December Cover Story

On this December’s cover we have a picture of Ambassador Andrew and member Daniel at one of our in person Pop Up events. We caught up with Daniel who travelled all the way from Dundee to Edinburgh in order to attend one of our October Pop Ups. Daniel is one of many of our members who has stepped out from the screen, and into the community to meet with friends face-to-face. Read on to hear Daniel’s story!

How long have you been a member of get2gether?

I’ve been a member of get2gether for nearly two years, I joined just before the pandemic hit so I didn’t get to go to any in person events. I’ve been attending online events for just over a year now.

What has been the biggest challenge for you during the pandemic?

Not being able to go out and meet people and not being able to go to my running club. It’s been difficult not being able to go to different groups and take transport to get out into the countryside. It was especially difficult during the winter because you didn’t want to go outside as much and you couldn’t go to places like the gym.

What do you enjoy the most about online events?

My favourite thing about online events has been meeting new people over zoom. The events I have enjoyed the most are Big Date Night and Wild Night IN because I like evening events and opportunities to socialise with lots of people.

I also did the Live Your Life course which I believe is really worthwhile and has been a good confidence-booster for me. Listening to people who have some of the same problems I have was really helpful and being able to get things off my chest.

What do you enjoy the most about in person events?

It is great to meet people that you’ve only seen behind a screen in person. I attended the Pop-Up at Ocean’s Terminal in October which I really enjoyed. Getting to know people is brilliant. And it’s good to get out of the house and get to visit new places and get out of your comfort zone.

If you haven’t already come along to one, I recommend signing up.

What would you say to members who want to attend in person Pop Ups but are a bit shy or anxious?

Just come along! The ambassadors make you feel very welcome and it’s a fun and relaxed atmosphere. They offer to get the bus with you to get to the event and they make an effort to chat to you and get to know you.

Will you be attending future Pop Ups events?

Yes, I will be attending the Bowling Pop Up event in November which I’m excited about, and hopefully some December ones too.

Our festive-themed December Pop Ups are well on their way. We have a Christmas Shopping Event, Winter Wetherspoons Hang, Dinner and Chats AND a trip to see the Christmas Panto!! (FRONT ROW TICKETS!).

If you’re based in and around Edinburgh and want to hang out with other members in person, then sign up to a Pop Up event! Simply contact ella@get2gether.org.uk or call 07867 179023. We look forward to seeing you there.