The Gathering Place - Circle of Friends
Find Your Circle of Friends
Join a global community where you'll find friends who share multiple interests, not just one. No awkward apps. No surface-level small talk. Just real people building real friendships.​
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✓ Global community, local connections
✓ All genders, all life stages welcome
✓ £27/month after trial
✓ Cancel anytime
Making Friends After 40 Shouldn't Be This Hard
Does this sound familiar?
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Your social circle has shrunk. Friends moved away, got busy with their own lives, or you simply grew apart. Maybe you've relocated, changed jobs, gone through a breakup, or watched your kids leave home.
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You've tried joining Facebook groups, but it feels scattered; you're in a dozen different groups with no real connection to anyone. You might bond over running or a book club, but what happens when that one shared interest fades? The friendship does too.
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Dating apps feel weird when you're just looking for friends. Local meetups are hit-or-miss. And honestly? Starting over with friendships in your 40s, 50s, or beyond feels vulnerable and exhausting. Not to mention the shame so many of us feel admitting we don't really have any friends.
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Here's what you really want:
Friends who get you. Multiple shared interests that keep the connection strong. A community where you can be yourself without performing. People who are also intentionally building friendships that matter.
​Welcome to The Gathering Place
Your Circle of Friends is Waiting
​The Gathering Place is a paid membership community designed specifically for adults 40+ who are done accepting loneliness as the norm. Here, you'll build genuine friendships with people who share multiple points of connection - not just one hobby that might fade.
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What makes us different:
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Multiple Shared Interests = Stronger Friendships - Unlike single-topic Facebook groups or hobby-based meetups, you'll connect with people across multiple interest areas. Love fantasy books AND have a cat AND enjoy hiking? Find your people who share all of it. When one interest shifts, your friendships stay strong.
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Guided From Day One - You're not thrown into chaos. Our monthly themes, weekly prompts, and structured onboarding help even the shyest person start connecting immediately. No lurking allowed - we help you take action from day one.
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Global Community, Local Connections - Connect with people worldwide in our online space, then use our "Near Me" feature to find members in your area for coffee, walks, or adventures.
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Intentional, Not Transactional - Everyone here is showing up with the same goal: building real, lasting friendships. No endless scrolling. No ghosting. Just genuine people investing in connection.
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More Than Just a Forum - Monthly themed activities, weekly challenges, interest-based sub-communities, member spotlights, and a supportive space where real friendships can grown and develop.
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Important Note - This is not a dating community, if you're looking for romantic relationships or hook ups this is NOT the place for you. There are plenty of dating website for that.
Your Journey From Lonely to Connected
Month 1
Find Your Place
Start with our "magical first experience" - introduce yourself, join interest groups, and post your first icebreaker. You'll receive personalised welcome support and immediate connection opportunities.
Months 2 - 3
Build Connections
Engage in monthly themed activities, attend virtual meetups, and start forming one-on-one friendships. Use our weekly prompts to stay engaged and accountable.
Months 4 - 6
Go Deeper
You're not just "in a community" - you have a circle of friends.
Months 7 - 12
Living Connected
Your friendships are established. You have new interests, inside jokes, and people who truly know you. You're welcoming new members and helping others find their people too.
​​​By the end of your first year, you have genuine friendships both online and even in person, new interests you're exploring, and a sense of belonging you haven't felt in years.
What You Get as a Member
✓ Access to The Full Community - Join interest-based sub-groups: book lovers, pet parents, career changers, creative souls, fitness enthusiasts, travellers, and more. New groups added based on member interests.
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✓ Monthly Themes & Weekly Prompts - Structured activities keep you engaged without overwhelming you. From "Fresh Starts" in January to "Reflection & Renewal" in December, you're guided on a transformation journey.
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✓ Virtual & In-Person Connections - Hobbies and topic-specific hangouts, plus "Near Me" feature to find local members.
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✓ Community Playlist & Surprises - Unlock exclusive member perks like our collaborative Spotify playlist, resource library, and monthly surprises.
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✓ Safe, Moderated Space - This is a paid community, which means everyone is serious about being here. Active moderation keeps it supportive, inclusive, and drama-free.
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✓ No Ads, No Algorithm, No Nonsense - Your feed isn't cluttered with ads or manipulated by algorithms. Just real people, real conversations, real connection.
It's Not Just You!
The loneliness epidemic is real:
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52 million adults experience chronic loneliness
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Nearly half of adults over 40 report feeling socially isolated
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Loneliness has the same health impact as smoking 15 cigarettes daily
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Yet 89% of adults say meaningful friendships are important to life satisfaction
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Price
£27/month - Cancel anytime
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Compare that to:
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Dating apps: £25-40/month (and you're not even looking for romance)
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Therapy: £60-150/session (helpful, but not the same as friendship)
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Gym membership: £30-60/month (good for health, but doesn't solve loneliness)
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A weekly coffee date: £20+/month (if you had friends to meet!)
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For less than £1 per day, you get:
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A global community actively building friendships
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Weekly structured activities and prompts
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Multiple interest groups to explore
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Local connection opportunities
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Expert guidance on building lasting friendships
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A space that's JUST for people seeking genuine connection
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Still Not Sure?
"I've tried online communities before and they didn't work." Fair. Most free communities lack structure, moderation, and intentionality. The Gathering Place is different because it's paid (everyone is serious), guided (monthly themes keep you engaged), and focused (everyone here wants the same thing: real friendship).
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"I don't have time for another commitment." Making friends actually saves time - instead of feeling isolated and scrolling social media for hours, you're investing 20-30 minutes per week in meaningful connection. Plus, our structure makes engagement easy and flexible.
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"What if people don't like me?" This fear is universal, and it's exactly why we've created a judgment-free space. Everyone here is vulnerable, everyone is showing up authentically, and everyone remembers what it's like to be new. You'll find your people.
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"£27 feels like a lot." Compare it to what you spend on things that don't solve loneliness: subscription boxes, streaming services you rarely watch, gym memberships you don't use. This is an investment in your mental health, happiness, and quality of life. Plus, try it free for 14 days - if it's not worth it, walk away.
Your Circle of Friends Is One Click Away
You've spent long enough accepting that "this is just how it is now." It doesn't have to be.
What if, one year from today:
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You had a group chat that actually makes you laugh
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Your calendar had regular coffee dates and hangouts
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You felt genuinely known by people who get you
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You woke up feeling connected instead of isolated
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You had friends to call when life gets hard (or exciting)
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That's what happens when you show up and build intentional friendships.
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Join The Gathering Place. Find your people. Build connections that truly matter.
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​​Cancel anytime. Zero risk, everything to gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! While it's true that making friends as we get older requires intentional effort and the right environment. The Gathering Place provides structured activities, shared interest groups, and both online and local connection opportunities specifically designed for those seeking genuine friendships. Start by joining interest-based communities, engaging in weekly prompts, and gradually taking connections offline through meetups.
Is it really possible to make friends after 40?
Not at all! Members join for many reasons: they've relocated, their friend group has shrunk, they want to expand their circle, or they're seeking friends with specific shared interests. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to add meaningful connections, you're welcome here.
Is this only for people who have no friends?
Perfect! Many of our members identify as introverted or socially anxious. Our structured approach (monthly themes, weekly prompts, guided first experience) makes it easier to start connecting without the overwhelm. You can engage at your own pace, and online interaction often feels more comfortable for introverts.
What if I'm shy or introverted?
Facebook groups are single-interest focused - you might bond over running but have nothing else in common. The Gathering Place helps you find people with multiple shared interests, creating stronger, more resilient friendships. Plus, we're intentional, moderated, and free from ads and algorithms.
How is this different from Facebook groups?
Yes! While the community is online, our "Near Me" feature helps you find local members to meet for coffee, walks, or activities. Many members form local sub-groups for regular meetups. You control the pace - start online, go offline when ready.
Will I actually meet people in person?
You'll still build meaningful online friendships with people worldwide. Many members maintain close friendships entirely online through video calls, messaging, and shared activities. Geographic distance doesn't prevent a genuine connection.
What if there's no one near me?
No! The Gathering Place welcomes all genders. While loneliness affects everyone, we're particularly mindful of creating an inclusive space where men, women, and non-binary individuals all feel comfortable building friendships.
Is this just for women?
We're designed for adults 40+, but if you're in your late 30s and resonate with the challenges of finding friends at this stage of life, you're welcome too. Most members are between 40-65, but age is less important than shared values and life stage.
What age range is this for?
Yes, absolutely. Cancel your membership anytime with no penalty or hassle.
Can I cancel anytime?
Your 14-day free trial gives you full access to the community. If you love it (we think you will!), your membership automatically continues at £27/month. If it's not right for you, cancel before the trial ends with no charge