Join our Weekly Meet Ups in Helston
Connect with likeminded quieteers at The Epworth Centre every Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
This weekly group is designed to help you make meaningful connections with likeminded people in a calm and gentle way that feels authentic to your true quiet self.
Whether you’re chatting and sharing stories with your fellow quieteers, enjoying a craft or wellbeing activity, or simply relaxing with a good book in the company of others, this is a safe space where your quiet voice matters - and where you can feel part of a community that truly gets you.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
Your Helston Meet Ups leaders
We're here to greet you, guide the event and lead the optional activities, as well as answer any questions or concerns that you might have.
Click our photos below to see our stories.

Jake Riding

Irene Middleton

Louise Taylor

Volunteer
Connector and Digital Lead
Jake Riding
I’ve always been a quiet person, and for a long time I felt like I had to hide parts of myself to fit in. I’m autistic and have ADHD, so social situations have never felt easy. I’d often overthink every interaction and come away feeling exhausted, even when things went well. I learned to mask from a young age, but it left me feeling disconnected and misunderstood.
Over time, I’ve started to understand myself more and realised there’s nothing wrong with being quiet, sensitive or different. I’ve stopped trying to ‘fix’ myself and started to appreciate the way my mind works. It’s not always easy, but learning to accept who I am has made a big difference.
I care deeply about creating calm, welcoming spaces for people who feel like they don’t quite fit in. That’s why I’m proud to be helping with the Helston meet ups and to be part of Quiet Connections.
Connector
Irene Middleton
My name is Irene and I have always been a quiet person. I missed many opportunities and connections because I was afraid of being judged harshly, criticised and rejected. At a very young age I had little self confidence or self esteem.
I have a good friend who joined Quiet Connections some time ago. She persuaded me to go with her to a meeting at Redruth. I was made to feel very welcome and gradually over the weeks I felt more and more comfortable and have met some lovely likeminded souls. I can just be me, something that I did not feel I could be for many years.
Joining Quiet Connections has made me realise that I am not alone, that there are many people out there who feel the same way as I do. I now look forward to Mondays in Redruth and, by volunteering to help at the Helston group, I really hope that I can help other fellow Quieteers to feel welcome. That they can just be themselves, that they have nothing to prove to anyone and we, as a group, are very happy to know they have taken the first step to join us and hope that we can contribute something good in their lives in the safe space that Quiet Connections has established.
Connector & Creative Assistant
Louise Taylor
I’ve suffered from social anxiety for as long as I can remember. I feel like I’ve spent my life standing on the sidelines, watching other people really live their lives. School was incredibly difficult – the education system isn’t designed for introverts. There was so much that I couldn’t cope with, and my shyness made me a target for bullies. I think there is a lot of shame around being socially awkward. I felt as though I was viewed as weak and timid, dull and unintelligent. I felt that I wasn’t ‘enough’ of a person. The worst thing I could imagine was other people noticing my nervousness or embarrassment, which, of course, they did. This just reinforced my feeling of being damaged in some way.
Thankfully, with age, things have got a little easier. I can adapt my life to be more manageable. For example, I chose to study with the Open University after a disastrous attempt at attending a brick uni (I left after a term when I realised that I couldn’t cope with group discussions, giving presentations, etc). I am also more accepting of who I am. I am not broken; I am just a quieter version of normal. Still, sometimes I find myself in situations I can’t cope with and need to escape. My confidence takes yet another battering.
How refreshing to see that quietness is being addressed here at Quiet Connections, within a generally more open public discourse around mental health, and I am happy to play a part in this.
Become a Quiet Connector with us
Volunteer
Our weekly Meet Ups gently connect quieteers like us in a safe, relaxing space where it’s okay to talk and it’s okay to be quiet too. Here, you can flourish in your life and career as your true quiet self – and help others do the same.
Find out more about how you can get involved at www.quietconnections.co.uk/quiet-connectors
What to Expect
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A relaxed, welcoming environment
We meet in the downstairs room at the Epworth Centre because it's a calm and inviting space in an easily accessed part of Helston. We always keep our group small too, to help you feel welcomed.
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It’s okay to talk and it’s okay to be quiet too
We understand that you may prefer to ease into conversation gradually, or that some days you might like to sit quietly with a good book whilst simply in the company of others. We welcome both quietude and chatter.
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You can go at your own pace
Our intention is to help you connect with others, but there’s absolutely no pressure to participate or set any big goals. You’re invited to do what feels right for you.
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Optional activities
Every session we bring along materials for casual, optional activities for you to participate in if you wish, from creative journaling to painting to crochet. You’re also welcome to bring your own creative project or a book to read.
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Conversation starters on the tables
We know that getting to know new people can be challenging, so we’ve done the tricky part for you and provided some interesting, positive questions that you can ask your fellow quieteers.
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Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits…
Because you can’t have a meeting without them, right?
What Quieteers are Saying
“I’ve been to quite a lot of the Meet Ups in Helston. I’ve found them really helpful to bring quiet people like me together and grow some gentle connections. I feel very relaxed and comfortable every time I join the Meet Ups. It's pressure-free and I’m encouraged to do whatever I need to, just sitting without saying anything is okay and I really enjoy listening to others’ talking and sharing about being quiet. I am now more confident since attending the first time and I feel more accepting of myself.”
Jacqui, Helston
“I was visiting from London and decided to join the quiet meetup in Helston. I found the meetup very welcoming, everyone is very friendly and supportive, there are lovely activities to engage in if you need to be in your own space, and I had some wonderful conversations with the facilitators and participants. I definitely got a lot out of it and found it a perfect balance to connect with others, i would attend again if I am in the area.”
Shaun, London
Where to Find Us
The Epworth Centre (behind the Wesleyan Chapel)
42 Coinagehall Street, Helston, TR13 8EL
There's a little passageway to the left of the chapel (as you look at it) which takes you straight to The Epworth Centre at the back of the church. You'll see the entrance to The Epworth Centre accessed via steps or slope.
Getting here
- By car: The nearest car park is Tyacke Road Car Park a 4 minute walk away (0.2 miles)
- By bus: Regular buses run to Helston from most local towns. Bus stops are right outside the venue.
If you would like any more detailed information about getting to our Helston Meet Ups we’d be very happy to send this to you in an email. Just contact us at helston@quietconnections.co.uk.
How to Join a Helston Meet Up
You don’t have to register to come along - it’s okay to simply turn up on the day. However, on the first time that you’re joining us, if you know in advance that you’re going to come along it would be really helpful if you could sign up using our booking form below. This means we can say hello and answer any of your questions before you come along, we can easily contact you if there are any changes to the schedule, and we can get feedback from you now and again to help us improve. It’s your choice though. Either way, we are very much looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you into the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will The Epworth Centre be open to the general public during the Meet Up, or is it just quieteers?
Whilst there might be other people in the building, we've hired a space just for our use between 10.30am to 12.30pm, so it's only us quieteers in the area.
Who is leading the Meet Up?
The Helston Meet Ups are led by the team, pictured above, who will be there to greet you.
Is there any cost involved?
No, all of our Meet Ups are free to attend. We’re a Community Interest Company so funding comes from The National Lottery Community Fund. All refreshments including water, teas, coffees, hot chocolate and biscuits are provided free of charge too - although you’re very welcome to bring along your own drink if you prefer, or additional treats to share with the group.
Do I need to book a Meet Up space in advance?
You don’t have to book - it’s ok to just turn up on the day. However, on the first time that you’re joining us, if you know in advance that you’re going to come along it would be really helpful if you could sign up using our booking form below. This means we can say 'hi' and answer any of your questions before you come along, we can easily contact you if there are any changes to the schedule, and we can get feedback from you now and again to help us improve.
How many people are usually at a Meet Up?
On average, our Helston Meet Up typically has around 6 or 7 people in attendance each week.
What is the feel of the group and space like?
The Epworth Centre is a quiet space, where we aim to create an ambience that feels both calm and re-energising. We’ll often have uplifting or relaxing music playing quietly in the background. Our facilitators focus on nurturing conversations and participation that has a collective positive upwards spiral e.g. gratitude, small comfort zone stretch wins, things that bring us joy, what we’re learning etc. And there is usually a gentle mix of chatter and quieter moments.
Are there any stairs to get to the Meet Up room?
The space is fully accessible - there are steps or a ramp to get into the building, and no further steps once inside.
Is there *really* no expectation or pressure to join in and participate? Can I *really* go at my own pace?
We really do remove the pressure - because we’ve been there too. As quiet facilitators, we like to think that we’ve found a good balance between being attentive to the group and giving you your own space. If we sense you’re in any difficulty, we will gently make sure that you’re okay. But otherwise we will allow you to join in as much or as little as you like.
Am I able to step out of the room for a quiet moment to myself if I need it?
Yes. We’ll always encourage you to give yourself what you need. If at any point you feel you need to step away, you are welcome to go and make yourself a cuppa or leave for a break before re-joining the group. Our facilitators will be mindful to offer that space and a check-in chat, if needed.
What kinds of activities do you run at this Meet Up?
All sorts! We bring along materials for optional casual activities that’ll spark creativity, start conversations and boost your wellbeing. This might be colouring, painting, crocheting, journaling and more.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely. We recognise this might be helpful as you’re settling in and getting to know the other group members.
Can you greet me outside of The Epworth Centre before I come in?
Yes, we’d be happy to help with that. Just send us a message at helston@quietconnections.co.uk and we’ll arrange this for you.
Can I try other locations or should I always go to the Helston Meet Up?
You’re welcome to try Meet Ups in multiple locations. There’s no obligation to always go to the same one, but you’re more likely to make friends and genuine connections if you go to the same Meet Up more than once.
Is it mandatory to come along to every session?
Whilst many do choose to attend weekly, we also have valuable members within the community who only attend as and when they can.
How long is this Meet Up?
It’s two hours in length - every Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Where should I park?
We’ve included parking instructions above but feel free to email us on helston@quietconnections.co.uk if you’d like some more detailed information on this.
How will I get there if I don’t drive?
We’ve included a little about bus travel above but please email us on helston@quietconnections.co.uk if you’d like some more detailed information about how to get here.
I’m interested in volunteering as a group leader. How can I get involved?
We’re always pleased to hear from lovely volunteers in our local community. If you think you might like to help us run a Meet Up or get involved with Quiet Connections in another way, please email hello@quietconnections.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.
