When I moved to Nottingham 10 years ago, I was a single mum. I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t know the city.

It’s a strange feeling, arriving somewhere new as an adult. You’re busy, capable, holding life together, but socially, you’re starting from scratch.

I found a social group and met all sorts of people. I made friends, and I’m genuinely grateful for that. But over time, I realised I wanted something a little different. Something more refined. More intentional. A little more sophisticated.

I wanted higher quality events.
Better venues.
A warmer atmosphere.

And I knew I wasn’t the only one.

The Gap I Could Feel

There are so many platforms out there. Big, open, free-for-all spaces where anyone can join anything. And while that works for some, it can also feel overwhelming, impersonal and sometimes uncomfortable.

What I was looking for — and what eventually became Affinity — was something more curated.

Not exclusive for the sake of it.
But selective enough to protect the atmosphere.

A place where:

• You could turn up alone and feel at ease
• The events felt considered, not chaotic
• The people were warm, respectful and open
• The experience felt elevated, not rushed

I wanted to create something that felt safe, stylish and welcoming for adults who value quality connections.

Loneliness Doesn’t Always Look Obvious

There are a lot of people out there who look like they’re doing fine.

Busy careers.
Families.
Full diaries.

But underneath, they feel a bit lonely.

Maybe they’ve moved to a new city like I did.
Maybe their children have grown up and left home.
Maybe a relationship has ended.
Maybe life has just quietly shifted.

Making friends as an adult isn’t always easy. Work, routines and responsibilities don’t naturally create new social circles the way school and university once did.

That’s one of the reasons Affinity matters to me.

Because life is so much better with good friends.

Not just people to share a drink with, but people to share experiences with. People who celebrate with you. People who pick you up when you need it.

My Best Nights Have One Thing in Common

When I look back at my best nights out, the thing that made them special wasn’t just the venue or the music.

It was the people.

Good conversation.
Shared laughter.
That comfortable feeling of belonging.

My hope with Affinity is simple:

To help people build those kinds of friendships.
To create moments that turn into memories.
To give people the social life they hoped for, but maybe haven’t quite found yet.

A Community, Not Just an Events List

Another part of the vision was this:

If a member wants to try a new restaurant, go to a gig, visit an exhibition or explore something different, they can suggest it.

And we’ll help bring it to life.

Affinity isn’t about us deciding everything from the top down. It’s about creating a forum where people can say:

“I’d love to try this — who’s in?”

That way, no one has to sit at home wondering if they should go somewhere alone. They can find others who share their interests and go together.

It’s about shared experiences.
Shared curiosity.
Shared courage sometimes.

Why Affinity Exists

Affinity was created for adults who:

• Want more than endless swiping and noisy apps
• Value meaningful conversation
• Appreciate well-hosted, thoughtfully curated events
• Are ready to invest in their social life
• Believe quality matters

It’s for people who are warm, respectful and open-minded.

People who understand that belonging doesn’t happen by accident, it happens when someone creates the space for it.

Life Is Better With Good Friends

At its heart, Affinity exists because of a very simple truth:

Life is so much better with good friends.

Friends to laugh with.
Friends to try new things with.
Friends to support you when life feels heavy.

If Affinity can play even a small part in helping someone feel less alone, more connected and more excited about their social life, then it’s doing exactly what I hoped it would do.

And that’s why we set it up.

Ready to Join?

If you’re new to Nottingham, rebuilding your circle, or simply ready for something more meaningful in your social life…

Your first Affinity experience awaits!

If you’re looking for what’s on in Nottingham and want more than just another ticketed event, Affinity could be your next step.

Explore all upcoming events:
https://affinity-club.co.uk/events/

Join the community here:
https://affinity-club.co.uk/register/