Meeting people
You and your friends
Spending time with friends is a very important leisure activity. Whether you're in a band or a project together, or just having fun and hanging out, friends make what you're doing more fun. Look after your friends:
- Ask them what's going on, and involve them in your plans
- Go out with them, you're always safer in a group
- Look out for them, and make sure they do the same for you
Meeting new people and making new friends is also fun. No matter how many friends you have, you can always make another one.
Making new friends
Everyone's different. Some people spend all their time seeking out new friends, others find it very stressful. But even the most shy people can make friends, and you should! You never know who will turn out to be a potential best friend, or more.
- Find somewhere where you can meet other people
- Introduce yourself (or get someone to introduce you)
- Chat and see if you get along
You won't get along with everyone you meet, so don't feel bad if your new friends drift away. There will be other friends, and other opportunities to meet new people, as long as you keep on looking. Here are some good places to look:
- Oxfordshire's Young People's Centres all run general youth clubs, where you can hang out, use facilities and meet up with other young people.
- The Activities Oxfordshire database has lots links to clubs, teams, groups and more
- If you're into music, sport, or reading check out events and groups in sports centres, libraries and venues
CRUCIAL: If you're going to to a group for the first time, or meeting someone for the first time, make sure you do it in a group or take a trusted adult.
Natural loner?
Not everyone likes having lots of friends. If you'd rather sit at home with a good book, or if other young people don't seem to be into the same things as you, you are not alone. There are places to meet up, and people you'll like, but you may have to look a little bit harder.
If there are issues in your life that make it hard for you to make friends, the mentoring service may be able to help. This matches young people with a trained, sympathetic adult volunteer who can talk to you about your life.
Someone who can understand you
Some young people have problems finding friends because something takes up a lot of their time, or they have other concerns, or it's hard for them for them to find people in the same situation.
There are support groups for young parents, people with disabilities, young carers, young people who are gay or questioning their sexuality, and people recovering from a bereavement or illness. These are great places to get information, and make new friends.
For most issues, there is a support group. You can find out about other groups by talking to the Youth Worker at your local youth centre, asking at your local Connexions Office, or asking a youth information worker.
Good websites for finding out about groups for young people in Oxfordshire
