Connect with your community

There is more nearby than you might think

Libraries, community centres, museums and local associations can offer opportunities to learn, meet people and enjoy cultural activities. Some provide free activities or practical support. Explore what is available in your area.

What could you discover?

• 📚 A library — A library may host conversation groups, offer internet access or organise reading activities. Check your local library’s programme.
• 🎨 A cultural venue — A museum or arts venue may offer exhibitions, creative workshops or community events.
• 🤝 A community centre — A community centre may offer local activities, practical support or a place to meet people.

Start with what interests you

You do not need to explore everything at once. Think about something you enjoy or would like to try. Reading, music, creative activities or meeting new people can all be starting points.

Choose anything that interests you.

• Arts and culture
• Learning something new
• Meeting people
• Family activities
• Something else

Check the practical details

Before visiting, check the opening hours, location and any costs. Look for information about accessibility, language support and whether you need to book. If something is unclear, contact the venue.

Four useful questions before you go

• When? — Check current opening hours and the date of the activity.
• Where? — Check the address, your journey and access to the building.
• What does it cost? — Ask about entry, materials or other charges. Free entry does not always mean every activity is free.
• What support is available? — Ask about accessibility, language support or arrangements that would help you attend.

Choose your first place

Find one place you would like to explore. You can start by looking at its website, asking a question or planning a short visit. Choose a first step that feels manageable.

What would you like to do first?

• Explore its website
• Contact the venue
• Plan a visit

Find out what is happening

Local event calendars, libraries, community organisations and cultural venues can help you discover activities. Check the organiser’s current information before making plans, especially if you found the event in an older post.

Where could you check an event?

• A local calendar — Check the organiser’s current event page to confirm the date and location.
• A library noticeboard — Ask a staff member or check the listed organiser’s website.
• A social media post — Look for the date and the original organiser. An older post may no longer be accurate.

Look beyond the event title

A useful event listing explains what will happen, who can attend and how to take part. Look for the language, cost and booking requirements. You can ask the organiser if the information you need is missing.

Explore this example event.

• Saturday · 14:00–16:00 — Check the full date on a real listing and make sure the time works for you.
• Materials provided — Ask whether there is an activity fee. Materials being provided does not tell you whether entry is free.
• Booking required — Reserve your place using the organiser’s stated booking method.

Make a simple plan

A little preparation can make joining an activity easier. Check your journey, allow enough time and confirm your booking if one is needed. If you have access needs or caring responsibilities, ask about the available arrangements.

Your preparation checklist

• Journey checked
• Booking checked
• Costs checked
• Support arrangements checked

Your first visit can be a small step

You do not need to know everyone or understand everything immediately. Your first goal could be to arrive, observe or ask one question. Afterwards, decide whether you would like to return.

Choose a manageable first goal.

• Ask one question
• Try one activity
• Get to know the place

A few words can open a conversation

A simple greeting or question can help you make a first connection. You do not need perfect language skills. Choose words that feel natural to you, and give yourself time.

Try a conversation starter.

• Hello, is this your first time here?
• Could you tell me how this activity works?
• May I join you?

It is okay to ask

If you do not understand something, you can ask the person to repeat it, speak more slowly or write it down. You can also ask whether information is available in another language.

They are speaking too quickly. What could you say?

• Could you speak a little more slowly, please?
• I should pretend that I understood.
• I must leave without asking.

Remember: You can ask for a slower explanation. Asking for clarification is a useful communication skill.

Be curious without making assumptions

People have different experiences, habits and preferences, including within the same country or community. Listen, ask respectful questions and allow others to decide what they want to share.

Three ways to make space for each other

• Ask openly — Try: “What do you enjoy about this activity?”
• Listen — Allow time for the other person to speak, and check your understanding when needed.
• Avoid assumptions — A person’s background does not tell you all their preferences or experiences.

Connections grow at your pace

Trust often develops through small, repeated encounters. You might return to an activity, greet someone you met before or continue a conversation. You can be friendly while keeping your personal boundaries.

Choose a next step that feels comfortable.

• Return to an activity
• Say hello again
• Continue a conversation

There are different ways to take part

Community life can include local groups, creative projects, neighbourhood activities and volunteering. You can participate occasionally or regularly. Start with an opportunity that matches your interests and available time.

What would you like to explore?

• A community garden
• A cultural event
• A conversation group
• A neighbourhood project

Ask before you commit

Before joining a group or volunteering, ask what is involved. Check the time commitment, tasks, support and any participation requirements. Ask about expenses if travel or other costs could affect your decision.

Useful questions to ask

• What would I do? — Ask for a clear explanation of the role and its tasks.
• How much time is needed? — Find out whether the activity is occasional or regular and whether the hours are flexible.
• What support is offered? — Ask about an introduction, supervision, equipment or language support.
• Are there requirements or costs? — Check participation requirements and whether any expenses can be covered.

Your contribution can be small

Helping to prepare a room, suggesting an activity or welcoming someone new can all be valuable contributions. You can also contribute by listening and sharing ideas. Agree on a task that feels comfortable.

How might you like to contribute?

• Practical help
• Creative ideas
• Welcoming people
• Listening and learning

Your voice matters

You can ask questions, suggest improvements and share feedback about activities you attend. Find out how the group welcomes suggestions. You can also decline a task or ask to change your level of involvement.

Choose a situation to find a useful phrase.

• The meeting time is difficult — “Could we consider another meeting time?”
• You have limited time — “I can help for one hour.”
• The task does not suit you — “I would prefer a different task.”

You choose your story

A song, recipe, photograph or personal interest can start a cultural exchange. Share something that matters to you if you wish. You do not have to speak for a whole country or community.

What might you like to share?

• A recipe
• Music or art
• A tradition
• An everyday experience
• I would rather listen

Share with care

Before posting a photograph or recording, ask the people involved for permission. Explain where it will be shared and respect their decision. You can join an activity without agreeing to appear in its photos or videos.

You want to post a group photo. What should you do first?

• Post it because it was taken at an event.
• Ask the people involved and respect their choices.
• Add everyone’s names without asking.

Remember: Ask the people involved, explain where the photo will be shared and respect anyone who does not want to be included.

Make a plan that fits your life

Choose one realistic action you would like to take next. It could be visiting a local place, contacting a group or returning to an activity. Decide when you might do it and what support would help.

Your next small step

My next step: ____________________

When: ____________________

What would help: ____________________

Notice your progress

Progress can mean finding useful information, asking a question or feeling more comfortable in a new place. Think about what you have learned and what you would like to explore next. You can return to this guide whenever you need it.

How do you feel about your next step?

• I found something useful
• I feel more prepared
• I would like more support