Everyday life · England
Joining a club or group
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This guide is for adults in England.
A group can be a way to enjoy activities and meet people.
Choose what you enjoy
Think about things you like doing.
You could choose music, games, making things or chatting.
Different groups
Some groups are for men.
Some groups are for women.
Other groups are for different people together.
Ask who can join.
Men’s Sheds
Men’s Sheds are places to enjoy hobbies and company.
You can ask about joining your local Shed.
You do not need to be good at making things.
Women’s Institute
The Women’s Institute is also called the WI.
It has groups for friendship, learning and activities.
Some groups meet online.
Ask about joining and the cost.
Other groups
Ask your library or community centre about local groups.
u3a has groups for people to learn and enjoy interests together.
Check the activities and fees.
Try a visit
Ask if you can visit before joining.
You can ask to stay for a short time.
You could bring someone you trust.
Check access
Ask about entrances, toilets and seats.
Tell the organiser if noise or bright lights are difficult.
Ask for a quiet place or a break.
How you communicate
Tell people how you communicate.
Ask for information you can understand.
You can use pictures, signs or a communication aid.
Plan your support
Agree how you will get there and home.
Arrange any support you need during the activity.
Check whether your supporter needs to book.
Check the cost
Ask about joining fees and activity costs.
Check travel and any extra costs too.
Ask before you pay.
Take your time
You can watch before trying something.
Ask for help to use equipment safely.
You can say or show that you want to stop.
Respect each other
Ask before sharing a photograph or phone number.
Both people can choose whether to keep in touch.
You do not have to buy gifts to keep a friend.
After your visit
Think about what you enjoyed.
Ask for changes that would help.
You can choose whether to go again.
What you can do next
Ask about a group you would like to try.
Use the links below to find Men’s Sheds, the WI and u3a.
Find your local library Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- UK Men’s Sheds Association: find a Shed Web page
Search by town or postcode for practical hobbies and company. Ask the local Shed about membership, access, support and charges.
- Women’s Institute: find a WI Web page
Find local and virtual Women’s Institutes. Check current membership requirements, subscriptions and access arrangements.
- Women’s Institute: joining and activities Web page
Information about meetings, learning, activities and campaigning. Membership has a subscription; ask about any extra costs.
- u3a: find a group and join Web page
Local and online interest groups. Most members are no longer in full-time work, but there is no age limit. Local membership fees apply.
- Find your local library Web page
Find library services and ask about community activities, reading groups and other local opportunities. Check each activity’s costs and access.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Men’s clubs, women’s clubs and other social groups — Easy Read
Find a group you enjoy, including Men’s Sheds, the Women’s Institute and local interest groups.
Adults in England · Check each group’s membership rules, costs and support
Choose a group that interests you
Think about what you enjoy: making things, music, books, games, gardening, learning or having a conversation. You might prefer a men’s group, a women’s group, a mixed group or a learning-disability group. You do not have to choose an activity because someone assumes it suits your gender or disability. Ask about the people, atmosphere and activities, and decide what you want to try.
Men’s Sheds and men’s groups
Men’s Sheds offer company and activities such as making, repairing, gardening or crafts. You do not need to be an expert; some people mainly go to chat. Use the UK Men’s Sheds Association finder, then contact the local Shed. Each Shed decides its arrangements, and some also welcome women. Check age limits, membership, opening times, fees and availability. The national association says Sheds do not provide personal care: agree any support you need separately.
Women’s clubs and the Women’s Institute
The Women’s Institute is often called the WI. Local WIs offer opportunities for friendship, learning, activities and campaigning, with different programmes. There are also virtual WIs which meet online. Use the official finder and ask about visiting, current membership requirements, subscriptions and extra costs. Ask a library or community centre about other women’s groups too. Check the actual group’s activities and access rather than assuming all women’s clubs are alike.
Interest groups for different people
Libraries and community centres can help you explore local activities. These might include reading groups, games, crafts, music or gardening. u3a offers local and online interest groups, usually with an annual membership fee. Most members are no longer in full-time employment, but the organisation says there is no age limit. Ask about the particular group, its pace, how it welcomes newcomers and any extra charges.
Arrange a first visit
Contact the organiser before going. Ask whether you can visit once, stay for a shorter time, meet someone at the door or bring a chosen supporter. Request a simple description or pictures of what will happen. Find out whether booking is needed and whom to contact if plans change. It can take several visits to feel comfortable; you can also decide a group is not for you.
Check access and communication
Ask about step-free entry, suitable toilets, seating, noise, lighting and breaks. Explain how you communicate, including signs, pictures or a communication aid. Ask for instructions that make sense to you and enough time to respond. You might want a named person to ask for help. Check that agreed arrangements will be available for your actual session, rather than relying only on a general statement that a venue is accessible.
Agree support and travel
Work out how you will get there and home, including evening or weekend arrangements. Agree who helps with money, communication, medicines or personal care if needed. A club volunteer is not automatically your support worker. Ask what help the group can provide and what you need to arrange separately. Check whether a supporter must book and whether there is a charge for them. Include important activities and friendships in your support plan.
Understand the full cost
Ask about a first visit, joining fee, annual subscription, session fees, materials, refreshments, outings and transport. A free directory does not mean the listed clubs are free. Ask for the cost and cancellation rules in a format you understand before paying. You can ask about concessions or lower-cost activities. Do not feel pressured to buy a long membership before you know what you are agreeing to.
Join in at your pace
You can watch first, try a smaller task or choose a different activity. With tools or equipment, ask for suitable instruction and agree what support makes participation possible. You do not have to take part in something you dislike or feel unsafe doing. Tell the organiser if an adjustment is missing. For people who do not use speech, familiar supporters can help others notice enjoyment, discomfort and a wish to stop.
Make friends and review the experience
You could ask someone whether they would like to join the next activity or meet again. Both people can choose whether to keep in touch. Ask before sharing contact details, photographs or someone’s story. You do not owe anyone money, gifts or private information to be their friend. After a visit, think about what you enjoyed and what needs changing. If you are excluded, bullied or treated badly, ask for support to raise it with the organiser.
Words you could use
“I would like to try your group. Please explain the activities, membership and costs, and help me agree these access and support arrangements: …”
More useful links
- UK Men’s Sheds Association: find a Shed Web page
Search by town or postcode for practical hobbies and company. Ask the local Shed about membership, access, support and charges.
- Women’s Institute: find a WI Web page
Find local and virtual Women’s Institutes. Check current membership requirements, subscriptions and access arrangements.
- Women’s Institute: joining and activities Web page
Information about meetings, learning, activities and campaigning. Membership has a subscription; ask about any extra costs.
- u3a: find a group and join Web page
Local and online interest groups. Most members are no longer in full-time work, but there is no age limit. Local membership fees apply.
- Find your local library Web page
Find library services and ask about community activities, reading groups and other local opportunities. Check each activity’s costs and access.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 7 November 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- UK Men’s Sheds Association: Find a Shed Web page
Official directory of local Sheds. Inclusion on the map does not confirm membership of the national association.
- UK Men’s Sheds Association: frequently asked questions Web page
Activities, local membership rules, visiting, charges and the distinction between social activity and personal care.
- Women’s Institute: find a WI Web page
Official local and virtual WI finder.
- Women’s Institute: becoming a member Web page
Meetings, friendship, learning, activities and subscriptions.
- u3a: joining Web page
Local group finder, membership, interest groups and online participation.
- GOV.UK: local library services Web page
Libraries provide community activities as well as reading, learning and internet access.
- NHS: loneliness Web page
Small steps towards connection and support when loneliness affects wellbeing.
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