What we’re about
Hi there! Welcome to the North East's social group for friendly professionals in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
We're a group of lovely people who like to meet up around Newcastle and the North East. Some of the things we like to do include: nights out, coffee, days out and walks, board games, book club and much more…
Are you looking to make friends outside of work? Then this is the group for you! Our main aim is to bring people together at fun and interesting events.
What is a professional? I hear you say. We don't really mind about the professional bit - it just makes us sound fancier.
Please be aware of:
Ground Rules
Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself. (Be kind, considerate and respectful to one another)
If you can no longer attend an event, please update your RSVP to not going ASAP. It helps the host to know who to look out for.
This is primarily a group for making friends, not for dating. It will not surprise you to hear that plenty of dating does go on within a social group that has over 6000 members, but you should not expect to treat the events as if they are speed dating events. Please respect people’s boundaries and understand that sexual harassment will not be tolerated.
Please do not use the app to send repeated messages to members you have not met; if you do this you will be removed. If you want to make connections, we encourage you to come along to events and use the app's new 'connections' feature to help make friends with people you have met.
Discriminatory and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated
We take issues/complaints seriously. If something isn’t right, report it to the main host via the MeetUp chat.
We encourage all members to use a photograph of their face and their real first name on their profile to help ensure everyone’s safety.
Stay safe:
We meet in public places where there are other people who maybe less lovely than you. Additionally as nice as we think all our members are, we cannot vet them.
Therefore I’d advise you to stick to the following safety recommendations whilst out with us:
Never leave your drink unattended – gents, that includes you too.
Leaving the group with people you don't know? Make sure someone you know, knows where you are and when you’ll be back.
In the event a member causes you trouble, please report to your host.
There’s strength in numbers, look out for one another
Be aware of the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme- many venues in Newcastle support it https://askforangela.co.uk/
If someone is making you uncomfortable either through unsolicited and unwelcome physical contact or by bombarding you with unsolicited messages during or after an event, please inform an organizer and this will be addressed.
As you start attending regularly you’ll probably find you are invited to lots of Whatsapp and Facebook groups, separate networks and parties. This is fine with us: NEP has an extremely large membership and we can’t do everything together. Just bear in mind we don’t monitor and can’t be responsible for what happens in those spaces/events, and if you do go off to a private party after an event make sure you trust the person organizing it.
FAQs:
Is there a membership fee? There is no fee to join the group. Note: Some events might have a fee to recover costs.
How do I attend an event? Find an event you'd like to go to, RSVP as going to it, follow the instructions on the event to find the group on the day.
Can I bring a friend? Usually yes, when you RSVP you will get an option to add a plus 1, if the host is allowing them. If the event doesn't give the option, check with the event host.
I'm new, which events can I attend? Any, all our events are open to old and new members.
Do I have to live in Newcastle? No, anyone from anywhere in the world is welcome to attend.
Where are your events? Mostly they are around Newcastle, every now and again we have them elsewhere in the North East of England to mix it up a bit.
What if I have an idea for an event? Suggestions can be sent on the Meetup chat.
I have a question about an event. Any questions about a scheduled event, put the comments or contact the event host.
Do you have a group chat? Yes. We have a Messenger chat, if you’d like to join it, please ask one of the hosts.
We all look forward to meeting you soon :)
The Young(ish) Professionals Team