At The Great Friendship Project, we’re all about building real friendships and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Our events bring people together to share experiences, conversations, and laughter – but also to feel safe, respected, and valued as part of a community.
To make sure that happens, we have a clear code of conduct that applies to everyone at our events to set out how we can all play our part in creating a space where connection, kindness, and respect come first.
By attending an event, you agree to follow these principles.
1. Treat Everyone with Respect
Kindness, politeness, and consideration should guide all interactions — whether with attendees, hosts, or venue staff.
Whilst you don’t have to be best friends with everyone, you do need to treat everyone with basic courtesy and so disrespectful, dismissive, abusive or aggressive behaviour is never acceptable.
2. Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Discrimination
We are an inclusive community. Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated, whether verbal, physical, or non-verbal. This includes (but is not limited to):
-
Verbal, physical, or sexual harassment
-
Derogatory jokes, slurs, or name-calling
-
Unwelcome comments about someone’s appearance, background, or identity
-
Following, or persistent unwanted contact
-
Deliberate intimidation or invading personal space
No one should ever feel targeted, humiliated, or unsafe because of who they are. We value every individual regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, age, religion, or background.
3. No Bullying or Exclusion
Bullying or deliberately excluding others (directly or indirectly) goes against what we stand for. This includes gossiping, mocking, or isolating others, whether in person or in side chats. If you witness bullying or exclusion, please let a host know.
If you notice someone standing alone or feeling left out, take a moment to include them if you can as a small gesture can make a huge difference.
4. Building Friendships
Our events are designed to foster friendships, not romantic pursuits. Using our activities to flirt, seek dates, or give unwanted attention undermines the purpose of the space and can make others uncomfortable.
Any behaviour that feels inappropriate, pressuring, or boundary-crossing will result in removal from events and possibly the community.
5. Respect Different Backgrounds and Beliefs
Our community brings together people with diverse experiences and viewpoints and we ask that you be respectful. We’d advise avoiding heated or divisive topics such as politics, religion, or anything likely to cause discomfort or conflict.
6. Alcohol and Behaviour
We want everyone to relax and enjoy themselves responsibly. Please know your limits, as any aggressive, disruptive, or unsafe behaviour linked to alcohol (or any substance) will result in removal from the event.
Meanwhile, all use of illegal drugs at our events is strictly prohibited.
If you see someone struggling, check in or alert a host as looking out for each other is part of what makes our events safe.
7. Respect Venues and Staff
We’re guests at every venue we visit. Please treat venues and their staff with the same respect you show fellow attendees. Follow any venue rules, be mindful of noise and space, and don’t bring outside food or drink unless approved.
We’d also be appreciative if you help us clear up after yourself, and thank staff as their cooperation allows us to keep using great venues across London.
8. Accessibility and Inclusion
We’re committed to making our events as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have a disability, accessibility need, or specific concern, please contact us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you.
If something on the day makes participation difficult, let a host know – we’ll do what we can to help. We ask all attendees to support this commitment by being patient, inclusive, and mindful of others’ needs.
9. Respect Personal Boundaries
Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to physical contact, personal space, and social interaction. Try to be considerate in how you approach others – not everyone is comfortable with small gestures of physical contact, standing too close, or talking about very personal topics. And so please be respectful and aware of people’s differences.
10. Reporting Concerns and Seeking Support
If something happens that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or unsure, please report this behaviour to a host at the event, or report this here.
Reports are handled discreetly and with care for all parties involved and you’ll be listened to, taken seriously, and treated with empathy, confidentiality and respect.
A Final Word
These guidelines aren’t about policing behaviour, they’re about protecting the warmth and safety that make our events special.
By treating each other with respect, empathy, and care, you help build a community where everyone feels comfortable showing up as themselves.
In short: be kind, be respectful, and help make our spaces the kind of place you’d want to come back to.
