‘Amazing community’: how people are making new friends and connections as adults

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

Research shows that the number of young people in England without close friends has increased fivefold since 2014, prompting many adults across the UK to actively seek new social connections through community groups, online networks, and shared activities. These grassroots efforts highlight the growing importance of accessible social spaces and supportive environments to combat loneliness and foster meaningful friendships.

Rising concerns about loneliness and social isolation have prompted many adults to seek new ways to build meaningful friendships, amid research indicating a significant increase in young people in England reporting having no close friends. Since 2014, the number of young people without close friendships has reportedly increased fivefold, with about 5% now indicating they have none. Against this backdrop, individuals across the UK are taking proactive steps to foster connections and combat isolation.

For Rhiannon, a 35-year-old ghostwriter from East Sussex, joining a local knitting and crochet group in Mayfield provided crucial social support following her separation and relocation. Despite initial apprehensions about being a beginner, she found the group welcoming and described the weekly gatherings as a "calm and supportive space" that has evolved into a genuine community. Rhiannon emphasized the value of having dependable local friends she can reach out to in times of need.

Similarly, Ria, 27, who moved from Mumbai to London and subsequently to Reading, experienced intense loneliness when previous friendships became harder to maintain. To bridge the gap, she started a WhatsApp group to reconnect with her London friends, which rapidly expanded to include 70 members from friends of friends and social media contacts. The group organizes small meetups at cafes under the London Coffee Club banner, providing an informal and relaxed setting that appeals particularly to those preferring smaller gatherings.

Rebecca, 31, an NHS project support officer in Bristol, turned to local exercise classes to replace the face-to-face interaction lost while working from home. Taking part in pilates, weights, and body conditioning sessions not only improved her physical health but also provided a social outlet. Through a local Facebook group, she formed a new friendship that she nurtures by exchanging support and encouragement both in and outside of classes.

In Gateshead, Ben, 35, found camaraderie through community theatre after leaving his teaching job. Joining the People’s Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne allowed him to reconnect with a passion for stage performance and develop close friendships over nearly a decade, which extend beyond rehearsals into regular social activities. He highlighted the inclusive and enthusiastic nature of the group, which includes performers and behind-the-scenes contributors.

Chris, 32, from Kent, attributed his loneliness to a lack of peers at work and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He revived an old interest in board and card games by attending local game evenings at a community shop, where a welcoming atmosphere helped him overcome initial fears. He underscored the importance of "safe third spaces" that enable social interaction independent of work or romantic relationships, emphasizing the mental health benefits such spaces provide.

Finally, Chloe, 27, who returned to Hertfordshire from the Midlands, took the initiative to create a community for women seeking friendship through her Girls Collective group. With activities ranging from craft-making to line dancing, and initial interest sparked by social media outreach, the group now includes 500 members in its online chat and has attracted over 250 event participants. Both Chloe and her co-founder Sarah, 30, believe that engaging in shared activities helps break down social barriers, creating an environment where new friendships can flourish organically.

These individual efforts reflect broader trends in how adults are adapting their social lives in response to modern challenges, emphasizing the need for accessible platforms and communal spaces that facilitate connection and mutual support.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.