Health
The joy of joining in: why – and how – to join a club
by Sainsbury's magazine
Whether you’re signing up to the Women’s Institute, entering a social badminton league or joining a gardening club, the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people together makes community engagement all the more appealing.
Start with a sign-up and end with a sense of belonging… Dr Angela Carter, an occupational psychologist who specialises in group and team dynamics, explains why – and how – to join a club.
WHY SHOULD I JOIN A CLUB?
Boost your health and wellbeing
‘In-person clubs that you attend regularly are a huge wellbeing resource. Benefits include stimulation, socialising, fulfilment and friendship. Club membership is also linked to better physical health, helping with stress management, emotional support and better health habits.’
Widen your connections
‘You will meet people of different types from different backgrounds. Sticking with close friends and family can become a bit of an echo chamber, so open yourself to new thinking and perspectives.’
Build identity
‘Clubs are good for us at any age and life stage, but many people find them especially helpful at turning points.’ Just had a baby? Moved to a new area? Empty-nester? ‘Clubs provide a way to write your next chapter and to express parts of yourself that you might not do at work or in the family.’
Gain a sense of belonging
‘Making friends is great, and you will. But putting down deeper roots in your community, sharing local concerns and being aware of what’s happening in your area drives a deeper sense of belonging and engagement. This often leads to community action, which can be very rewarding.’
HOW DO I JOIN A CLUB?
Take the first step
‘Local libraries and councils have lists of clubs and societies. Otherwise apps or websites like Meetup, Eventbrite or Facebook groups include hundreds of different kinds of clubs and groups – just enter your area and any search terms (such as ‘women’s running group’, ‘environment groups’, ‘crafters’ and so on). Many clubs will let you attend a try-out meeting without commitment.’
Choose well
‘You don’t have to show up to get a feel for what you can expect. Most clubs will have their own website or social media account. Do some online research and find one that aligns with your values – for example, mainly social, based around a particular interest, or active in the community – before turning up.’
Get involved
‘Join the committee, help with fundraisers, support other members, get involved with local issues. Giving back and helping others deepens your bonds with other people and provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment.’
Feeling shy?
‘Ask a friend to go with you – but agree that you’ll both speak to at least one other person. Or call the organiser and explain that you are new and want to try it out – they will often greet you in person and introduce you to people.’
Be inspired…
WATCH: Join or Die (Netflix). If you aren’t convinced of the value of club membership, watch this documentary. It’s based on the life and work of the social scientist Robert Putnam, who plainly states: ‘Your chances of dying over the next year are cut in half by joining one group.’
READ: Behind Closed Doors by Seth Alexander Thévoz (Robinson, £25) charts the rise, decline and resurgence of London’s private members’ clubs, from the late 18th century to the present day. Up the Youth Club by Emma Warren (Faber, £18.99) highlights the impact youth clubs have had on UK culture.
