r/Aberdeen • u/TheFeatheredDelta • 6d ago
Help! Groups and and in-person meet-ups?
Hello Aberdeen!
I have a friend in Aberdeen that I think could benefit from having an in-person social outlet. I've looked on EventBrite and the monthly announcements thread, and started compiling a list of things for her to check out. However, there doesn't seem to be much I can find. I don't live in Aberdeen (hello from the USA) and would love some help.
I'm looking for anything:
- Art related activities and groups
- LGBTQ+ related/friendly
- Aimed at mid 20's or 20-30 year olds
- Community volunteer groups, mutual aid, and events
- Volunteer opportunities involving childcare
- Anything nerdy (saw some game groups LEGO nights)
- Anything I haven't listed that still is a good meet-people opportunity.
If there are other websites or organizations I should look at, please point me in the right direction. I really care about my friend, and I really do think if she got involved in her community and found a social outlet outside of the online group we are in it would do her wonders. I'm thankful I live in a city with lots of mutual aid groups and social events, and I know there has to be more things in Aberdeen than the few event I found.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Puzzleheaded-Bed-618 5d ago
Check out out the box crafts on Instagram!
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u/purplekik666 5d ago
Came here to say this too. The group runs twice a week every second week and is LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse friendly. I also run a Stitch and Bitch (any kind of stitch related activity) every Monday evening from 6-8. New friends always welcome. We are mostly alterative but everyone is welcome! That's literally why I started it 😄
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u/lesloid 5d ago
There is a monthly life drawing ‘class’ in the cafe on Gaelic Lane. It’s a queer-friendly venue and event and very welcoming. It’s not a taught class as such, it’s only £5 and self guided.
https://www.instagram.com/c.u.l.t.lifedrawing?psln=dWx3dmd3ZG9qNHFv
Also check out Four Pillars they are a lgbtq+ charity and organise meet ups and events and have a cafe and community hub in the city
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u/randomcat06 4d ago
I've had some not-so-great experiences with Four Pillars, so she'll have to go there at her own risk...
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u/WoollyNinja 2d ago
The cafe on Gaelic Lane also hosts a Shut Up and Write group who meet on a Sunday morning for a couple of hours.
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u/DoricSkateboards 5d ago
Curated Aberdeen work with Smart Art Agency to deliver art workshops regularly. Plenty aimed at all age groups. Check them out via Curated Aberdeen page on FB/Insta.
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u/DanteCorwyn 5d ago edited 5d ago
going a bit off topic, but if you run these sort of things, please promote them, get posters around town, update your social media etc. as an example,we've got a few gaming groups for RPGs and board games, but for whatever reason they don't bother giving the places that sell them posters to showcase themselves (seriously, one had posters at ARI, a few gift shops in Rosemount, and the record shop next to Plan 9 who sold RPGs etc, but didn't give Plan 9 posters... someone else was doing monthly art, only gave posters to Forbidden Planet, couldn't be bothered to ask Plan 9 or Asylum to promote them, a 5 minute walk, to the oldest comic shop in town, or the one that had regular comic signings. their first event? drawing superheroes...). Don't rely on the FB page you've not bothered updating in 10 years, or have folk who might want to check you out have to join a discord page etc. And if you do posters, don't just go to "your local" or whatever and ignore the other places who sell such item's ,it just makes you look like a cliquey arsehole.
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u/SoSeriousAndDeep 2d ago
If it's the RPG club I'm thinking of, they've picked fights with all the relevant stores and other groups in Aberdeen, particularly Asylum.
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u/DanteCorwyn 2d ago edited 2d ago
ok, hadn't heard that at all (i'm only aware of one RPG group in town to be fair) not going to name names but that's not a good look for them. seems weird to alienate the shops that actually sell the stuff you play, especially since they'd likely point folk in your direction (though I suspect there might be a case of oh the local shops doesn't have RPGs any more, and when they do, I won't bother buying it from them) , and pick fight with other groups? FFS. The games I like are RPGs, computer, and board games, not social drama.
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u/TheFeatheredDelta 5d ago
This! It's a problem everywhere, even in my city sometimes. Groups or companies will only advertise one way and on one platform, and end up missing a huge group of people that would have gone to the event. There are so many things I learn about the day of or afterwards that I would have loved to attended.
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u/DanteCorwyn 5d ago
i-con is a comic convention happening near Inverurie on the 31st, I know they're running D and D, and someone is hosting the Firefly board game there, good opportunity to meet folk there
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u/IAmUggo 5d ago
Girl Who Walk have an amazing WhatsApp community with all sorts, but you do have to be a woman / non binary person to join. Same for Hunni Events who host nights at Gaelic Lane Cafe :)
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u/TheFeatheredDelta 5d ago
I'm glad to see multiple people suggesting the same group, gives me hope she'll enjoy it!! Thank you so much!
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u/East_Ad_3772 5d ago
It’s just finished for this year but something I’ve really enjoyed be a part of is WayWORD: you can either be on the committee and get to create an event, or a regular volunteer who helps out during festival week. Either way, it’s a cool way to get an inside look and meet some cool creative people.
Also, I’ve previously volunteered at Aberdeen Arts Centre where you can do: front of house, bar work, or basically an usher during performances. If they love theatre I’d really recommend.
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u/ConsistentTension570 5d ago
Rogue shout potentially but if she's into music, assai records on back wynd does listening parties and has in store gigs from different bands/artists. On that note as well, drummonds, the tunnels and krakatoa all tend to have live gigs.
There is also studioshi on rosemount place which lets you do pottery painting. They have their own equipment for it and I believe kiln the stuff you paint afterwards
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u/TheFeatheredDelta 4d ago
I'm not sure about the music, but I'll add it to the list, thank you! I think she'll like the painting!
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u/racloves 5d ago
Granite Gays is an LGBT community group, I believe they do mutual aid and community support stuff. I haven’t been myself but know a friend who’s been involved
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u/DanteCorwyn 5d ago
nerdy is a broad thing, but might be worth checking out Game District for RPGs. geek retreat who they took over from used to host crafting, no idea if they still do that.
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u/DoubleEqual6468 5d ago
Here is a list of some local groups.
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u/TheFeatheredDelta 5d ago
I just took a quick look, and there is definitely stuff she might be interested in! Thank you!
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u/DoubleEqual6468 5d ago
pleasure. There is normally a free cafe on a saturday afternoon, although it can get quite busy and it's in a small space. And Krakatoa pub is safe space co-op with live bands and stuff.
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u/Eibhilin23 5d ago
🎲Hello. :) I run a board games group. :) We're a friendly bunch who play a wide range of board games, anything from Scrabble, Dobble & Monopoly to Ticket to Ride, King of Tokyo and Seven Wonders, to longer games like Nemesis & Andromeda’s Edge. We meet every Thursday and Sunday evening for games at Airyhall community centre, and we have pub sessions every fortnight, monthly social outings and on-line games sessions every month too. :)Â
🎲All welcome, the more the merrier: let me know if you have any questions. :) We're on Facebook, or ask me if you want to join the e-mail list! :)Â
Aberdeen Social Board Games Group. | Facebook
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u/TheFeatheredDelta 5d ago
I saw you on the monthly thread! I'll definitely pass the info to my friend, I think she'll like it! Thank you :)
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u/Eibhilin23 5d ago
Perfect, thanks! :) If she has any questions, we're on Facebook, or she can e-mail us. :)
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u/Ok-Top-9684 5d ago
Hi! A few recommendations from me. I also recommend NESCOL evening courses, some are quite affordable and I met a lot of friends that way.
- Art related activities and groups
Creative Classes Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/772131434107607/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
- Aimed at mid 20's or 20-30 year olds
Socialise Aberdeen https://facebook.com/groups/5589187174435198/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
- Community volunteer groups, mutual aid, and events
I volunteer for CLAN as a events volunteer, you sign up to the shifts you want so its super flexible and low commitment https://www.clancancersupport.org/support-us/volunteering
- Volunteer opportunities involving childcare
I also volunteer for both these organisations and recommend
Looking for Befrienders and Me tors - https://www.befriendachild.org.uk/
46th Bridge of Don Scouts looking for volunteers for Beavers and Cubs age groups. No scouting experience required.
https://www.scouts.org.uk/groups/10015135?loc=KY11&page=103&slug=46th-Aberdeen-%28Bridge-of-Don%29
- Anything I haven't listed that still is a good meet-people opportunity.
Grey City, Great Folk Whatsapp group https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YkYjrcZR4/
If they are a woman: GirlCrew Aberdeen Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/girlcrew.aberdeen/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
Girls Who Walk https://facebook.com/groups/599805862785720/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
If they are male: Aberdeen Roundtable (Men age 18-44) https://www.facebook.com/AberdeenRoundTable