How to start a social group

News

Rory, a young man supported by MacIntyre's Great Communities Project has produced a guide to help others who are interested in starting a social group, following the success of 'Rory's Cycling Social Club'.

The guide, written by Rory in collaboration with the Community Catalysts, details his own experience of setting up his cycling group, as well as tips and tricks to inspire others to start their own social club.

In 2020 Rory was working at a large retail store in Warrington, but as stores began to close as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was devastated to learn he no longer had a job.

Determined not to let this defeat him, during the first national lockdown Rory hopped on his bicycle and started 'Rory's Cycling Social Club' in collaboration with MacIntyre's Great Communities Project in Warrington.

Speaking about this period, Rory said:

"COVID-19 has been difficult. I wanted to make a good thing come out of a bad thing. I wanted to do something for my community, to have an adventure and help other people. If I can start and run a good social group, then you can too."

Using social distancing guidelines and safety procedures, Rory and Peter Connor, MacIntyre's Great Communities Project Manager in Warrington, reached out to local people and formed a small group that began riding cycling routes in the area at a safe distance.

The weekly cycling sessions became a lifeline for many people in the group during these difficult times; boosting morale, hope and motivation as each week passed.

During the lockdown period, Rory has kept cycling alone in line with current restrictions, but hopes the group can go out together again, once it is safe to do so.

How to start a social club: Rory's guide covers: