Thinking Of Going To A Craft Group But Unsure!

I really think that if you can you should definitely go to the craft group. More and more I realise that for some of us we can so easily slip into social isolation and it can be quite a trap that’s very hard to get out of. I know that for some people a completely isolated life suits them, but I think most people do benefit from some kind of social contact. I think the best way to meet people is through a shared interest - so this craft group sounds ideal - and if the women you’ve contacted seems nice then that’s a great sign. It’s hard to get out of the ‘comfort zone’ of never doing anything or meeting people - but it’s not great for our mental health to have no social contact at all. Give it a try - really what is there to lose? And potentially you could really enjoy it, and even make friends there. Good luck!

When I am planning to go somewhere new (like the group you described), if possible, in advance, I tend to try and do things like those below:

a) really explore the information available on the website for the venue (if there is one, and use something like an internet map and Google Street View to look at the building if there is no website),

b) visit the place in the daytime, some day ahead of time, to get a better idea of how the travel will work, what other things are nearby, which facilities are in the building or nearby,

c) I pack a drink and a snack to take with me (so I don't need to worry about what the group tends to do if they have a coffee break),

d) I try to remind myself that; if I want to take a break while I am there - that is fine (I would just let someone else know that I am taking a brief break and that I will return in 10 minutes),

e) if I have done something similar myself before (I noticed you have a list of creative things you have enjoyed doing) I would take 2 or 3 examples / photos of the items - with me (so that the enthusiasm for the items and skills can be shown to the new people in the group - so the items help make my introduction - not just me having to talk about things I enjoy doing),

f) I make myself a written "packing list" ready for attending the new group.  That way, as I think of something I would like to pack in my bag - I can make a note of it an stop worrying.  The day before thr group evening; I would tick the things on the packing list as I find them an put them in the bag I will take to the group.

On the first evening of attending the new group, I would prefer to arrive a little early if the travel options allow that opportunity.  That way I have some extra time to find the room being used and then (hopefully) some choice about which seat location might suit me best - before all the rest of the people arrive.

Imagining a room full of all new people can be too big a thought.  The lady said there were less than 20 people - but you don't need to worry about meeting everyone all at once on the first evening.  When I go to a new group I try to concentrate on meeting just 2 of the new people within the group each week. 

By the way, I would be very surprised if you were the only person in the craft group who is uncomfortable about meeting lots of new people or a busy room of people.  When you have been to those evenings 2 or 3 times; I think you might find out there are naturally tables of noisier / talkative people, and other tables of people who like a quieter craft evening experience.  Over time, you have the opportunity to work out which person or people there make you feel the most welcome and OK about being there.

I like to have a notebook and pen for taking with me to a group event.  Then as I learn something important, think of a question or something I want to find out, or have something important to remember - I can just write myself a note and stop thinking about it / worrying about forgetting the information.

If you have an annoying anxiety thought - you could write it in the back pages of that notebook and stop thinking about for a few days.  Then another day; you could have another look at the list of annoying worries and see: a) if you still feel the same way, or b) since you wrote it in your list - have you now thought of a good idea about how you could stop that thing being a problem anyway (or is it something which no longer worries you any more).

These are just my ideas which suit me, you might not like some of my ideas, but I hope they might help you to have some more ideas of your own (about how to enjoy a new group of people in your way).

Maybe it is time to try sharing the "unique creative you" with those other people at the craft group.

Hi and welcome. There is a saying that it's better to regret something you did than something you didn't do. If you're lonely and are interested in this type of group, you haven't got anything to lose really as you can leave if you don't feel comfortable and would never have to go back.You could keep your phone in a pocket and if you want to leave, pretend you've had a text and it's a family emergency. But hopefully you will be able to focus on the crafts and will enjoy it. Good luck!

The women group do various types of tasks like pebble painting, jewellery making and wreath making. Also there's talks from different organisations.

That's a good idea to start my own craft group. I know some libraries do adult lego club and colouring etc. Unfortunately the library is smaller than before. 

One of my friends goes to an art class and the organiser charges £2 maximum. 

You're most welcome!

Thank you all for your replies and comforting words. 

Appreciate this from the bottom of my heart. You're all wonderful!

Have you thought of starting your own group? That could lead to something amazing for you. I think this craft group is the only one here, it's the only one I'm aware of. I think that's what I like most about it the fact it's something I have interests in and that you are free to do what you want and what you're comfortable with.

The social side makes me anxious but I am probably over-thinking this. I need to calm down.

That's cool your women's group. What do you do there? Must be nice knowing the organiser as well. That's another thing scares me is not knowing anybody at this group and the fact it's an evening is less good too. Overall I prefer night time when all is quiet and near silent. I find it peaceful but only when I'm in.

Hi Bunny,

thanks for the links. Very helpful and appreciated, thank you. I really wish I had somebody to go with me but my dad just never would and my mum has COPD and can no longer do such things which is a shame as I believe she'd have really enjoyed being in a craft group.

Sad times. But I will see if my brother is up for it, probably not but you never know!

I'm especially intrigued about getting a social prescriber. I haven't heard of someone like this before but I think it could be good for me, if I'm applicable for such a worker. It'd be good if I am so I will definitely head down that route. I think it could be helpful for me and make such a difference to my life.

The community hub has a needle craft group every Wednesday morning. I'm not into needle craft.

Unfortunately there's isn't another craft group in my town. Your craft group does sounds amazing! Basically you do your own thing? Wow!

I get nervous about attending women's Institutes group, but isn't mandatory and I know the organiser. Plus I meet people. Downside the evening sessions are at 6pm which is awkward. Prefer the afternoon as starts at 2pm.

Hi and welcome to the community!

I don't have any experience of craft groups, but this group sounds like it could be a great match to your interests.

There's some advice in the following articles that you might find helpful. It includes, for example:

"Is this the right group for me?

To make sure the activity is right for you, you may try going along as an observer at first. 

If you feel you may need additional support to take part in the activity, ask if a family member, friend or carer can come along or if the group could provide some extra support. Add the activity or group meeting to your calendar.

Don’t feel pressured to attend for the whole of the activity or meeting, or to go on your own - especially at first. Over time you can increase the length of time you stay, eventually aiming to attend the whole session without additional support.

If you have any issues at the group, discuss these with the group leader so that they can be resolved as soon as possible."

NAS - Making friends - a guide for autistic adults

NAS - Loneliness - this includes examples of other autistic people's experiences and how they cope

Whether or not you decide to go the craft group, you might also find it helpful to contact your GP surgery and ask to be referred to a social prescriber / social prescribing link worker.

Their role is to work with you, potentially over several sessions, in order to develop a personalised care and support plan that meets your "practical, social and emotional needs that affect their [your] health and wellbeing". This model operates throughout the UK. For example: 

NHS England - Social prescribing

You could also contact your local NAS branch to learn about any groups or activities that they might offer. There are also some online branches based on specific interests:

NAS - Branches

I hope you'll also consider staying here, on this forum, and joining in with any conversations that interest you (although you can also just lurk quietly for as long as you like, if you prefer).