Derry Meet Ups will hold its biggest event on Monday 30 March 2026 at The Playhouse in Derry. The gathering runs from 6:30pm to 9:00pm and includes an extended Offline Cafe session followed by the premiere of the short documentary Building A Village. More than 100 tickets are available through www.derrymeetups.com.

The group started in 2024 under founder Cassie Jane to address adult loneliness through in-person friendship-building. It has organised over 100 events in the North West. Recent wellbeing data indicates that 25 percent of residents in the Foyle constituency experience loneliness.

Building A Village was created by Jonathan Cullen, a journalism student at North West Regional College completing HNC and HND qualifications. Cullen directed, wrote, produced and edited the film after a break from the videogame industry. He features in it as a Derry Meet Ups member.

Cullen selected the group as the subject for a college documentary assignment due to its local contributions and his own participation. He highlighted the benefits of community ties and friendships formed through the events.

Jane noted the challenge of entering unfamiliar social spaces and how the group simplifies that process. After two years, participants have formed friendships and collaborations while gaining a sense of belonging. The initiative now promotes support for local businesses and mutual care within the city.