London doesn’t have to be lonely.
This week, BBC London released the results of a poll on loneliness in the capital. It found that more than a quarter of people surveyed felt there was little or no community where they lived.
One of the reasons I started LULR was to create a community for like-minded rurbanites living in London, so this news naturally struck a chord. Coming from tight, northern roots (dual meaning noted!), it took me a while to figure out where I belonged in London. It’s a challenge for people of any age to feel part of a community in this vast honeypot, but it absolutely positively can be done.
I’m lucky to count the amazing Popchoir as one of my urban communities. For the past three years it’s been heartening to watch our purple army grow, see friendships form – even a marriage, and appreciate the support Popchoir gives to its members who are going through tough times.
The beauty, however, is that it’s not limited to Popchoir – or any choir for that matter. Your community group might be a gardening club, a craft movement, a dance troup, a local campaign or a special interest society. These groups are out there and they want you to join them.
Of course, if singing is indeed your thing then we want you too. Popchoir has recently launched new choirs all over the city, including West Hamptead, Muswell Hill, London Fields and as far south as Orpington, so hopefully our band of purple will be getting even bigger in 2013.
Last weekend we got together to perform at the Ideal Home Show at Christmas – and very festive and sparkly it was too.
Click here to read our interview with Popchoir founder Helen Hampton
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2 Comments on "Find your urban community"
This looks Great Rachel – I used to be in Rock Choir and know what you mean about the sense of community being in such a group can bring…I miss it a lot and I think you’ve inspired me to get back into it!
Thanks, Anna – that’s wonderful to hear!