Finding others

[Janash37]

I've been prepping on my own for about a year now and have begun thinking about branching out, to incorporate others in to my plans now that I have a basic grounding...
My main question is, how many of you guys/girls have been making links with other preppers in and around your area? How did you meet them? I ask because I think it would definitely be a good idea for me to have other like-minded people around to work with, if only I could find some! I'm not talking about just getting my family involved here (the idea's been rejected numerous times before, and I suspect my 80-something year old neighbour won't be of much help either). I'm talking about finding others who don't necessarily live in the exact same place, but maybe within a short walk/drive distance.

Any thoughts?

[cavealaska]

Where in the uk at you from? You don't have to say he exact location it will gives us an idea of who is in or close to your are.
I am meeting with others in the NW in the new year. Sorry not of his forum, but if you want to join us not a problem

[diamond lil]

Preppers are often solitary creatures, spending time in family groups and coming out only at night. Not sociable animals at all, more like cats that walk the dark side

[daylen]

I guess like anything else it depends on what you're prepping for and what your priorities are.

For me, my main concern is a slow fall scenario with rising costs, reduced income and possibly an energy shortage thrown in for good measure. So, the natural fit for me isn't people who would be perhaps seen as traditional preppers.

For example, I can create a large network of likeminded people by joining local trade co-operatives. I've saved a bucket of cash by swapping time with people - this Christmas I've created a small website (my job is internet development) for someone in exchange for hand-made Christmas gifts for almost all my family. I'm also able to learn skills that help me become more self sufficient in times of financial hardship (making clothes for instance) in return for teaching them how to use Wordpress or whatever.

[junmist]

Preppers are often solitary creatures, spending time in family groups and coming out only at night. Not sociable animals at all, more like cats that walk the dark side

Love it DL
First jansash Id go to the area map and see what area Im in. Then if your area or the next door area is having a meet Id join in with them. After all you have already met some of them on here so you will know if they are on the same wave lengh(sorry not sure if thats spelt right) as you.
As for meeting people with in walking distance you will have to raise your head and get out there. You could start with that you are worried about not getting out to the shops if the weather is bad and what would some one sugest you stock up with or mention the floods and wonder what you would do in that situation and see if anyone else comes up with an answer. OR you could just come out and tell every one you are a prepper and don't knock your ederly neighbour they could have a lot to teach you if you asked them.

[TwoDo]

I ask because I think it would definitely be a good idea for me to have other like-minded people around to work with, if only I could find some!

Very, very true. Post SHTF having other like minded people about for mutual assistance will be invaluable. The trick is to do it and still maintain OPSEC (I am borderline paranoid about that). My solution, is to never talk "prepping" with anyone but close, trusted, family members but try to position myself to quickly generate a mutual support circle post SHTF.

What I am doing is integrating myself into the community (there still is one where I live) and am slowly laying in the tools and supplies to assist my neighbours to be a bit more self sufficient post SHTF. For example, I have a very good rototiller and, if lawns need to be converted to veggie gardens, I will be available to grind the turf under and get them started. My supply of seeds (much more than is necessary for my immediate use) will be distributed as well - as I have said in previous posts I expect a serious seed shortage once the entire country gets the victory garden idea all at once. I am learning seed saving and seed storing (went to the Kew seed bank for some lectures) and expect to have massive surpluses of free plantable seed in the coming years.

So, my strategy is, at least in part, to lay in tools and skills designed to encapsulate me and my family in a community that, post SHTF, can be made more self sufficient once the people are mentally ready for it.

[Janash37]

Where in the uk at you from? You don't have to say he exact location it will gives us an idea of who is in or close to your are.
I am meeting with others in the NW in the new year. Sorry not of his forum, but if you want to join us not a problem

Hertfordshire, anyone else nearby-ish? Haha

The trick is to do it and still maintain OPSEC

I feel the same, hence why right now I'm just looking to find other like-minded individuals. I'm not quite ready to shout it from the rooftops that I'm a prepper just yet


A lot of good info for me to think about here though, thanks guys!

[jansman]

I live in a rural area. My neighbours(the older ones) are preppers,and they don't know it. They are Country people. They have gardens and livestock. The younger ones are typical sheeple. My immediate neighbour, Gerald, is a great bloke. Retired builder,80 years old, still does odd jobs. He has a garden and we swap eggs and plants and firewood. His Wife preserves-so does mine. The Ladies trade preserves and wool and knittingpatterns etc. We are lucky to have these neighbours.

[preppingsu]

I live in a rural area. My neighbours(the older ones) are preppers,and they don't know it. They are Country people. They have gardens and livestock. The younger ones are typical sheeple. My immediate neighbour, Gerald, is a great bloke. Retired builder,80 years old, still does odd jobs. He has a garden and we swap eggs and plants and firewood. His Wife preserves-so does mine. The Ladies trade preserves and wool and knittingpatterns etc. We are lucky to have these neighbours.

I would love to have neighbours like that! Mine shops everyday, never had food in and despite having a lovely wood burner when their boiler broke they came here to ask for an electric heater as they had no wood (although they could have had some of ours).

Anyhow, back to the OP.
I have met several members of this forum (and another) just by organising a meet. We went for lunch the first time and then met at an agricultural show the next. It's up to you. If you want to meet peolpe then organise a meet.

Also Transition Towns Groups are full of people who in their own way are prepping (they don't just see it as such).

[jansman]

Gerald also INSISTS I go to his garage for timber and fastenings etc. instead of going to B+Q or where ever. He has a big stock of supplies, and tells me to come and see him first-'no point in spending money ,boy!' That is neighbourly.
His Wife is disabled and we are a contact number in emergency. That is Community.