Local Groups in Christchurch

Sometimes a local group is all you need to seek advice, meet new faces, learn a new skill, or simply join in with your community for a sense of belonging.

Our Never Alone programme is designed to provide support for loneliness and other emotional and practical needs plus promote general wellbeing. We have recommendations to local groups who may be able to help you. Finding the right one that meets your needs or interests can be very fulfilling and truly boost your mood.

If you have a local group you would like to add to the listing below, please submit your details via the Google form here.

Social

Friendly, welcoming social groups can be relaxed and informal and offer the chance to chat and build new friendships.

We recommend local social groups and clubs for women and men which provide entertainment, conversation and a range of social activities.

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Coffee Morning

The Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month from February to November for coffee (or tea), cake and a chat. We meet at 10.30 am at The Grasshopper pub and restaurant located at 139 -141 Bournemouth Road, Poole BH14 9HT.

Knit & Chatter

Everyone who likes knitting or crochet, sewing or embroidery, even crafts – bring your own and join in the fun! Share ideas and patterns, learn new skills, and have a chat. All welcome at this monthly group on the first Monday of each month. Feel free to bring friends and neighbours along too.

Wednesday Friendship

We have a varied programme of games, outings, talks, musical entertainment, crafts – and always a cuppa with cakes. We also have a lunch together about 5 times a year. Our aim is to provide enjoyment and good company for older people. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays during term time, usually from 2pm to 4pm in the Church Hall.

Arts & Crafts

Would you like to get stuck in with an arts project or learn a new craft?

There is so much choice when it comes to arts clubs from painting to pottery making. We can help you find the best group for you.

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Art and Craft Connections

Enjoy a time of friendly encouragement, while you get creative. Set some time aside for your artistic or crafty endeavours: there will be lots available or you can bring your own craft project with you to craft in company!

Walking

Walking is a popular choice both for relaxation and fitness. If you would like to get outside a little more, it can quickly become an enjoyable activity, and there are many groups in your area who would love you to join them for beautiful country walks.

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Walking with Friends

We are a local, friendly and casual walking group based in the Christchurch and Southbourne area. Our walks are varied and always include a refreshment stop, plenty of chat, often a good giggle and sometimes lunch or a picnic.

Bournemouth Happy Monday Ramblers

We are primarily a social group and our walks end with an optional lunch at a local pub or café. Our walks start Monday at 10am and walks are typically from 4 to 8 miles.

Books

If you are interested in meeting fellow bookworms, there are reading groups in most towns for friendly discussions and thought-provoking debates. We can help pinpoint the perfect book group for you in your area.

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Reading Group

We meet at Southbourne Library on Tuesday 5.30pm to 6.30pm on the second Tuesday of the month as well as a shared reading group from 10.30am to midday on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Reading Group

Reading groups taking place on the last Thursday of the month from 2pm to 3pm and Saturday from 10.30am to 11.30am on the first Saturday of the month at Bournemouth library.

Hobbies

Having a wide choice of groups to pick up an old hobby or start a new one can be a wonderful way to meet new people with a similar interest to you.

We recommend local groups and clubs ranging from chess, bridge, poker, bingo, knitting, to bowls.

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Christchurch Men in Sheds

Christchurch Men’s Shed was formed in July 2016 and is a member of the National Men’s Shed Association. The workshop is equipped with a selection of power and hand tools. Our members have a wide range of craft and technical skills and experience which we are happy to share with others. Our workshop is currently open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from about 9:45am.

Knit & Natter

Knit and Natter is a small, friendly group which meets in the Bridge on Monday afternoons at 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Each session is £1.00 which includes tea or coffee and cake or biscuits. Help is available with learning to knit or crochet, deciphering patterns or sewing up garments.

Chess Club

Meets on Friday evenings, 6.00 -7.15 pm (Junior's training) 7.15-10.30 pm (Club & Match play) at Tuckton Social Club, 222 Tuckton Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3AA. There is individual free coaching being offered at Southbourne Chess Club, between 6pm to 7.15 pm on Friday evenings.

Christchurch Bridge Club

We play a mix of Online Bridge on the RealBridge platform and a face to face session. To find out more, contact the group below.

Music & Theatre

Would you like to join an amateur dramatics group or a choir?

Exploring music can be good for the soul. You can join music appreciation classes or join the church choir. Dancing is also a wonderful way to meet new people and have fun.

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Bournemouth & District Concert Band

We’re a large community concert band in Bournemouth, with more than 60 musicians of all ages – from 14 through to 80s. Our band members come from all over the area including Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne, Ferndown, Christchurch and Highcliffe. We rehearse every Thursday evening from 7:30-9:30pm at Queen’s Park Infant Academy, East Way, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9PU.

Music Group

During the week and at weekends, there are various groups rehearsing and leading worship, including the band and the choir/singers.

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