Andys mens group

I've been 4 times now and I have found it welcoming and none judgemental. I'd recommend it heartily.

Even if you don't have the weight of the world on your shoulders, it's nice to be around others and it can bring a sense of perspective to your troubles.

Yes, I've been to a few 'Andy's Man Club' evenings. Hopefully you'll feel welcome. In my experience the guys listen respectfully and offer support, and it's nice to listen and offer support in turn. The format is always the same, which is handy to get used to, though sometimes it finishes early. The times I've been, some guys freely state that they are neurodivergent - usually ASD or ADHD - and it has a fairly inclusive feel. And if guys aren't neurodivergent, they usually struggle with mental health in a way which encourages inclusion.

I haven't used the Andy's Mens Club myself but I knew someone who used to go to his local one and found it really helpful, and if I remember rightly, there were a few people from there who he keeps in touch with outside the group.

I pondered going to one myself, but I don't think its really my cup of tea.

Yes and no, there are alternatives perhaps better suited as much smaller groups, for me its been a life line however there gets a point when  (for me) than I get fed up going, but i suspect when the weather is bad and the darker evenings I will return.. 

For those who have stepped away from full time work; their local u3a might be an option to consider - you can search for: "find your local u3a".

"Our members, who have stepped away from full time work, learn together, make friends and have fun."

From what I read that there's no pressure to talk or open up. There's not one particularly close to me which maybe better as I'm less likely to run into someone I know. I don't like groups either and I think I ,ay end up just listening initially.

Hi, it is something I’ve been thinking off, we have a men’s shed group locally. I just don’t know if I could engage with too many people at once. There often seems to be a hierarchy within groups, I’m most probably overthinking things as usual. I might just turn up at one and see how it goes, my other thought is wether to disclose being autistic to an older generation and their reaction. 

Hergé said:

I've become increasingly isolated since my son has gone to university.

I'm receiving support from a local social prescriber, which you might also find helpful. You can ask your GP to refer you to your local service.

They can help you to develop a personalised plan that meets your social needs (as well as any practical and emotional needs). This could include helping you to find local groups or other socialising activities, for example. The article below explains more (it relates to England, but the model operates throughout the UK):

NHS England - Social prescribing

You might also find some of the advice in these articles helpful:

NAS - Loneliness - includes several links to examples of how other autistic people experience and cope with loneliness.

NAS - Making friends - a guide for autistic adults - discusses social isolation, with strategies for addressing it.

You might also be able to find some socialising opportunities via the the NAS's directory - whether through a local NAS branch, or other types of support group or social programmes:

NAS - Autism Services Directory

NAS - Branches

As a final suggestion, you could search on Facebook and/or Google for any local groups that might fit with your own specific interests or hobbies.