15-Minute Friendships is a new and developing social project aiming to combat loneliness in the LGBTQIA+ community through pop-up events across Leeds (with a view to expand to West Yorkshire). We’re looking for safe and inclusive venues to host one-off and/or regular pop-up events to help us get the project started. If this sounds like you, then we’d encourage you to get in touch!
Could you host a 15-Minute Friendships pop-up?
Do you own or manage a safe and inclusive social space in Leeds? This could be anything from a café to a community centre. Do you have a small seating area or table that could be available for 1-3 hours within your space? Then you could host a 15-Minute Friendships pop-up!
While we don’t rule out bars/pubs specifically, we are on the lookout for low or no-alcohol spaces, as a disproportionate number of LBTQIA+ social events take place in alcohol-oriented spaces. This can be isolating for those who do not drink or individuals with sensory needs that make these environments more challenging.
“What’s in it for me?”
If making space for the LGBTQIA+ community is something that’s important to you, then hosting a 15-Minute Friendships pop-up could be a great way to show your support.
Because 15-Minute Friendships is designed to be a series of short one-to-ones, the space required to host a pop-up is minimal – you can continue to operate in your space as usual while the pop-up takes place.
This is a not-for-profit, free-to-attend social project, so we would be unable to pay for spaces at host venues, but attendees will be encouraged to support the hosting venue by purchasing drinks/snacks where available.
What happens at a 15-Minute Friendships pop-up?
Each free-to-attend pop-up event is hosted by, Bridie (30 years old, they/them), and is designed to be an informal one-on-one between myself and an individual. Attendees are encouraged to come along and talk about anything they'd like, whether they've got a story to tell, want to practise their conversational skills, or simply have some time to kill. It only takes 15 minutes and there is no pressure to stay for the entire duration.
Why short one-to-one sessions instead of longer group events?
Sometimes the pressure of socialising can be more intense for individuals experiencing loneliness or isolation, and this can cause feelings of fear and anxiety that act as a barrier to socialisation. 15-Minute Friendships is a short, low-commitment, one-to-one session, designed to minimise discomfort and reduce some of the social anxiety that is often associated with larger or group events.
At a 15-Minute Friendships pop-up, attendees have the option to book sessions or simply drop in depending on how they feel. There is no pressure to stay for the full 15 minutes, and the host will do their very best to tailor the conversation to the individual’s comfort level.
What safeguarding measures do you have in place?
Safeguarding is our number-one priority, as lonely people can also sometimes be quite vulnerable. Please check out our Safeguarding Policy page for more information.
We hope you’ll consider supporting this project and helping us grow. If you have space for a 15-Minute Friendships pop up, please get in touch with Bridie at 15minfriendships@gmail.com.
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