Get out there

Oxfordshire is full of people getting together to do things they're interested in. Some interests, like music, sports or art, are so common you can find events and activities easily. For others, like war gaming or kite flying, you really need to find a group of other people into in the same sort of thing.

Find a group

Local community groups vary a lot, so you'll need to look around to find the right one for you. You'll also need to find one that is friendly to young people, aimed at young people, or only for young people, e.g. cadet groups, scouts and boy's brigades.

Here are some places to start looking:

• On the Oxfordshire County Council website
• In your local Youth Centre
• Posters on local parish noticeboards or in church or community halls
• Oxford Council for Voluntary Youth Services list of groups
• Local papers, newsletters or freesheets like Daily Information
• On local community websites like communigate

Groups for different sorts of people

Not all groups are interest-based. Some are for different sorts of people e.g. young parents, people with disabilities, or young people who are gay or questioning their sexuality, or people recovering from a bereavement or illness.

You can find information about these groups throughout The Survival Guide, in the Help Directory and on the topic pages.

Volunteering with a group

Most community groups are organised and run by volunteers, and some have a strong volunteering culture, such at the Scouts and Guides. Volunteering with a group can be a great way to meet new people while doing something you enjoy, as well as providing useful experience and doing good!