We do a variety of things with our friendships - eat, drink, talk, share, dance, help, argue, forgive, and sometimes we're just there, for one another.
When encountering a period of distress, the ways in which we maintain our relationships can change and what we do together is re-negotiated. This can bring in new experiences to be shared together, new insight into one another, and a strengthening of the friendship.
When feeling overwhelmed, the kinds of activities that someone feels able to do can be limited, and instead new spaces for friendship need to be developed.
When encountering a period of distress, the ways in which we maintain our relationships can change and what we do together is re-negotiated. This can bring in new experiences to be shared together, new insight into one another, and a strengthening of the friendship.
When feeling overwhelmed, the kinds of activities that someone feels able to do can be limited, and instead new spaces for friendship need to be developed.
"I’ve dropped out of touch with lots of friends lately. I struggle with groups of people, I get anxious in crowds, I get overwhelmed by the speed of conversation, I can’t think of what to say.
But I miss being around people." |
"I hear my friend has been unwell. I’ve not seen them for a while and they keep cancelling when we’re supposed to go out. I know there’s a lot going on for them; I don’t know what I can do; I don’t know what to say.
But I miss them." |
That's where a Kick Back Club helps.
Find a Kick Back Club
As an organisation local to Nottingham, and the UK, we are focussing on Kick Back Clubs for this region. But we're not exclusive!
If you're already running a Kick Back Club, let us know and we can put it on the map to help others find you. We think it's important to share not just for those local to ourselves, but for those who may be moving into different areas too. |
What is a Kick Back Club?A Kick Back Club is simple: A regular time and space for friends to meet.
Having something to do takes the pressure out of conversation, so we provide creative activities for people to pick up. Whether you come with a friend, or come alone hoping to meet new people, it’s a friendly, open place. Kick Back Clubs require a little setting up – one or two people promote it, organise it, provide the activities. This could, of course, be you and your friends. |
Some tips for trying something similar in your local area
• Find a venue.
We asked a local coffee house, who are happy to host as long as we drink some tea and coffee. Local mental health teams, pubs or libraries are good places to ask if you don’t have anywhere similar. • Pick a theme. This could be something simple, like having a cuppa, or something that you’re particularly interested in, like the arts, or card games. Having a theme helps set the group up with topics of conversation, and helps attract people with something in common, which will make welcoming strangers in that much easier. |
• Provide an activity.
Try and have a range of activities, so that people don’t have to talk to others if they don’t want to, and activities that will stimulate conversation for those keen to chat but struggling to find something to say. • Provide some background music. Having something to listen to is great if the conversation dries up. As the group develops, members can place requests for next time. • Publicise. People need to know it’s happening! Start small – perhaps just your own friends at first – but think of flyers for others who don’t know you. |
Here's a downloadable starter pack for you and your friends to start a Kick Back Club near you.
We can provide you with resources if you want to use the mindfulness/doodle theme and activities we’ve developed. A £5 donation to Friendship Through Recovery will give you annual access to group resources. We will post them or email them to you.
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Share! We would love to hear about your Kick Back Club
If you would like to share your thoughts on the Kick Back Club, or have set one up, please let us know.
We'd love to hear about what works, what helps, and share these with others who may benefit.
Feel free to:
• Use the Friendship Through Recovery website to promote your club.
• Tell us about your themes and activities – this can inspire others.
• Please “donate” by sharing your resources or activities – this will help others setting up their own clubs.
• Send a quick photo or an update about your club using the Friendship Through Recovery social media.
We'd love to hear about what works, what helps, and share these with others who may benefit.
Feel free to:
• Use the Friendship Through Recovery website to promote your club.
• Tell us about your themes and activities – this can inspire others.
• Please “donate” by sharing your resources or activities – this will help others setting up their own clubs.
• Send a quick photo or an update about your club using the Friendship Through Recovery social media.