Meeting people as an adult is oddly difficult — there's no classroom to sit in, no obvious next step, and “just put yourself out there” never quite explains how. The easiest way in isn't small talk at all — it's doing something alongside other people, where conversation happens because you're both there for the same reason, not because you're trying to make it happen. Here's where to start this week.
Why “just be more social” is bad advice
It's easy to say and hard to do. Walking into a room with no reason to be there, no task to focus on, and no one to talk to is exactly the kind of thing most of us avoid — new to the area or not. The problem was never a lack of willingness. It was a lack of a reason to be in the room.
Shared activities beat small talk, every time
Give people something to do together — a game, a craft, a shared task — and conversation happens on its own. Nobody has to think of something to say, because there's already something to talk about. That's the idea behind every event below.
Where to start this week
Community Jigsaw Challenge at Bettyhill Library — take a mindful break and join the new community jigsaw challenge. Working together piece by piece is a great way to relax, connect with others, and support your wellbeing. Free, drop in, running all week. Mon 21–Fri 25 Sept, 09:00–12:30, all ages.
Mix and Mingle at Fortrose Library — intergenerational fun and friendship, joining the young people and youth team from Fortrose Academy, Black Isle Cares volunteers and library staff for a cuppa, tasty treats, good craic and lots of interesting activities. Free, drop in, open to all. Thu 24 Sept, 14:00–15:30.
Board Games & Lunch at Hilton Community Centre — a fun and friendly board games session suitable for all ages and abilities. Enjoy a variety of games, meet new people, and spend time with friends old and new. Afterwards, stay on for lunch together (board games free to all; lunch £2 for starter or dessert, £4 for a main course). Contact Hilton Community Centre to book a place. Fri 25 Sept, 11:00–12:00 games, 12:00–14:00 lunch.
Knitwits: Mindful Crochet for Wellbeing at Tain Library — discover the calming benefits of crochet in a relaxed, welcoming group. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to develop your skills, you'll learn simple, mindful projects, enjoy a chat, and meet new people while creating something handmade. Free, drop in. Sat 26 Sept, 10:00–12:00, age 14+.
For teens: Teen Zine Club
Teen Zine Club at Fortrose Library gives younger people their own low-pressure way in. It's creative freedom, plain and simple — no rules, no limits, no judgement. Make something that's entirely your own, and connect with others while you're at it. Free, drop in. Wed 23 Sept, age 13 to 18.
Make something outdoors, together
Eco Printing at Laide & Aultbea Community Woodland — a shared task with a finished object at the end, which is exactly the kind of thing that gets people talking without trying. Take a short walk through the woodland to collect leaves and natural materials as a group, then learn how to press them into your own eco-prints on fabric and paper to take home. Booking essential; small charge for non-highlife members to cover materials. Thu 24 Sept, 10:00–13:00. Reserve your spot here.
You don't need to bring anyone
You don't need a plan, a plus-one, or a script for what to say — just one activity where showing up is the only requirement. Try one this week and see who you meet along the way. That's making life better, one shared afternoon at a time.
More ways to connect
Explore everything else happening across the Highlands this Wellness Week.
