FAQ

Social Circle

What is Social Circle?

Social Circle is Manchester's friendliest social and activities network, bringing together like-minded people for friendship, community and adventure. It provides you with an opportunity to expand your social network and explore the best of what Manchester has to offer.
Whether you enjoy going out at the weekend and sampling some of Manchester's finest bars and restaurants or walking in the countryside, caving, and other outdoors activities, there is something for everyone on our extensive events calendar. But no matter which activities you enjoy, the key to Social Circle is always about meeting new people and having fun.

Who are your members?

Our members are mostly single, busy professionals around the ages of 40-50 and are looking to expand their social circle. They come from all over Manchester and surrounding areas and from all walks of life, with one common goal; to meet new people and have a good time. We find that some of the main reasons you may wish to join include:

• You are new to the area
• Your friends are all coupled up or married off
• You are busy and don't have time to meet people
• You already have an extensive social network but just love meeting new people

If I arrive on my own, would I be the only one to do so?

Most of our members come by themselves. The entire foundation of Social Circle is built on bringing together like-minded individuals, with almost everyone arriving on their own to meet new people just like you. Our friendly hosts will greet newcomers and make introductions. Everyone will be eager to meet you. Don't worry: we are a really fun and friendly bunch! If you want to bring a friend or come as a couple, no problem. Everyone is welcome.

How do you guarantee safety for women at your events?

There's no need for safety concerns at Social Circle. We're a members only group and all of our events have a professional host that attends and oversees everything. We've never had any issues in the past but if you have concerns we'll be happy to talk through them with you

Am I too old or too young?

Most of our members are in and around their 40s and 50s, single, and based in and around Greater Manchester. There are no guidelines on what age you need to be – we just ask you have an open mind about meeting new people and trying new things.

I live outside Greater Manchester, is it for me?

Many who attend our events come from all over Greater Manchester but also from surrounding areas such as Knutsford, Stockport, Altrincham and Warrington.
So yes, it is absolutely for you too.

I've just joined. What do I do now?

It's easy. Browse our extensive calendar and decide which event/s you want to attend first. Then get booking.

Covid-19 Standards and Procedure

How are you keeping members safe from COVID-19?

The healthy ad safety of our members is really important to us. Our events calendar is now populated with an increased number of outdoor activities that enable social distancing, so you can feel safe. We're also partnering with venues that we know have robust risk assessments and safety procedures for all guests. Because we're a members only group, if anyone has any symptoms we'll be able to alert any other members that have been in contact with them swiftly. To date we're thrilled that no members have caught the virus.

How are you allowed to run events with Covid-19 and government restrictions in place?

Social Circle as a commercial business that is covered and compliant with Covid-19 secure guidelines and can therefore host events for larger groups (maximum 30 attendees) in outdoor spaces. Social Circle have taken reasonable steps to mitigate risk of transmission and organises its outdoor events to ensure that social distancing is always possible. Where Social Circle is holding events not in outdoor spaces, we are complying with the wider rules on groups sizes when eating and drinking out with people you do not live with. On 2nd September local restrictions were lifted meaning that we can meet in groups of no more than 6 in any location. In line with this, we are booking multiple tables of 6 at restaurants/ bars and are working with organisations who have in place robust Covid-19 practises and procedures.
The safety of our members and attendees is paramount and we are maintaining open and transparent communication with those attending our events to ensure we make our events safe and comfortable.

What happens if I am Covid-19 positive after an event?

You are responsible for contacting Social Circle to inform them of your positive test results. As a result, we will be obliged to share all attendee information and details with NHS track and trace.

What if I don't feel comfortable about attending a Social Circle event due to Covid-19?

Social Circle are aware that this is an unusual and difficult time and socialising and attending events can raise concerns and anxieties.
We are also aware that we want our members and attendees to continue to socialise and enjoy meeting people, having adventures and building community.
Our Covid-19 form is designed so that you can raise any queries or concerns before the event.
Our host, Steve, is on hand to review these forms and will phone every attendee prior to the event, to put them at ease and answers any concerns or queries raised.

How is Social Circle complying with government regulations around COVID-19?

Social Circle takes health and safety very seriously. We are making every effort to comply with government regulations regarding COVID-19. Our events calendar, for now, is focusing on outdoor activities and events where social distancing can be maintained. We will limit numbers of attendees in line with the latest guidance – from September 14 this is groups of 6 but as and when this increases we will expand.

Membership

Do I need to become a member?

We run Social Circle as a professional business and, as such, we incur staff and office costs.
Membership alleviates much of the administrative activities associated with a pay as you go system and thus allows us to offer lots of free events a month to our members. You only need to visit our packed events calendar to see how much effort our team has put in, and what great value membership presents. To join please click here.

What do I get if I become a member?

You are free to book on any of our events as often as you like. By becoming a member of Social Circle you are accessing friendship, community and adventure. In our mind, that’s priceless. As a member you are free to book on any of our events as often as you like.

How do I join?

Once you have decided to enhance your social life with Social Circle, all that is required is just two minutes of your time completing this short form.

What do you mean by inclusive events?

We want our members to get as much value from Social Circle as they can. One of the main benefits of joining is the free events we offer. These include cinema, bowling, guided walks and fitness classes. One sign up to attend one of these events there are no additional costs to you – Social Circle covers the payment of the activity for you.

Events

What happens after I join?

You will be immediately sent your login details, which will allow you to access the members area of the website. You will then be able to book on to as many events as you wish. When the date of your first event arrives, you will receive both an email and an SMS with explicit instructions on where to meet. The host will take it from there :)

How do I book on to an event?

Log into the site (at the top of each page), go to the calendar, click on an event that you like and then book.
We're really happy to help if you need - if so, please get in touch.

What is the best event to start with?

We have a number of relaxed social events which are also a great way to start, such as Friday night drinks, a midweek meal, or comedy nights. You will come to find out what kind of people attend and you will be able to pose questions to the host about any other events you may be interested in, as well as about Social Circle in general.

What happens once I've booked on to an event?

You don't need to do anything. On the day of the event, you shall receive a text from the host confirming the time and place and you simply need to turn up.

How will I find you at the venue?

The host will text you on the day of the event to arrange a meeting place. You will then, of course, be provided with their phone no. If there are any problems, you can simply get in touch.

What can I expect to happen at an event?

You will know exactly where we are at any event as we will notify you beforehand, both by SMS and email, to provide you with the exact details. When you arrive, the host will greet you and introduce you to the other members at the event. The host will also know that it is your first time and make you feel right at home, answering any queries you may have.

Where are your events based?

Many of our events are based in the City Centre, but we also hold a large number of social events in South Manchester.
We focus on these areas specifically due to ease of transportation links. However, if you're based in North Manchester, or any area surrounding Manchester for that matter, we would love to see you. Of course, we also offer walking days and weekends outside of Manchester, as well as a selection of European city breaks.

I FORGOT TO ASK…

I have registered as a member but can't log in?

No problem. Drop us an email at info@social-circle.co.uk and we will instruct you on what to do.

I have forgotten my password?

There is a forgotten password link on all areas of the site where you are prompted to login.
Simply fill in the requested information and your password will be sent to the email address that you registered with.

I am interested in becoming a host myself, how do I apply?

Click here for more information on becoming a Social Circle host.

How can I contact you?

You may email us at info@social-circle.co.uk or send us a message via the contact page. Should you wish to speak with us personally, simply call  07845 529 538, or you can always chat on this site (click here).

I forgot to ask a fellow guest for their contact details; will you provide them to me?

Due to the Data Protection Act, we are not allowed to divulge any information given to us by either our guests or members. We could always ask them to get in touch.

© Social Circle