run programs and events, so check your local center to get involved!
Check with your local library. You might find an opportunity to help with tasks like shelving books, helping people find what they’re looking for, or organizing events.
Ask friends, family, or coworkers if they know of any volunteer opportunities.
Attend Events or Activities
Look for fun events and activities in your community to join. When you do group activities it's not just about making friends, it's also about having a good time doing things you like with people who share your interests. You can make new friends at sports events, art classes, clubs, or other groups that welcome people with all kinds of abilities. Here are some ways you can find these events:
Use the internet! Type words like "activities for people with disabilities" and your area in Google. You'll find websites and groups on social media that tell you about events and clubs that are easy to get to.
Talk to people at local disability support groups or organizations. They know a lot about events that are fully accessible.
Ask people you know if they are going to any upcoming events or activities near you.
LCO Tip: Add any events or activities you find on your LCO calendar, so you don’t miss out on them. If you feel like you could use some help with the event, don’t hesitate to tag your team members and ask for help!
You can learn more about asking for help in our Blog Post: 3 Steps to Make Asking for Help Stress Free
Talk to people when you’re out and about
Look for easy ways you can start a conversation with someone when you’re out running errands. Whether you’re at your favorite coffee shop, local gym, or grocery shopping, here are some friendly ways you can start a conversation:
If you see someone who likes the same things you do (like a favorite book or hobby), give them a compliment and talk about it.
Ask open-ended questions like “Is this your first time here?” or “What do you like most about this place”?
Lend a hand if you notice someone needs help (like holding a door or picking up dropped things). Small acts of kindness can lead to conversations.
Remember, making friends might not happen overnight. It takes time and effort, but it’s so worth it. Keep putting yourself out there and sooner or later you’ll find friends who’ll stick with you for life.
LifeCourseOnline is a life-planning platform and community where you can articulate your needs, pursue your goals, coordinate practical care, and connect with your network of support on a regular basis. To learn more, head over to our main site at lifecourseonline.com