A LITTLE INTRODUCTION
Why we use
Telegram.
A place to say hello, choose what to do and make plans together—with control over the personal details you share.
Go straight to the privacy checklistFROM A MESSAGE TO A MEET-UP
Another app.
A real reason.
We know downloading another app can feel like one more thing to do. For Social UK, it has a simple purpose: helping people turn a shared interest into a plan.
It’s where Social Cinema members choose their next film and Box Room Tuesdays members arrange a games night. Say hello before you meet, ask a question or follow the conversation until you feel ready to join in.
BEFORE YOU SAY HELLO
Make yourself comfortable.
Download Telegram using the official link below, then work through these checks. Menu wording may vary between devices and app versions.
Choose your display name
A first name or nickname is fine—you don’t have to use your full real name. Your display name is visible to other members. A separate public @username is optional; setting one lets people find you through Telegram search.
About names and account details ↗Check your phone-number settings
Open Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number. Set number visibility to Nobody and, where offered, number-based discovery to My Contacts. Review any exceptions, which can override your choice. These settings don’t erase a number someone already knows.
About visibility and discovery ↗Review the rest of your profile
In Privacy and Security, check who can see your profile photos and last-seen status. Choose only the information you’re comfortable sharing, and avoid putting personal contact details in your bio.
Protect your account
Enable Two-Step Verification in Privacy and Security and keep your login codes to yourself. If a message feels unwelcome or suspicious, block or report the sender; contact a group admin about concerns within the community.
Telegram’s account-protection guidance ↗
A CLEAR PICTURE OF PRIVACY
A group chat is still a shared space.
Ordinary Telegram group chats are not end-to-end encrypted. They are cloud chats, not Telegram Secret Chats. Other members can see what you post and may copy or share it.
Hiding your number doesn’t make you anonymous or prevent other members from contacting you. Keep sensitive details out of the chat and respect other people’s privacy too.
Read Telegram’s encryption explanation ↗WHEN YOU’RE READY
Find a group.
Start with hello.
Choose a community from our directory and use its Telegram link. Members arrange their plans together; joining a group does not book a cinema seat or reserve a table.
Already set up? Explore the Social UK Telegram collection ↗
Guidance checked against Telegram’s official information on 14 November 2026. Telegram is a separate service; its own privacy policy applies.