A research resource from How can we make new friends as adults?
Where do adults find people who become friends?
Friendship doesn’t only happen because the right two people meet. It also happens because certain places, groups and communities make meeting — and meeting again — easier.
This is a growing, community-sourced directory of the places where people say friendship has actually begun.
Spotlight · a place where friendships began
Agile Finland Helsinki Coaching Circle
Helsinki, Finland + online — CONTRIBUTE · EXPLORE · LISTEN
1 person says this helped them meet people
See community →6 communities so far
Agile Finland Helsinki Coaching Circle
Helsinki, Finland + online · Usually free
Careers / professionalBusiness / entrepreneurshipCoding / technologyPeople to learn fromPeople to grow with
1 person says this helped them meet people
See community →CreativeMornings
Helsinki, Finland · Free
Arts & creativityCommunity / neighbourhoodIdeas / discussionConversationPeople nearby
“It attracts people interested in interesting things -- and provides time and space to mingle before and after the talk”
1 person says this helped them meet people
See community →International Women's Club of Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland · Membership / subscription
Arts & creativityBusiness / entrepreneurshipCulture / languageNew friendly facesConversation
“Organised activities, like a trip to a museum exhibition, a visit to an atelier, a lunch, or a visit to a business. A really wide range people from many different backgrounds.”
1 person says this helped them meet people
See community →Spouse Program Helsinki
Helsinki region, Finland + online · Free
Careers / professionalParenting / familyRelocation / newcomersMotivation & inspirationSpontaneous company
1 person says this helped them meet people
See community →Sustainability Community Finland ry
Helsinki and Espoo, Finland · Free
Volunteering / civic actionIdeas / discussionOutdoors / natureConversationPeople to do things with
1 person says this helped them meet people
See community →The Nest Doulas
Helsinki, Finland · Free
Community / neighbourhoodParenting / familyPeople who get a part of lifeSupport in hard times
1 person says this helped them meet people
See community →
An experiment in what comes next
Can we make finding our people less random?
In November, UPWARD is taking the same question into a room full of people. Friendship Fair is a live experiment in whether thoughtful matching, shared experiences and better conditions can make new connection a little less random.
Learn more about the Friendship Fair →And what helps you connect?
The UPWARD Connection Profile explores how different people approach friendship — what they welcome, what they bring, and the kinds of interaction that help connection happen.
Make your Connection Profile →