Welcome to GatherUK! This guide will help you get the most out of the platform as a member.
Getting Started
1. Register as a member
If you haven't already, register free as a member. You'll need to provide your email address and create a password. Once registered, you can add a profile photo and set how your name appears to other members.
2. Browse Groups
Visit the Group Directory to discover local groups in your area. You can search by location (city or postcode), filter by interests, or browse all available groups. Each group page shows upcoming events, member count, and group information.
3. Subscribe to Groups
When you find a group you're interested in, click the "Subscribe" button on the group page. For public groups, you'll have immediate access. For private groups, your subscription request will be sent to the Group Admin for approval. You'll receive an email notification once approved.
Managing Your Subscriptions
View Your Groups
Access your My Groups & Events page to see all groups you're subscribed to. From here, you can quickly navigate to any group or view your upcoming events.
Unsubscribe from a Group
If you no longer wish to be part of a group, open that group’s page and use the Leave Group button at the bottom (on the left, opposite Report Group). You’ll stop receiving updates and won’t see their events in your feed, but you can always join again later.
RSVPing to Events
How to RSVP
Browse events on group pages or view all upcoming events from your subscribed groups in your My Groups & Events page. Click on any event to see full details, then click "RSVP" to confirm your attendance. If the event has a capacity limit and is full, you can join the waiting list.
Managing Your RSVPs
View all your upcoming events and RSVPs from the My Groups & Events page. You can cancel an RSVP if your plans change - just visit the event page and click "Cancel RSVP". This helps organisers plan better and may allow someone on the waiting list to attend.
Waiting Lists
If an event is full, you can join the waiting list. If someone cancels, you'll automatically be moved to the confirmed attendees list and notified. You can also remove yourself from the waiting list at any time.
Your Profile
Edit Your Profile
Keep your profile up to date by visiting My Profile. You can add a profile photo, update your name and email, and optionally pick interests to help you search the Group Directory on GatherUK — never for promotional emails. A clear name and photo help other members recognise you.
Privacy Settings
Your profile information is visible to other members of groups you've joined. You can control what information is displayed through your profile settings. Group administrators can see your contact information for event management purposes.
Messaging
Direct Messages
You can send direct messages to other members through the Messages page. This is useful for coordinating with other attendees or getting to know fellow group members.
Group Announcements
Group Admins and Event Hosts can send announcements to all group members. These will appear in your messages inbox and may also be sent via email, depending on your notification settings.
Photo Galleries
Viewing Photos
Many groups maintain photo galleries showcasing past events and activities. Visit a group's "Photos" page to browse images and see what the group has been up to. This is a great way to get a sense of a group's activities before joining.
Tips & Best Practices
✓ Keep Your RSVPs Updated
If your plans change, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible. This helps organisers plan better and allows others on the waiting list to attend.
✓ Complete Your Profile
A profile with a photo and accurate name helps other members recognise you and makes the community feel more welcoming.
✓ Be Respectful
GatherUK is about building positive communities. Be respectful in your interactions with other members and follow each group's guidelines.
✓ Explore Different Groups
Don't be afraid to try new groups and activities! GatherUK makes it easy to discover communities you might not have known existed.
Still Need Help?
If you have questions that aren't covered here, please check our FAQs or contact us.