How to broaden your social horizons in Midlothian without breaking the budget!

Make things happen! Brilliant motto. But how? Has your social life ran out of steam? Perhaps you have drifted apart from the familiar bunch of folks you know or have gained new interests which baffle or cause indifference. Or you simply want to try something new - like that childhood dream of trying to paint or learning a language. Whether your motive is to experiment with the unknown or to get to know new individuals with similar interests: look no further than Meet Up!

What is Meet Up? Meet up is a social platform for both meeting people and pursuing an interest. It is a national phenomenon attracting local residents and many people from overseas too - making it an ideal forum for cultural and idea exchange.

Who organizes the meetings? What is fantastic about meet up groups is that they are run by people from all walks of life. So one group may be run by an expert in the subject/activity, such as photography and another by someone with a personal experience of a condition like 'social anxiety' for example. Therefor meet up groups provide learning, support and friendship. There is almost no area/leisure pursuit which is not covered and provided by the meet up group.

Access the diva within or do a long distance run!! Have you always fancied or had a notion to perform? What is stopping you? Self-confidence perhaps or time may be an issue. Whatever the reason consider finding a solution to satisfy the curiosity within. Okay so there are no promises that joining a meet up group will make you the next Lady Ga Ga but that is not the point or purpose though. Trying something new and potentially having a laugh while doing it is!

Is it expensive? Many meet ups are actually surprisingly free of charge! You may need to set aside a small fee for some meetings, or a donation or a budget for a few refreshments depending on the venue. However when you contrast this with the cost of a class at a local college, university or support group - you may only feel a very slight difference to the purse/wallet.

Can I start my own group? Yes this is an option however do some research first - find out what already exists and where there is a lack/opening and if you are determined, motivated and organised then why not go for it?

What, when and where? Find a time which fits in with your schedule, think of a topic of interest and locate a suitable venue. So for example if you begin a support group where people may discuss personal situations, perhaps the busiest coffee shop in Midlothian is not the best place to be. Edinburgh city center is ideal for a group however other areas of Midlothian are potentially a great start to the Meet up branching out a bit...

There are too many barriers. Only if you make them! I attended a meet up a few years ago at a Starbucks in the City only to find myself and the meet up host with no other attendees. It is a case of trial and error for both attending and hosting a group. After all what is there to lose? You may on the other hand gain support, knowledge of a language/skill or reveal the inner you quite unexpectedly!

https://www.meetup.com/